Rocking the World: An Exclusive Journey with GAZ – From UK Roots to South African Shores: Exploring the Musical Odyssey of the Alt Indie Sensation with Rock ‘N’ Load
Welcome to an exclusive interview with the talented UK-born, South African-based Alt Indie Singer-Songwriter, GAZ. Hailing from afar but making waves worldwide, GAZ has captivated audiences with his unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Join us as we delve into his musical journey and discover what makes him stand out in the vibrant world of indie music.
Q: GAZ, your musical journey has taken you from the UK to South Africa. How has this cultural shift influenced your music and songwriting process?
GAZ: I think having spent many years in the UK exposes one to vast array of music genres, sub-genres, and access to a lot of music. I collected many albums in the UK that I have never seen here in SA. It’s simply culturally different over there when it comes to music consumption, listenership’s, and outlets.
Q: As an artist rooted in both the UK and South Africa, do you find yourself drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes and cultures of these two countries?
GAZ: I would suggest that being interested in a very diverse range of music introduces one to may sounds that may have not made their way south. Or growing up, perhaps I was listening to something that never made it way to SA in those days. There is no doubt that after 40 years I’m a Saffa, but I’ll always be a Britt. My aim is for an international sound, but I’m proud to be representing South Africa. I’m not suggesting either is better, but as with anything, the more you expose yourself to the more you have in the toolbox. I guess somewhere within it all there a blend of my music taste that spans both cultures. Most important is that it sounds good and carries meaning in all corners of the world.
Q: Your latest single, ‘Lullaby For The World,’ has been praised for its compelling fusion of protest and reflection. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this powerful track?
GAZ: Having become somewhat disillusioned with the state of affairs of the world late last year felt that I had to get my feelings out. Should I write a poem to release these tensions, should it perhaps be a lullaby? I decided on a lullaby, a rock lullaby. With wars, protests, pollution, politics, and other matters in mind, I started wondering whether it was not time for some intervention from the heavens to intervene in mankind’s mess before its all too late. My prayer is for a better world, the one I grew up in, not the one I barely recognise today. At the same time, it angered me at what we have become. Onlookers too safe or afraid to intervene or have an opinion. We often watch from afar and think, does this affect me in my life’s little bubble? The writing soon turns into protest as I express that whatever is happening around the world could soon reach your door. You are not in a safe haven and your life could too be affected if the madness does not stop. I refer to cities of the world that have had their fair share of problems in the past as a mirror to the past for those who may think that their problems are behind them and that they are immune the spreading chaos.
Q: With nine singles already released from your upcoming album, fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival. Can you share any details about the themes or concepts that tie the album together?
GAZ: The album surrounds concepts of rebirth, reconnection, and rebellion but I would say the overarching theme is reflection and projection.
Q: As an independent artist, you handle various aspects of music production in-house. What are the biggest challenges and advantages of taking on this role?
GAZ: Very often I have the sound of the track in my head along with the written lyrics. I find the best way for me to contribute to the production process is to go straight to the studio, sing the lyrics as well as the underlying melodies (even if it is just a bass line) and let the producer feel what he needs to contribute to the very basic skeleton. The beauty of this approach is that the producer is free to explore as they feel fit. Together we will add structure and content step by step in layers. Keep if they work, dump if they don’t. It’s always a collaborative process with the best intentions for the track at heart.
Working this way often speeds up the production process and both the artist and producer have carte blanche to their open approach. Also, working with a producer with the calibre of Mark Beling gets things in shape quickly. That is, if what happens in the session from both the artist and producer are aligned and accepted by both parties then the process can be seamless.
Q: We’ve heard that you’re quite involved in the production process of your music. Can you walk us through your creative process and how you bring your musical vision to life?
