Photo credit: Tiziana Moccia
We recently caught up with Italian producer Mazare after the release of his new track ‘King For A Day,’ which he and Brighton-based metal band, EVILLE, released on 22 May. Mazare has consistently received support from prominent artists such as SLANDER, Illenium, Seven Lions, Said The Sky, Dabin, Koven, Don Diablo, and has amassed more than 35 million streams on Spotify alone.
Hailing from Northeast Italy, Mazare is a rising force in the international music landscape. His artistic roots trace back to his father’s vast record collection, which introduced him to the sounds of Pink Floyd, U2, and Genesis during his youth. Mazare skillfully blends intense metal-electronic hybrids with evocative, pop-rock-influenced melodies. This unique fusion has helped him build a fervent global following, with creative inspiration drawn from influential acts like The Prodigy, Noisia, and Bring Me The Horizon.
Listen to ‘King For A Day’ while reading the interview below:
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I was raised in a very musical environment, my dad used to play guitar when he was young, and growing up,p I remember waking up to a different record playing every Sunday morning. That I believe laid the foundations of my musical taste, which then started to drift towards dance music in 2009, when I first heard “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta on the radio for the first time. Then, en in 2016, another song changed my life, and it was “Avalanche” by Bring Me The Horizon. If I had to pinpoint the moments that solidified my decision to pursue this path, these two are definitely at the top of the list. That’s probably also why I have a very weird and broad musical taste.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
Usually, visuals and storytelling. In the last few years, I’ve been dipping my toes into drawing, graphic design, and filmmaking, and that has had a huge impact on my sound. Nowadays, when I’m writing, I’m always striving to come up with something cinematic and to conjure up a specific image or feeling in the listener.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
This might be a clichè but I can do everything with a MacBook, a soundcard, and a guitar. I don’t even have a proper studio yet, I always find it a bit distracting, so I rearranged my apartment’s living room to accommodate what’s necessary. I have a pretty clean and ready-to-go setup. Speaking of software, I am a big Neural DSP fanboy; anything they put out is just straight up fantastic. Lately, I’ve been playing around with their John Mayer amp simulator, and it’s UNBELIEVABLE.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
Always the same. Coffee, a workout, and a shower, in this specific order. I can sit at my desk for a whole day if it starts like that!
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
Either my guitar when I’m in the studio, or a small lucky charm a friend made for me when I’m out performing, it’s attached to my headphone case so it’s always with me.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
It was a long process of trial and error, experimentation, and just the right amount of luck. The most challenging part has definitely been finding the right balance between the electronic sound and the acoustic/rock instruments and drums. I’m getting there now, but I’m afraid it’s gonna be an endless chase.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
As mentioned before, my musical taste evolved quite a bit, going from classic rock to dance music to metal and heavier sounds, and with it, my production and creative process. I started incorporating real instruments into electronic music,c and nowadays I always think about how a song would translate if performed by a full band, which is something I’d love to do in the near future.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
Easy answer, ANY time I get in the studio with my friend and mentor, Maarten Vorwerk. We come from very different musical backgrounds,s and we have very different musical taste, but he’s the most skilled producer I ever met in my life. I always leave the studio session with a new trick or technique in my backpack. A true master of his craft, and I will forever be grateful for everything he has taught me.
What are your opinions on generative AI music tools such as Suno? Is it something that aids in the creative process, or take away from it?
100% against it. AI in general can be a great tool for speeding up workflows or taking care of trivial tasks, but art? No thanks. The best art usually is the result of hard work, problem solving, emotion, struggle, and months and years spent learning an instrument or a software. You cannot replace that with AI.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Can I say Bring Me The Horizon? I think Oliver Sykes (the singer) is one of the most talented songwriters in our generation, and I’d be out of my mind if we ever got in the studio together.
Any side projects you’re working on?
I started producing for a few very cool bands, but I’m gonna keep that under wraps for now.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Don’t know if they can be considered emerging anymore since they’ve been killing it for years, but I’d go with the UK band South Arcade. Britney Spears meets Linkin Park. Absolute champs
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
(not so) guilty pleasures: “Tit for tat” by Tate McRae and “Diet Pepsi” by Addison Rae
Which song, album,m or playlist do you never get sick of, no matter how many times you listen to it?
I’d go with “That’s The Spirit” by Bring Me The Horizon. That album showed everyone that you can be pop and still go heavy as hell. Generational
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
Not really. I do some graphic design and video editing work, but everything I do outside of music is fed back into my project in the end, in one way or another.
Famous last words?
It’s never too late. Go for it, whatever it is
