As the host of this podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming GAZ, a talented musician from South Africa, who was eager to discuss his latest single, "Slow Down." Released on July 28th, this track has been making waves in the music scene, and I was excited to delve into the inspiration and process behind its creation.
The Inspiration Behind "Slow Down"
GAZ shared that the concept of "Slow Down" was born out of a desire to escape the relentless pace of modern life and reconnect with oneself. In a world where distractions like social media and news are constantly vying for our attention, the song serves as a reminder to take a step back, reset, and rediscover our true selves. Whether it's taking a few minutes of solitude or going on a vacation, the importance of slowing down and taking time for oneself is a theme that resonates throughout the song.
The Unique Recording Process
What struck me as particularly interesting was GAZ's unique approach to songwriting. He conceives melodies in his head and mentally composes the entire song before vocalizing it in the studio. Despite battling bronchitis during the recording of "Slow Down," he managed to record the vocals in a single session. He believes that the fatigue in his voice actually added a unique touch to the softer parts of the song.
Musical Influences and Memories
Our conversation took a nostalgic turn as GAZ reminisced about his early musical influences. He recalled sitting with his granddad in Newcastle, listening to records of artists like James Last. Moving to South Africa exposed him to a diverse range of albums and LPs from his parents, shaping his eclectic musical taste. He expressed his love for bands like Placebo, Pearl Jam, Coldplay, and Depeche Mode.
The Journey to Becoming a Musician
When asked about what sparked his desire to become a musician, GAZ credited his vocal ability and the encouragement he received from others. He spoke passionately about his love for music and the joy he derives from performing.
The Impact of South Africa on His Music
Moving to South Africa had a profound impact on GAZ's music taste. Despite the limited exposure to international music during the apartheid era, he highlighted the vibrant local music scene that thrived in South Africa. He also shared some memorable concert experiences, including performances by Live, U2, Coldplay, and Bon Jovi.
The Future of His Music
Looking ahead, GAZ shared his plans for his upcoming album. He intends to record 14 tracks, but only 10 or 11 will make the final cut. He emphasized the importance of not rushing the process and ensuring the album has a solid structure before committing to a release. He also mentioned the possibility of focusing more on releasing singles, as he believes singles have a greater impact in the current music industry.
A Fun Discussion to Wrap Up
To wrap up our conversation, we indulged in a fun discussion about which performer from history GAZ would like to see in concert and which musician from history he would like to spend 24 hours locked in a room with. GAZ expressed his admiration for David Bowie and his curiosity about Ozzy Osbourne's mind.
In conclusion, our conversation was a deep dive into the world of GAZ, a musician who values the power of slowing down, both in life and in the creative process. His unique approach to songwriting and his passion for music were truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented artist, GAZ.