GAZ: For me a solid bassline sets a foundation to work from. It leaves all the melodies aside for a while and this approach leaves the entire track open to the producer and my further contributions. There is already such drama and movement in a bassline that I believe this is the perfect platform to evolve from. I usually go into the studio, muttering some sort of bassline (that I had pre-recorded on a voice note) and sing this as well as the lyrics to Mark. We then sit down and work through complimentary drum styles and guitar parts. Of course, the guitar parts, synth, padding etc are entirely at Marks discretion, we both approve or don’t of what works and continue to build. Layer by layer. It’s a very harmonious relationship we have, that I am sure many SA muso’s can attest to with him in the driving seat.
Q: GAZ, you’ve faced your share of challenges during the production of ‘Lullaby For The World.’ Can you share any memorable moments or obstacles encountered along the way?
GAZ: Yes, this have become a bit of a standing joke between me a producer Mark. We struggled with the approach initially and didn’t get too far on studio session 1 where only a few clips were kept. Session 2 was better but after that both me and Mark had a few health issues. Then the track froze, and we couldn’t record vocals over it so each and every existing clip was exported out and built piece by piece in a new track. Then it was year-end and January (not a great time to release a song) and blink-blink here we are in March. It’s just been a long road from creation to publishing.
Q: Your music often incorporates dreamy melodies and powerful undertones, creating a unique sonic landscape. How do you achieve this balance in your songwriting?
GAZ: Musically, there are strong undertones from basslines and slightly distorted lead, at the top end there are vocal harmonies, synth, lead guitar and padding to shape the emotional values within my tracks. This compliments the lyrics and brigs a fuller picture to the listeners connection.
If we do not connect with a melody or are not able to ‘dream to a song’ without being told what to think, we simply cannot buy into it as listeners.
If there is no connective tissue or honesty delivered, then there is nothing received.
In Lullaby for the Worlds instance, a dreamy start soon turns into some hard-hitting thoughts. This is where the listener buys in or doesn’t.
There is a time for asking the questions, and a pause for reflection. There is a time for the anger, and a time for sad.
Q: With ‘Lullaby For The World’ being your ninth single, what emotions or reflections do you hope to evoke in your listeners with this track?
GAZ: I hope the listener will reflect on the state of our world and what they intend to do about it. Not be passengers in the process and stand up for what is right for them. I am fully aware that I have not covered all topics, but the essence remains.
Don’t kill your world and mine. Pray for change, enlightenment, and a different trajectory for mankind. Be part of the change you want.
Q: GAZ, you’ve been described as a beacon of authenticity and social consciousness in the indie music scene. How important is it for you to infuse meaningful messages into your music?
GAZ: A meaningful message is paramount to me or it’s just great music without a thought process. There must be key lyrical takeaways for the listener. I want to be known as an authentic, honest creator and believe that this helps the social connection and buy in. Humans can no longer connect to pretence; we are all searching for authenticity from one another to reinforce our thinking about ourselves and validation that we feel the same things.
Q: If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
GAZ: On drums I would have Larry Mullen Jr. from U2 for his unconventional style. Bass Guitar would be Simon Gallup from the Cure for his catchy, hypnotic dark lines. Keyboard I would go with Martin Gore of Depeche Mode for both his technical ability and exploratory approach to music as well as his vocal range. Lead guitar would be my producer Mark Beling for his versatility and adaptability to various genres as well as vocal ability. He is also of an international standard.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to make their mark in the music industry?
GAZ: Be authentic and be yourself. Don’t sacrifice your deeper passions and the music you wish to create by trying to go the popular route. Practice hard and try to surround yourself with the best. Be humble, honest, and authentic. Get a good producer no matter how skilled you feel you may be doing your own recordings. Get a professional agent to evaluate and promote your works. Start young and don’t stop at the large hurdles. Most importantly, work with professionals who have done their time in music as their mentorship and advice cannot be monetised.
Thank you, GAZ, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. To our readers, make sure to check out GAZ’s latest single, ‘Lullaby For The World,’ and stay tuned for more captivating music from this talented artist. Follow GAZ on all his social channels for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his musical journey.
Stream & Watch ‘Lullaby for the World’ Available 8 March > https://hypeddit.com/lullabyfortheworld
Follow GAZ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GazMusicSA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrymccluskey
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@garrymccluskey8467
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GarryCluskey