A little space for Marcus Wynwood
Tasmania-based alt-rocker Marcus Wynwood has released his new EP titled ‘Killerbites’ and the EP’s first single ‘Simulation’ is already generating a lot of attention for the former Captives band member. We caught up with Marcus recently to chat about his 25-plus years in the industry, the EP and his journey making ‘Killerbites’.
Marcus, Congratulations on the release of your latest EP, KILLERBITES. Tell us about this new body of work, what can the listener look forward to?
The Killerbites EP is a collection of 6 songs that I’ve been working on over the last 12 months or so. They explore ideas ranging from self-doubt and helplessness; to resilience and strength; to searching for meaning and having optimism for the future. There are a couple of loud ones and a couple of acoustic ones, so hopefully there’s something for everyone. Art and the creative process is a funny thing – I’ve spent time writing and recording these tunes, but they don’t become “real” until I let them go free and they are released to the world. That’s the final step, releasing these little creatures of songs and seeing how people react to them.
Did the EP come together easily, or has it been a journey for you?
I really love songwriting and recording, so it’s been great fun. It took about a year or more to get this EP together between playing shows, work, and family - my last single was “Little Space” in May 2022. Some songs are a year old, and some are only a few weeks old, but it’s always a fun process. The ‘Voice Memos’ app on my phone is full of lots of little song ideas, sometimes just a riff, or an idea for a chorus or whatever. That’s where a lot of my songs start. Later, I’ll go through all the garbage and find some okay bits and work them into a song.
“I guess it’s pretty simple (except for the 7/4 time signature).”
Do you have a favourite song off KILLERBITES or one that is particularly special to you? And why?
I guess the lead single “Simulation” is a standout track for me for a couple of reasons. I wrote “Simulation” in two days, it just came together so quickly and I’m not sure why. I guess it’s pretty simple (except for the 7/4 time signature), but I like the theme it explores of the world being a simulation and questioning if we are really in control of our own destiny.
Another favourite is probably “Never Change”. The first half of the song is just an acoustic guitar, before the full band kicks in. “Never Change” is about how there are constants and variables in life. Some people will lie to you or gaslight you, but they are only holding themselves down. You can rise above it. Everything in the universe is connected, we are all one, and all that really matters is love.
Marcus, you did everything on this album including the writing, production and even the EP’s artwork. What was the most challenging role for you?
The most challenging part for me was the mixing. Well, maybe not the actual mixing, but the pressure in my head that people expected something that sounded good. It needed to sound as good as other projects I have been involved with in the past – or at least not worse! The EP was mastered by Samuel K Sproull (Shihad, The Getaway Plan), he is amazing and gave me some mixing tips along the way.
“It’s my little refuge, my little space”
Was full control of the process important to you?
It wasn’t a priority or deliberate, it was just the way I worked, I guess. I have a little studio at home, and I spent as much time in there writing and recording as I needed after work and on weekends. It’s my little refuge, my little space. Once the songs were at a point I was happy with, I shared them with a few mates before finalising them.
Are there plans to tour and showcase KILLERBITES live for fans?
I am currently working out the logistics of putting a band together, so hopefully I’ll be playing some shows in the new year!
“It’s crazy to think that I’ve been playing shows for around 25 years or so now!”
You have been in the industry for a while as both an artist and as a band member of ‘Captives’. What’s been the highlight of your career so far personally? And why?
It’s crazy to think that I’ve been playing shows for around 25 years or so now! I’ve played all around my home state of Tasmania, I’ve toured overseas, played The Hard Rock Café in Toronto and played big festivals in Quebec. In 2013 I was a founding member of Captives, and I played, wrote and recorded with them until about 2020. We toured the country a number of times, supported some big bands, and made some great mates along the way. I’ve had a song I contributed to hit the ARIA charts, and I am a proud D’Addario artist (the best strings going around!). I really enjoy working with young musicians and helping them succeed – but I think the thing I am most proud of is the friendships and connections I have made along the way.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
My amazing wife Hayley; she's the unsung hero behind the scenes. While I'm out playing shows, writing, recording, and navigating the crazy world of the music industry, she's the steady force that keeps everything together – all while excelling in her own career. Whether it's offering an opinion after hearing the same song over and over 1000 times, providing invaluable feedback, or simply being my biggest supporter, she's always there. Her support is the bedrock that allows me to pursue my passion, she’s my enabler, and I couldn't be more grateful. Love you!
What's next for you? What coming in 2024?
Playing some shows with the songs on “Killerbites”, and I’ve already started planning my next release. Keep an eye on https://MarcusGuitar.com, Facebook and Instagram to keep updated. Thanks so much Michelle!
Interview by Michelle Symes