With a career that stretches back to the late ’80s, UK techno artist Mark Williams has long been recognized for his drummy, loop-driven sound and influence on the Hardgroove movement.
Photo credit: Mark Williams – Official
After nearly two decades away from full-length format, he returns with ‘The Future That Created My Past’ on DJ Bone’s FURTHER imprint — a 21-track album shaped by time, growth, and creative resolve.
In this conversation, Mark reflects on returning to longform work after 17 years, reconnecting with DJ Bone, and what it means to stay true to your sound in a scene that never stops shifting.
EG: Hi, Mark! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been doing? How did you kickstart your year?
Mark Williams: I’m doing very well and things are getting better and better. New Year’s Eve was a great kick off to my year. I played at DJ Bone’s Future night in Amsterdam. Oh yeah it was a great experience. I had a really good time playing a vinyl and digital set. But the highlight of the night for me was when DJ Bone played ‘Watch Your Back’, which is a track from the new album. And to see him and his wife Ahnne sing along in the DJ booth, with the backdrop of a rocking dance floor, was just an amazing response to my music.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of ‘The Future That Created My Past’! How are you feeling about this one? What has the initial reception been like so far?
Mark Williams: It’s a mixed bag of emotions for me at the moment. I would love to not feel anxious about how this album is gonna be received, but I do. However I am proud of it, plus I can’t control how it is received anyway. The feedback has been wonderful so far.
EG: So, ‘The Future That Created My Past’ is your first LP in almost 17 years. What compelled you to go for a full-bodied recording after such a long time?
Mark Williams: It was definitely a combination of factors synchronising. Now that my kids are a little bit older it is a lot easier to find the time to make music. And for quite a while I had been feeling very passionate about creating music. So when the opportunity came along to be working with the Further label, I knew it was time to go all in.
EG: And, what can fans expect to find on ‘The Future That Created My Past’? Is there a concept or through-line interconnecting these 21 tracks?
Mark Williams: Yes, there is a concept to the album. It’s about the entanglement of the past, future and present sounds and rhythm. This album is about the defining moments that shape my future in music.
“The only opinion that truly matters is yours, and it won’t steer you wrong”
EG: In which ways have you grown as an artist since the release of ‘You Can’t Hide What You Truly Feel’? In which ways has your sound evolved since then?
Mark Williams: As an artist I think that most of my growth has happened with me being true to myself. Just making music that I truly love. My sound is definitely more authentic to me now.
EG: In a full-circle moment, your last LP, ‘You Can’t Hide What You Truly Feel’, was released via DJ Bone’s Subject Detroit, and now you get to release ‘The Future That Created My Past’ on his FURTHER imprint. How did this relationship with DJ Bone come about and what does this mean to you?
Mark Williams: I was a fan of DJ Bone’s music for a while and then we met in the 2000s, I think while playing at a London club. And things went from there. So to be back working with Bone again is fantastic for me. It feels like a coming home.
EG: As someone who’s been part of this scene for so long, and someone who also stepped away from it all for a long time… How have things changed in your view? Are there things that you miss that are just not there anymore?
Mark Williams: Some things have become a lot easier with socials. For new artists, being discovered is definitely easier and that’s a good thing. I don’t miss going round to different clubs with a mixtape in my pocket. Then having to pluck up the courage to talk to the promoter about getting a DJ gig at their night. But back in the day the London club scene was just amazing with so many great parties. Now that is something I really miss!
EG: Now, given your experience in our scene, what are some of the biggest challenges artists will face in the near future? Is there any piece of advice you have for your colleagues in that sense?
Mark Williams: All depends what type of artist you are. If you’re in it to be popular then I don’t have any answers for you. However if you are someone who believes in good music, just remember — do not be swayed by other people’s opinions. Because the only opinion that truly matters is yours, and it won’t steer you wrong.
“I think that most of my growth has happened with me being true to myself”
EG: What’s next for Mark Williams? What milestones are you looking forward to now? Where can your fans catch you next?
Mark Williams: I also have my fourth EP for Ben Sims’ Hardgroove label dropping soon. On 6 February I will be DJing in Colombia at Freedom Festival.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Mark! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
Mark Williams: Thanks very much for this interview, it’s been a pleasure.
Mark Williams’ ‘The Future That Created My Past’ is out now on FURTHER. Stream and download here.
Follow Mark Williams: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
