The adage says that time remains undefeated, but some artists continue to defy it. From the Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen, age proves to be just a number, and Oshawa-based blues rock artist Mark Wihlidal is doing just that with his new single, “One More Time,” produced by Chris Birkett.
Wihlidal explains that “One More Time” was inspired by the idea of equating one’s age to one’s self-worth and ability as an artist. “This song is about an aging artist who still wants to perform and keep his music alive,” says Wihlidal. “Even though I’m older, I still feel I have so much to give as an artist. I don’t want to be forgotten. I want my music to live on.”
The song is a thoughtful, slow-building ballad, with Wihlidal’s powerful and passionate delivery complemented by electric guitar work from both Wihlidal and Birkett. The track offers a blend of Canadian artist Tom Cochrane’s style and the earthy, roots feel of John Hiatt, making for a compelling nearly four-and-a-half-minute musical journey.
Lyrics Sample:
Please let me sing one more day
Please let me play before I’m cast away
One more time, before I leave it all behind
Please don’t let me fade away.
While the song wasn’t originally inspired by Wihlidal’s personal experience, he admits that aging and performing has become an increasingly relevant topic for him. “It has been implied that my age has cost me some performances,” he says. “I was told I couldn’t be an ‘emerging artist’ because of my age. Why is it that the music industry only values youth and beauty? When we listen to a song, do you think about the age or appearance of the artist? No, music is ageless. Performing is good for the soul, no matter your age.”
Wihlidal, whose work has been featured in several Ontario publications, released his debut single “Life Can Be A Mystery” in 2022 and followed it up with “You and Me” in 2023. In 2024, he amicably parted ways with his band, The Doctors of Music, but is excited about the future. He also looks forward to collaborating with Birkett again, saying, “He’s a true gentleman, and boy can he play guitar.”
Despite all the industry hurdles, Wihlidal is determined to continue performing. “You’ll have to drag me off the stage before I retire,” he says. “Aging artists deserve more attention. Artists of any age have so much to share.”
With “One More Time,” Wihlidal delivers a timeless message through a song that sounds equally timeless.
