Interviews: Maziac

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal/Alternative Metal band Maziac from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE. 

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

After many beers and ideas, we couldn’t all agree on, or had already been used by other bands, we decided to go for Maziac – a variation of an 80s video game called Maziacs that Tim played when he was a kid. We were quite keen on a band name which was slightly ambiguous but intriguing - we didn't want anyone having preconceptions about what we do or who we might sound like, they should just listen in!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We are innately moved and driven by heavy, riffy music. Atmospherics and experimentation make it even more exciting to us and we all also hugely value hooks and catchy choruses making prog metal/alt rock the perfect blend of genres for us. We basically make music that we like to hear.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Nope, but we’ve become good friends since. Marc met Andrej Alon, from the post-metal band The Ever Living, at the gym in early 2017 and the 2 bonded over a mutual taste in music. Andy put Marc in touch with Tim whom he had previously played in bands with, knowing he was looking for a new project, and soon afterward Marc met Tony through joinmyband.co.uk

4. Each band member favorite band?

Tony: Uneven Structure

Tim: Devin Townsend

Marc: The Ocean

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Bands that move us and evoking emotions through sounds and words. Hearing new ideas that each of us brings to the practice room and seeing where we can take them to wrap them up into exciting new tracks.

6. Where was your last gig?

229 in London, with On Hollow Ground, Derange, High Rise and Devoted Defiance.

7. Where would you like to play?

Rebellion Manchester is an excellent venue that Tony played with his old band and Marc played while filling in for The Ever Living - makes sense for Maziac to play there next! Electric Ballroom and The Dome are also great London venues that we haven’t played yet.

8. Who would you like to support?

Deftones, Devin Townsend, Tool or Mastodon would be a dream come true. Uneven Structure, Twelve Foot Ninja, Vennart or The Ocean would be amazing too and a lot more realistic haha.

9. Who not?

Melt Banana is a band which comes to mind which is great but extremely stylistically different to us so there’s a good chance our crowds wouldn’t overlap.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

All of us get a bit anxious about something going wrong before going on stage but the best way to overcome it is just to do it as much as you can and prepare for any mishaps as much as possible. Always worth mingling with the crowd before too, to remind yourself that everyone in the room is behind you. Would also recommend envisaging your favorite bands and channeling their energy on stage, even if only a few people are watching. Your favorite bands started out small too!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We are inspired by bands which create memorable riffs and that sacrifice their stability to tour and play heavy, experimental music. In terms of our sound, probably Deftones, Devin Townsend, Karnivool, Tool, and Mastodon. In terms of just being weird and awesome, probably Rolo Tomassi, Cardiacs, Twelve Foot Ninja, Major Parkinson, and Dir En Grey.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Got asked if we make baby merch. Not that weird I suppose, just very unlikely at this stage in our careers!

13. What do you think of your fans?

We’re extremely grateful to everyone that takes the time to listen to us, come to our shows and encourage us to keep going. People that listen to us tend to be very open-minded people which is awesome too.

14. What do you think of our site?

Fantastic - so many new bands to check out. Sites like yours give unsigned bands a medium to reach new people and share more about themselves, we really appreciate that.

15. Something to add?

Check out our album when it drops on 5th July and do watch our video for opening track ‘Symptomatic’ as it is awesome!