SA Music & Entertainment Magazine Chat With GAZ. – Welcome to SA Music & Entertainment Magazine, your ultimate source for the latest news and exclusive interviews from the South African music scene!
Today, we have the privilege of delving into the creative world of GAZ (real name Garry McCluskey), a prominent figure in the alt-indie music landscape. Join us as we uncover the inspiration, challenges, and artistic vision behind his latest single, ‘Lullaby For The World.’
Stream ‘Lullaby for the world’ here
The creative world of GAZ…
Q: GAZ, your music journey spans from the United Kingdom to South Africa, with diverse influences shaping your sound. How has this fusion of cultures influenced your music, particularly in your latest release, ‘Lullaby For The World’?
GAZ: I think spending many years in the UK exposes one to a 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 culturally different when it comes to music consumption, listenership, and outlets. I would suggest that being interested in a diverse range of music introduces one to sounds that may not have made their way south. Or perhaps I was listening to something that never made it to SA in those days.
In all honesty, I am not sure that my music has what many locals would deem to be a fusion of UK and South African music. There is no doubt that after 40 years, I’m a Saffa, but I’ll always be a Brit. 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, the more you have in the toolbox. I don’t feel that I am special or unique with my music, but I do feel that there is a distinct ring to a GAZ song.
Q: ‘Lullaby For The World’ is a compelling blend of protest and prayer, reflecting global themes of adversity and hope. Can you share with us the specific inspirations or experiences that led to the creation of this powerful song?
GAZ: Late last year, I got fed up with all the dramas unfolding in the world. Events like war, politics, pollution, and the twisted media agenda upset me. I got to thinking that perhaps the world needed a poem or a prayer. It turned out that it was a rock lullaby that would inspire me and help to release some of my thoughts. I got to thinking that surely the way the modern world is going, the heavens above might start taking notice and intervene. Perhaps they have seen enough, and we are on our own?
Perhaps change starts with my lullaby, my cry for help, my prayers, and protests. With this, the song got a dreamy start where I ask the listener some tough questions (purposely to get their attention early) whilst the song is still in ‘flight mode’. Melodies and vocal harmonies soon turn into my strong expression that whatever is going on should stop. I capture this by naming cities of the world that have been through hardships in the past. I did this to warn and protest that the spread of our world’s situation could easily spill over into a worldwide mess if not thought about and attended to. Either the heavens intervene, or we fix it ourselves.
Q: Your songwriting often delves into introspective themes, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences. How do you approach the process of translating personal emotions into universal messages that resonate with your audience?
GAZ: I think first, you need an honest topic and be able to express it subtly. People today can read through contrived lyrics and musical compositions, and they are off. It’s tough to open oneself up and expose your deepest thoughts and put them out there, but the truth is that everyone has these, and they just need the connective tissue.
Q: Collaborating with esteemed producer Mark Beling, you’ve crafted a track that seamlessly blends poignant lyrics with captivating melodies. Can you walk us through the creative process behind ‘Lullaby For The World’ and how your collaboration with Mark influenced the final product?
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 complementary drum styles and guitar parts. Of course, the guitar parts, synth, padding, etc., are entirely at Mark’s discretion. We both approve … or don’t approve of what works, and then continue to build. Layer by layer. It’s a very harmonious relationship we have, that I am sure many SA musos can attest to with him in the driving seat.
Q: As an artist who values authenticity and social consciousness, how do you navigate the balance between personal expression and addressing larger societal issues in your music?
GAZ: Well, firstly, it must make sense and be able to connect. I have already mentioned honesty, transparency, but connecting with people in a raw state is what I believe they are after. Listeners will buy into your words and melodies across any genre or audience if it is meaningful enough to listen to. This is my recipe anyway whether the above works or not. Connect at a human level, and you will get a human response.
Q: Your upcoming album promises to be a significant milestone in your musical journey. Can you provide us with a glimpse into the overarching themes or concepts that tie the album together?
