5 minute read
Maze Interview by Paul Phillips.
Maze
Get Lost in Britpop!
Advertisement
Interview by Paul Phillips.
London Indie Rockers Maze may have been started as a studio-based recording project by vocalist Gary Davis and rhythm guitarist Paul Bassom, but with the addition of lead guitarist Scott Forsyth; bassist Ben Rutherford and drummer Aaron Palmer, they soon became a fully-fledged gigging band, selling out London’s prestigious 100 Club and touring with Toyah Willcox.
Having released two EPs, ‘From Start to Perfection’ (2019) and ‘Montrose Way’ (2020) and a whole host of singles (the latest being ‘Coming for You’, released on 18th February), all of which knowingly and wonderfully hark back to the heady days of Cool Britannia, the scene has been set for the release of the Maze’s debut album ‘Chaos Interrupted’, expected next month. In support of the record, the band have recently announced three live dates at The Night Owl in Finsbury Park, London on 9th April; The Holdroyd in Guildford and, perhaps most exciting of all, the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool on 15th May.
Parkas and beanie hats at the ready as I catch up with Davis to ask him all about ‘Chaos Interrupted’ and why now is the perfect time for the second coming of Britpop!
Thank you for agreeing to our interview, Gary. So, first off, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, Yeah I’m Gary, I was formerly lead singer of The Theme with guitarist Paul Bassom, then decided to take time out of music to focus on my career. Five years now and I’m back with Maze!
Please tell me as much as you can about your band Maze. I’ve been following your rapid rise to success during the past couple of years, but for the benefit of others, how did the band start out and could you introduce us to your members?
Well, as I said, I took time out of the 100% commitment it takes to be in a band, but wanted to get back into music when I felt like it, so me and Paul Bassom started Maze, which then was just us two and more of a recording project really, so we released a couple of songs and an EP called ‘From Start to Perfection’. We would invite people from other bands to get involved. Then, just before Christmas 2020, we got talking to Scott Forsyth from The Lightscopes about getting involved with Maze and he then brought in Aaron Palmer [drummer] and before we knew it we had the makings of a band, and the last piece of the jigsaw saw Ben Rutherford join just after the lockdown. So our first release was April 2021 with ‘In My Mind’ and our first proper was gig was July 2021.
What are your main musical influences? I know that your guitarist Scott Forsyth is a big Oasis fan, so are you a big fan of Noel and Liam Gallagher too?
I would not be talking to you now if it wasn’t for those two, it’s as simple as that, changed my life and Oasis got me into the older bands like The Stone Roses and The Beatles.
How would you describe your sound?
I think we have that ‘90s Britpop sound, which now seems to be making a bit of a comeback with other bands around. Good catchy riffs and strong choruses!
You seem to have weathered the pandemic nicely and be at the top of your game. What do you think has been your greatest moment so far with Maze? Supporting Toyah Willcox is a good one for your CV and the 100 Club appearance in London must have been great!
Yeah, basically, we got together during the pandemic and were able to get all the ideas together. The journey so far has been fantastic, in such a short space of time, I think, with what we’ve done ... the publishing deal with 50/50 Global Musik, the Willcox gig and The
100 Club. I think being involved in a sell-out 100 Club gig so far is the greatest moment for me.
Could you tell us about your new single and future plans, personally and as a band, if you can?
‘Coming for You’ is a powerful ballsy Rock and Roll song with a fishing hook of a chorus [laughs]. I mean, once you hear it, it will grab you and pull you in! [Laughs], this is now out on all digital formats. The debut album, titled ‘Chaos Interrupted’, is due for release next month and we have just confirmed a gig at the famous Cavern in Liverpool for IPO [International Pop Overthrow] Festival in May. My future plan is just to keep doing what I’m doing, I’m enjoying this at the moment!
Do you and the band have a five-year plan and do you have any big aspirations, like playing Glastonbury for example?
Not exactly a plan as anything can happen in this game, but I think I speak for the five of us when I say we would love that support slot, get to play at top venue with, say someone like Ocean Colour Scene, The Rifles and so on and, yeah, the big festivals would be amazing!
Finally, what’s your favourite alcoholic beverage? Also, can you put me on the guest list for your next gig?!
Absolutely matey, we shall get you on the guest list! No problem mate! Mmmm, favourite beverage has to be a pint of Stella!
Thank you so much for sharing your time with us, we wish you all the best with the upcoming debut album, ‘Chaos Interrupted’ and for the future.
‘Chaos Interrupted’ is out next month on 50/50 Global Musik.
