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Writer's pictureBuzzSlayers

An Interview With MASK


A new single release from MASK gives off a genuine and authentic classic rock tonality that is riddled with character and a soulful swagger that feels welcoming within the deep groove of this banger.


"Live for the Tease" is pretty addicting from the very first few seconds it begins, and you really get an idea of some of the heavy influences that helped make this song happen.


That guitar tone is so perfect for the aesthetic of the single along with everything else about it, production-wise, that it really makes it feel so incredibly authentic as if you've been hearing the song on the radio for decades now.


You can feel the blues rock rise up from this track and that vibe carries along throughout the course of its playthrough meanwhile the players and instrumentation performance on this feel as if it was recorded live on the floor.


It's almost like the players were feeding off of each other's energies the entire time and that's why you get such an alive and breathing feel from this track.


It actually really makes you want to go see this performed live in your face just to get that energy in the same space that you are.


I think it must be quite difficult to capture that sort of energy on a record like this because it just has such a mojo to it that the delivery and performance by all parts have to be really on point for it to work properly.


MASK pulls all of this off without a hitch and does it in a charming and alluring fashion as well.


It's really fun to get some of that hint of that grittiness and looseness that lurks just beneath the surface.


This single speaks mountains for the songwriters behind it because this is almost like a love letter to some of the classics and rock that drove and inspired.


The vocals have just the right attitude and you can feel that through the song as well as the clear and evident love for the craft just oozing from every orifice of this single.


It's funny because when you listen to the song you get such a danceable groove and it's so quickly infectious but there are some real intricacies and attention to detail that went into making this track.


The rhythm has this bopping Jive to it and you get all kinds of cool sort of backing vocals during the choruses that help create even more of that '70s rock atmosphere.


Not to mention that incredible bass tone that helps this song really thrive and feed.


This track is really easy for fans of classic rock and soul rock to fall right into and with its release we wanted to have a sit-down with MASK just to find out where this all actually came from and maybe what inspired it.


Here's what happened.


Buzz Slayers: Okay guys, let's start with the "Live for The Tease"! This track had an authentic classic rock feel and all kinds of excellent guitar work! How did this single come about? H: Well, thank you for the kind words. Yes, it had a classic feel when putting the track down - a real sort of “toe-tapping” grove about it. It’s actually a song that was years in the making, we loved the groove/melody but lyrically, it just seemed this song might never make it. Then one day in a cafe in Paris I was listening to all sorts of French conversations and penned the lyrics there and then on the back of a menu. I actually asked a French girl for help and bought her dinner for the trouble. Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band? Craig: My childhood best friend introduced us to each other in 2005 and we would meet up in Liverpool to play music, nothing original then - we were huge Beatles fans, and it was purely about having fun. Then in 2016 - H started writing a load of tunes, I think it was more of a hobby at first but they just kept coming. And so, we put the band together.

Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you? H: Though I write for MASK: We're both writers. I actually owe a lot to Craig because he has really helped me develop over the years. Writing songs has made me a better listener, I’m inspired by the things you hear from people - that’s where the gold is... Craig: For me, personally, I’d say I’m a subconscious writer. I don’t sit down and think “I’m gonna write this and gonna write that”. I just mess about on the guitar and see what happens and the same with the lyrics. Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically? Craig: I’d say we are mostly influenced by the ’60s and ’70s but also take inspiration from more modern bands like the Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys. H: Yea, totally agree. I think this particular song has a similar vibe to Paul’s part of "Day In The Life” by the Beatles mixed in with Marc Bolan’s T-Rex. Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music? H: I live a bit like a pirate really. I travel around Europe living in the wind, moving from place to place every month or so. I like to surf and read… Not at the same time Craig: I’m a family man and an English language teacher. I also play locally in pubs and bars. Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now? Craig: Really digging the Foo Fighters' new song ‘Rescued’. It deffo sounds like classic Foo’s H: If the question is based on modern music then I honestly don’t have a clue. I still take such pleasure in digging into the obscure archives from the ’60s and ’70s… Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?

Craig: We are currently preparing for a busy summer around Poland and Germany so at the moment we are rehearsing our balls off. H: Balls off?? Craig: It's an expression... Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this? H: We recorded this at “Tree Song Studios” with our long-term collaborator/producer/dear friend Michael Mormecha. He’s such a talent and I think we have this beautiful chemistry. There is no ego and it’s fun - I think that shows in the music. Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future? Craig: More rock and plenty more roll. H: More specifically: We have hired a studio in Gdansk, Poland for this summer. I will actually be living in the studio. What will come of this? Let’s see… On my last count I have sixty-seven song ideas - regardless of what happens - we will be focused on keeping it fun whilst progressing as a band. Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music? Craig: Thanks for supporting us, we have plenty more to give and look forward to releasing more tunes for you all to enjoy. H: Yes, huge thank you - we don’t really fit in with the “instant” world of today. Whilst everyone screams/commands for attention - we will just keep doing our thing and let the music do the talking. It’ll be a long road for sure, but they often lead to beautiful destinations.






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