GAZ: Sure thing! The album speaks a lot about what we love and loathe as human beings. It transcends various topics of highs and lows, each having its own purpose and message. The album prompts awareness of issues relevant to us all. All said, the album covers various issues that are relevant which are accompanied by some beautiful melodies. It’s soft-hard, hard-soft throughout the album, which creates highs and lows. There is certainly a pattern.
Q: With ‘Lullaby For The World’ being your 9th single from the upcoming album, how do you feel your music has evolved since your return to the music scene?
GAZ: We started with a few experimental Alt-Pop songs that I love but will ultimately not fit the overall album and its theme. I believe that the GAZ sound has been found, and this is evident in the last 5 or 6 tracks. It’s an evolution of creations and aspiration, but I’m glad we have arrived where we need to be. We have found GAZ’s sweet spot.
Q: Your music carries a poignant yet uplifting quality. How do you ensure that your songs strike a balance between emotional depth and sonic appeal?
GAZ: Firstly, I cannot express enough how in tune Mark and I are. We want the same things for the tracks. I think we are both venerable and honest enough to connect on the same level, and we both have a deep appreciation for a large variety of music. This is the Mark-GAZ collaboration, and it is a harmony that will ultimately resonate through our combined work. Of course, we have both heard our fair share of music, but I think the real deal is our joint passion to create and express. If we both think it sounds great, then it is good enough. Experiment. Do things differently. Don’t be afraid to bare yourself. These are my big lessons.
Q: Your creative process often involves capturing ideas spontaneously, such as recording voice notes in the shower. Can you share any memorable experiences where inspiration struck unexpectedly?
GAZ: Oh my gosh … it’s true; the shower is a sanctuary of white noise and resonating tiles! A happy place where you are stark naked and generally at peace. Sounds just come flooding in, and I’ll be hard-pressed not to chuck a lekker vocal baseline in there while I’m receiving. This evolves into me running out of the shower and dumping the sounds and some lyrics into my cell phone as not to forget. It must be the shampoo or the soap!
Q: As an artist who wears many hats, from songwriter to lyric video creator, how do you find the balance between creative expression and technical aspects of music production?
GAZ: On the technical side, that is all Mark. I wouldn’t even try to go there. That is what a producer does. I need to ensure that the song is lyrically structured and well delivered vocally as well as input on some of the harmonies, basslines, and mood that I have conceived. Ultimately Mark is the producer and arranger. I deal with the socials, videos, and promotional aspects of the tracks. I won’t lie, it’s a bust existence as I have a full-time job, etc., but when it’s time to receive the music beamed down from above, it cannot be ignored. There is always time for a passion, and so there should be.
Q: ‘Lullaby For The World’ touches on global themes of adversity and hope, inviting listeners to engage with pressing issues of our time. What do you hope listeners will take away from this song?
GAZ: I hope that they connect on some level with the track. If not lyrically, then hopefully the music. I hope that a part of the song resonates with them, and their own lives. Perhaps wonder what their lullaby for the world would be? This is mine. But what would they say? I hope that they understand that the song is art and an expression of feelings. I’m not particularly poking fun at the heavens. The song is a prayer and a protest and should be received and remembered for that exclusively.
Q: Finally, what’s next for GAZ after the release of ‘Lullaby For The World’? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
GAZ: Well, the other day the shower hit again! I have a new track in mind that needs evolving along with perhaps two tracks already written. That should complete the album, being mindful that a few will not make the cut. From there, it is open season, and I would love to return to the stage for my album release.
Thank you, GAZ, for sharing your insights and perspectives with us. ‘Lullaby For The World’ is a testament to your artistry and commitment to meaningful music. To our readers, be sure to listen to ‘Lullaby For The World’ and stay tuned for more updates on GAZ’s musical journey in SA Music & Entertainment Magazine.
If you enjoyed reading SA Music & Entertainment Magazine Chat With GAZ , check out another artist interview here
