Following the rousing response to her stunning comeback single ‘familiar’ last year, Irish-American artist MAZ is back at it once again with her emotive new single ‘The Arsonist’.
Conjuring a warm and humbled piano-led aesthetic for her newest outing, ‘The Arsonist’ makes for a beautifully endearing listen throughout. So with the new single available to stream now, we joined her to find out more about her background and what inspires her most.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music? I started writing music when I was 12. Around that time, I was also learning to play the guitar and had been studying piano. Music quickly became a way for me to express myself and process my emotions.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present? Some of my biggest influences include The Cranberries, Norah Jones, U2, Gabrielle Aplin, Taylor Swift, and Gracie Abrams. Their music has really shaped the way I approach songwriting and storytelling.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your mu style or approach?
Definitely. The Cranberries’ unique sound and emotional depth have been a big influence Taylor Swift’s storytelling and ability to evolve with each album is something I really admire. Gabrielle Aplin and Gracie Abrams have also inspired me with their honesty and vulnerability in their songwriting.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
One of the biggest moments for me was ticking off a major bucket list goal—releasing my first album, Trillium Court, in 2021. Ever since I started writing my own songs, that was my dream. To finally have my songs developed and produced exactly as I envisioned was an amazing feeling. It was a huge milestone that made me realize how much I had grown as an artist.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music? Songwriting is how I make sense of my emotions and experiences. I try to be as honest as possible in my lyrics, and I think that vulnerability helps create a connection with listeners. A lot of my songs come from real-life situations, even if they’re told in a more abstract or poetic way.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Yes, I’ve definitely had to learn the hard way that some of the stereotypes about men in the music industry are, unfortunately, true. I’ve found that I have to set strong boundaries and not always be as trusting as my instinct wants to be. It’s been a learning process, but I’ve grown more confident in standing my ground and making sure I’m in environments where I feel respected.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
A lot of my songs revolve around emotions, relationships, self-discovery, and personal growth. I want my music to feel relatable and honest, like a conversation with a friend. I hope people can find comfort in it, knowing they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
I tend to get inspiration for lyrics throughout my day, so I make notes whenever something comes to mind. Sometimes, the music comes first, but more often, I feel inspired to writ
about a particular theme or topic. Then, I sit down with my guitar or piano and start writing, referencing the lyrics I’ve jotted down that relate to the idea.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope my music makes people feel understood and less alone. If it can inspire other female musicians to embrace their voice, trust their instincts, and push through challenges, that would mean everything to me. There’s so much power in being true to yourself and telling your story the way you want to.
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Listen to MAZ’s new single ‘The Arsonist’ below.