Interview | Introducing…Maz Totterdell

Maz Totterdell is like a ray of sunshine in your record collection. Rather than choosing the route of teenage angst, this precocious 15 year old reminds us that it wasn’t ALL rubbish being young, and her gentle reflections on the bumpy road of early love eschew bitterness in favour of thoughtful acceptance. With debut single, ‘Counting My Fingers’, recently winning 6 Music’s Rebel Playlist public vote, this is one artist we’ll be watching very carefully from now on.

Hello, please introduce yourself and your music to the uninitiated.

I’m Maz, I play guitar, sing and write songs. It’s pretty simple I suppose, I’m inspired by pretty much everything and I guess my music’s quite nice for a sunny day and some daisies.

Tell us a bit about your latest release?

It’s called ‘Heart In Your Pocket’ – my boyfriend filmed and starred in the video, which you can find on YouTube. It’s an old song on the album about leaving someone but still feeling connected to them.

What was your best ever gig?

My album launch at Mama Stones in Exeter was awesome, as are all the gigs I play at The Bull & Gate in Camden. Gigs with my band are always great.

What’s the worst thing about being a musician?

It can get p-r-e-t-t-y stressful at some points – there was a lot of pressure before recording the album; two or three of the songs on it were written within two weeks before we started recording! When you have a creative block and you’re on a deadline you just have to push yourself.

What inspires you?

Sitting on the bus, observing people and all the places I’m passing; photographs; stories people tell me about their lives; travelling; certain people. I think you can get inspired by anything if you think of it in the right way.

If you won a billion pounds what would you do with it?

Gosh. Donate a LOT of it to charity. Buy all my friends and family houses and gifts. Get myself a new wardrobe, camera, computer… wishful thinking, wishful thinking..

Which of your songs is your favourite and why?

When I’m asked this, I’m never quite sure what to say – every time I write a new one I always consider it my favourite, and then go off it in a matter of days! I really like ‘Little Puzzle’, the last track on the album – we use a frog as percussion. It’s pretty intense.

What are you plans for the future?

I’m just going to see where it takes me – I want to go to college inExeterorBristol, and see where I end up. For now I’ll just keep gigging and building a fan base, and get school out of the way.

Finally, we’re always looking to expand our musical horizons. Do you have any recommendations of bands or artists we should be looking out for?

Oooof. Alice Jemima is lush – she’s based inExeter, and has a really pretty voice and lovely songs. You should definitely check her out.