Exposed Vocals just sat down with ‘MAZE’ an interview with Gary Davis and Paul Bassom
MAZE is a Recording project between Gary Davis Vocals/ songwriter and Paul Bassom Guitar/Songwriter. We are both from London and Enjoy writing and performing live. Maze are trying to bring together Musicians and artists that wouldn’t usually work together, to create a special and enjoyable recording environment.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Gary : During the 90’s Britpop Era Bands Like Oasis, Blur, Cast etc
Paul: London. It was from an early age, Music was all around me and I started collecting vinyl mainly rave music in my early Teens and then became fascinated with the Mod scene. I remember inviting friends around to watch Quadrophenia after school and then doing some research and finding bands like The Small Faces and The Kinks was mind blowing. Ocean Colour Scene Came onto the scene shortly after and became my number 1 band.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Gary: Social Media is a great tool. starting Facebook Page for example, where you can upload videos and Photographs
Paul: Work hard, Record good demos and use all the tools at your disposal. Keep grounded and except that you wont be everyone’s cup of tea.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Gary: Me Never haha!! Well being the singer I have forgotten the start of a Verse so I Just repeat a previous verse
Paul: If I do I just play through It, but it can haunt you when watching Videos back or if someone has shared it from a live performance.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Gary: Not yet in this Band but in a previous band we had a punch up on the hard shoulder seconds after leaving a gig. Also our drummer turning up literally seconds before every Gig, I mean every gig!… Lol
Paul: Maze Haven’t toured yet, me and Gal have been friends for years, so we have plenty of stories to tell.
One is a packet of Fags, and a woman with no Teeth!
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Paul: Always looking to upgrade and I don’t think that will ever change.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Gary: Well I suppose social media. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and interviews like this when you get the chance.
Paul: I think a really good PR or Radio plugging Campaign works best, but don’t get taken for a ride there is plenty of sharks out there who are happy to take your money.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Gary: Knebworth – Oasis
Paul : Woodstock 69 – The Who
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Gary: Me and Paul have got more songs in the pipe line for MAZE, also looking to bring in more talented musicians to record with us on the next project.
Paul: Pretty much the same, Write and Record songs. We have got some great collaborations coming up and the prospect of working with talented producers is very exciting.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Gary: Doing my everyday job Yawwnn
Paul: It was never an option.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Gary: An Ep hopefully and a few gigs.
Paul: Yeah the same really. We have started work on our Debut EP and we are getting offers for gigs. No pressure with this, just take what we can and see where it takes us. Being in the music industry is hard and sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Grant Judges
Jamie Tongue
Louise Turner
Special Mention
Jeff Foster