Hiya Darien Maze, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
Other than the music I feel it can be a way to connect with your audience, but it should always feel authentic. Not every artist has to follow this path, what works for one might not work for another. It just has to align with who you are and your brand especially in a trend-driven space like social media.
Overall I’m all for the new ways artists can express themselves. Back in the early MTV days, some musicians were concerned visuals would overshadow the music. But look where we are now, music videos have become a vital part of connecting with fans. They help tell the story behind the song adding to the vision and artistic expression.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I really appreciate how accessible music creation has become, no matter your level of experience. You can record and produce music right from your home without going to a professional studio. You can even create and finish a song entirely on your phone. On top of that, you can distribute your music independently, without a label, and tools like Splice or Output Arcade offer high-quality sounds through simple monthly subscriptions, making it easier than ever to achieve professional results.
I myself have really benefited from this level of accessibility. At the same time, because it’s so easy to create and share music now, the industry can feel more saturated. That’s why it’s even more important for artists to find their own unique sound. Still, I believe there’s plenty of space for everyone. New subgenres are constantly being created, which shows that music is always evolving and continues to inspire fresh ideas.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
That’s a good question, and I do sometimes question this, but I’ve come to realise that I’m in a space where I’m really embracing my experimental and introspective approach to music. Genre-blending has really allowed me to attract a diverse audience, and I really enjoy that freedom. For example, I could release a garage-influenced album, and my listeners wouldn’t be thrown off because they know I’m always evolving and willing to try something new. It all ties back to my name, Maze, which reflects my journey full of unexpected turns and constant new discoveries.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Learning to let go. Which I wouldn’t necessarily say I’ve learnt recently but it’s definitely an ongoing lesson that requires time and patience. Which is the idea of not having an attachment to my music and not holding onto any tracks
to end up in what they call the “hard drive cemetery”. I’ve also learnt this requires time and patience, so letting go has helped me share my art with the world more freely allowing me to move forward and keep evolving.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes, my latest release is a double single called Humble/Jungle. The single begins with “Humble,” an interlude that sets the tone of the single. It’s about embracing your achievements, taking pride in your wins along your journey, celebrating your wins and recognising your growth, without downplaying your success just to seem humble. The second track, “Jungle”, is a warrior’s anthem. It’s all about bouncing back after setbacks and approaching life with a “jungle mentality”—where you grind for what you want, instead of a “zoo mentality” where everything’s just handed to you.
What was the recording process like?
From what I remember, I’d say I made at least 6 to 12 demos before landing on the final versions of the single. For the track Humble, I really focused on matching the vibe of the production, which is a Toronto lo-fi, R&B feel. So, vocally, I kept it laid-back with a light bounce and a melodic delivery.
For Jungle, it was a totally different energy. The track had a more upbeat vibe, so I leaned into a heavier hip-hop influence during the recording. The vocals came out with more energy and aggression, to match the driving rhythm of the production. Both songs had their own unique challenges, but they were both really fun to work on and experiment with.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Not to sound cliché, but the biggest learning curve was learning not to overthink every detail and to trust the process. I had to keep reminding myself to let the ideas flow and evolve naturally, even if it felt rough at first because it usually starts to make sense in the end.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I don’t think I’d change anything, mainly because I try not to stay too attached to a song once it’s out in the world. Once a track is finished, I’m already focused on the next one. Whatever I was feeling or the creative approach I had at the time is something that’s hard to replicate, and I wouldn’t want to mess with that. Changing it now would take away from the original emotion and vibe that made the song what it is.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Definitely, I have a lot more songs I’m looking forward to sharing. With these new tracks, I’ve really pushed myself creatively and explored different styles and sounds that reflect sides of me as an artist that people haven’t heard yet. Each song represents a part of my evolution, and I’m genuinely excited for listeners to experience this next chapter of my music.
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