Mari Wilson

Aug 20, 2026 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Claire Lawrie

With a career spanning four and a half decades, 80s pop icon Mari Wilson – the Neasden Queen of Soul and one of British music’s most enduring and versatile artists returns with her brand-new album Girl About Town, out 4 September 2026.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Being in the pram in the garden just outside the kitchen where my mum could keep an eye on me and every time Zambesi by Louis Busch(1955). Apparently when it came on the radio the pram would rock and shake because I loved it. Must’ve been only about 10 months old and when I hear it now I totally remember it.

When did you begin songwriting?

I wrote stuff when I was a teenage but didn’t start writing seriously until 1985.

You have your new album ‘Girl About Town’ is released on 4th September 2026. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

It didn’t start as an album really, Adrian York and I just got together to write some songs as we’d not seen each other in a while and have written and recorded two albums before. Once we got started though there was something great happening and it was time for a new album

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded it at Adrian York’s home studio in Harrow and we co-produced it.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Probably when I arrived and told Adrian I wanted to write a song called Tomatoes in the Fridge and Man About Town we had a few laughs writing those. We do laugh a lot when we’re writing/recording generally.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

We used a Neumann M149 to record my vocals, an incredible valve mic with great warmth and I love a French Horn here and there.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I think I’m pretty happy on all of them, there are no angry tracks. Tonally my voice is most reflective on Tomatoes in the Fridge.

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Adrian York-keyboards and orchestrations/samples etc. Tim Goodyer-drums, Matt Backer-guitar, Richard Cottle-bass programming

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

I’m very much a city girl having lived in London all my life apart from New York 1973-1975 and I love London and feel it’s a good description of me.

Was it a difficult album to write?

No because there was no pressure and at this point in my career I have nothing to prove. We just enjoyed ourselves, no rules or limitations it was great fun.

Who designed the album artwork?

Julian Balme of Vegas Designs. He did all my sleeves in the 80’s and did my previous album Pop Deluxe. He’s designed artwork for some pretty iconic albums

One of the tracks is ‘Good News’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Watching a documentary about Kate Garraway during lockdown when her husband was in a coma was the first inspiration and then generally everything that’s been going on in the world as I think we’re living through a pretty awful time so I wanted to write about how we are desperate for some Good News and that doing simple things usually make us the happiest.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Crouch End is now my home town I’ve lived here for 40 years. Crouch End is… a village, safe, green, friendly, arty.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026/2027?

Yes, Cadogan Hall on Sunday 4 October, The Liverpool Music Room Saturday 7 November, Otley Courthouse 8 November. More dates coming for 2027.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I’m pretty simple when it comes to mics, usually I use a Shure SM58. I always like a straight mic stand rather than a boom.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. It’s a magical and mystical surreal story and I just couldn’t put it down and I’d love to write something ambient and floaty…

How do you look after your voice?

Healthy diet (I’ve been a pescatarian for 45 years), lots of exercise (I swim, yoga, Zumba and walk a lot), sleep (although I’m not a great sleeper so that’s always a challenge) and plenty of hydration, Then of course lots of vocal exercises when I’m coming up to some live dates and no alcohol.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

The Beach Boys, Beatles, Bee Gees, Bonnie Raitt, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Marvin Gaye, Levi Stubbs, Judy Garland, Chicago Transit Authority, Barry White, the list is endless to be honest. Recommendations – all of the above and these days I would say Raye, who is incredible, Ron Sexsmith if you want to learn how to write,

What makes Mari Wilson happy and what makes you unhappy?

Animal cruelty and any kind of injustice makes me very unhappy. I’m mostly happy but it’s the simple things, a walk, spotting a squirrel or a beautiful bird and of course, making this album!