mazie – dumb dumb

By starrymag | August 10, 2021

By: Alejandra Gil M

 

 

Q) What made you decide to create a custom designed “Birds Are Make Believe” t-shirt?

 

A) I think “Birds Aren’t Real” is such a genius organization and I’ve been a fan of their movement for such a long time. It was so fun to do the “Birds Are Make Believe” collab and to see how mazie can translate across other platforms.

 

Q) Coming up soon we’ll be getting to hear your song “dumb dumb.” What do you think it is about this track that will make it a proper Summer jam?

 

A) I think “dumb dumb” is a really infectiously fun song — it takes people by surprise, and I hope that people are able to jump around to it as much as I did when I was making it. [smiles]

 

Q) Your early tracks including “no friends,” “i think i wanna be alone” and “sippy cup”–have resonated deeply with people and have received 8.5 million streams to-date. What has your song writing process been like? Did you have the lyrics or the music first?

 

A) I’ve been super lucky in these last six years to have a creative partner like Elie Rizk. Elie is the sole producer and co-writer on my project, and we’ve really been able to hone our process in the last few years. In most of our sessions, the song typically starts from a beat Elie has made or from an idea for production that one of us wants to try. Once there’s a little bit of song structure in the production we start writing and the next day we usually track vocals!

 

Q) The songs were also released with a music video, how involved were you in developing the concept for it?

A) SUPER involved! My music videos are what I love to create the most – I feel like they bring a new perspective to my music and allow listeners to get a glimpse into my brain/the mazie universe. I’ve made all of my music videos with my friends, and we always start by brainstorming ideas for the set we want to build. From there we start piecing together the treatment for the video and compile a lot of visual references or camera tricks that we want to use. None of us have ever made music videos before this year so it’s a lot of trial and error the day of shoot. I love to be super hands-on with the videos — whether it’s building the set, putting together all my outfits and makeup, writing the treatment, etc. it’s super important for me to be a part of every process.

 

Q) What specific fan feedback that you have received has stayed with you about them?

A) First off, I just want to say I have the kindest fans in the world, and I feel so honored to get to know so many of them. In terms of feedback, I think they’re super candid and honest with me about the music. I know that my music isn’t for everyone and that a lot of the songs can be challenging to listeners — but my fans are almost always so supportive of every creative decision I’ve made.

 

Q) The emotions you can hear behind them such as the highs and lows, pain and hope, sadness and joy which are pretty much a reflection of life, where do you pull inspiration for the lyrics?

A) I feel like the entire thesis of “mazie” is the juxtaposition between very upbeat sounding songs and very depressive/existential lyrics. I’m an extremely happy person with a very grim outlook on the world and people — Elie and I are very similar in that way and we both wanted to convey that personality in the music. All of the lyrics are inspired by my life or the people in my life.

 

Q) All the songs are so different, between cheerful, full of jaunty melodies and earworm hooks accompanied by DIY artwork and outtakes from what it looks like a children´s TV show; however, the inspiration for “i think i wanna be alone” feels a bit darker, deeper. It was written and recorded the day after you came back from protesting in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in DC. What do you hope people take away from it?

A) It’s healthy to be reclusive sometimes. I think society, social media, life, etc. are all so demanding. I think that to live is to suffer and it’s okay if you need a break from your friends, your phone, etc. every now and then. Life has been really heavy recently, and it’s okay if you need to be alone. [smiles]

 

Q) You landed your breakout debut single “no friends” with your producer/ childhood friend which exploded online, you said “that song really defined the project for us, and when it started going crazy, everything accelerated. What do you think it is about this song that made it a fast fan favorite?

A) I’m really not sure! I think the lyrics are what really drew people in — “i don’t have no f****ng friends” is kind of an odd thing to say and listeners really resonated with it. I think a lot of people, including myself, feel alone.

 

Q) With concerts finally making a comeback this year, you have been confirmed to performed at The Governors Ball in New York City on September 26. What have you missed most about being on stage with concerts having been on hold?

A) Truthfully, I’ve only played basement shows around Drexel’s campus in Philly, so I haven’t had a ton of real stage experience. I’m just really looking forward to being able to jump around with everyone!

 

Q) In addition to that you´ve also announced your first national tour supporting COIN this call, kicking off in November 29 in Orlando, FL and concluding in your hometown of Baltimore on December 19. What can you tease about this upcoming performance?

A) I’m going to be playing new music on tour! I can’t wait to share so many of these songs with everyone. [smiles]

 

Q) Are there any new artists that you´ve been listening to on lockdown?

A) A TON! A few are: Spill Tab, marinelli, Wallice, solomonophonic, Ella Jane, Remi Wolf, Carol Ades, and Chloe George.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

A) Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!! You are all so incredible and it has been the coolest experience getting to know so many of you. I truly don’t take for granted how amazing it is that someone takes the time in their day to listen to one of my songs. It’s been so magical to connect with so many new people over music.