Simone interviews her fiancé

So I have a weakness for Australia. Not that I've ever been there, you know, but my fiancé, yes yes Mr. Perfect, is an Aussie.

 
I first got to know this man when I was sitting on the other side of the water with big tears and a bunch of used tissues . Luckily not face to face, but with the right words through the speakers. I was in the middle of a break-up and Mark sang me through it. And now, two years later, the moment had arrived. Our first meeting. Ladies, I'm talking about none other than the handsome Mark Wilkinson. I uh, of course asked him to take his clothes off.

 
Mark,

In the past few weeks, you've been touring Europe and tonight you're giving your last (living room) concert in Amsterdam. What was your favorite venue on this tour?

‘Tough question. It has been fantastic everywhere and I have to honestly admit that it's usually the guys who make a concert. During my visit to Amsterdam last summer, I decided to play some songs with my guitar on a street corner. I got spotted and that same evening I was at the table on RTL Late Night. I made beautiful memories here and since that moment, Amsterdam has something special for me. I love coming here. Especially in Vondelpark, where I like to run a lap. I also think De Pijp is a lovely part of the city.’

When did you start singing?

‘When I was twenty, after high school. Very strange, because it was totally unplanned. I was living with friends, a friend played guitar and I started singing. I enjoyed it, but I didn't see it as anything more. I started writing my own songs and thought they were okay. Not good enough, I was naïve.’

What would you do if you couldn't sing?

‘Probably something in marketing, I completed a university degree. I got high grades, but I didn't find it challenging.’

Tonight you're playing for just a small group of people, is that your preference?

‘I really enjoy the variety. Of course, I like having a large audience in front of me, but tonight I'm very close to people and I get a lot of energy from that. This way I get to places I normally wouldn't go. Look at this interview, I love connecting with people who enjoy listening to my music.’

What was the hardest song to write and why?

‘That's a tough one, but I think it has to be ‘I know I never spoke of this’. I wrote this during a time when I was feeling very down and this song encapsulates all my emotions from that time. It was therapy, a very personal song for me. Writing is a way for me to express my emotions. The fact that a beautiful song comes out of it gives me a huge kick.’

If you could sing for one person, who would it be?

‘My grandma. She always wanted me to sing but I didn't want to. Unfortunately, she never heard it because my career only started after she passed away.’

You've written a lot of songs, what's your personal favorite?

‘Oof, tough. My new songs always give me a lot of energy.’

What is the absolute highlight of your career?

‘My entire career is a highlight for me. I never, ever expected to get this far, so the fact that I'm standing here now and that people are listening to my music is a blessing for me. I once opened for Rodriguez on a huge stage in Australia. That was fantastic.’

Do you have a goal or something you'd really like to do?

‘I want to take my music as far as possible. In Australia, I play on larger stages, but the Sydney Opera House is still high on my list. Last year I played on a smaller stage in Paradiso, and hopefully, I'll be on the big stage next year. But I would also love festivals like Pinkpop or Lowlands.’ Goals, Mark, and maybe a small concert at my place? After all, you like that the most…

What should I listen to if it's not your music?

‘I really enjoy listening to Passenger, David Gram, Ben Howard, Dire Straits, and James Bay. It also depends a bit on my mood. But they can really sing.’

You were born in England and grew up in Australia. Are you ever planning to go back?

‘I don't have plans, but never say never. My network is in Sydney now, but I'm open to anything. If it becomes easier to live somewhere else in the future, I'm willing to do that.’

Australia is at the top of my list. Where should I go?

‘Byron Bay seems to me the place for you. And Sydney of course. So much to do, good food, good coffee… The coastline is amazing. And don't forget the East Coast. There are so many beautiful places if you love the beach and I see you as a surf girl. Slippers on and go. If you want a bit more adventure, then definitely Tasmania.’ We have a deal Mark, when can I book my ticket?

Have you ever sung for a girl on a first date?

‘Never. Then I would feel like a huge show-off.’ Okay, on the second date then..?

When can we expect a new album?

‘Of course, I'm eager to release new songs. I hope for an album early next year.’ And I hope so too!

After that, he sang songs for me, live, with guitar. Not to help me get over my heartbreak, but to make sure I was even more head over heels for this man. Because that has happened, you understand.

Well, and now the question: is he coming to the Netherlands or is it already my turn to pack my bags again…