No stranger to collaboration, K.L. Mazlin has spent the majority of his musical career making others sound pristine. In addition to involvement in bands such as Hungry Kids of Hungary, Spring Skier, Sans Parents and Mapletons, the Brisbane-based artist has garnered the courage to release debut solo material, coming in the form of the first couple of singles from an extended release to come soon. Aurora Glass. Loosely based on the 2007 film, Lars and the Real Girl, the track highlights the interesting road to love and happiness, while Middle Ground is an ode to getting older, evoking the feeling of being lost in that grey area between the buzz of youth and middle aged back pain. I need you is a cover of the 1972 America track, dedicated to his parent's’ 50th wedding anniversary.
Musically, Mazlin draws influence from classic arrangements and harmonies of the 60’s and 70’s, underpinned by a singer-songwriter feel which is driving the selection of tracks holistically. Pushing his part time pessimism aside, Mazlin has received encouragement from the producer, good friend and bandmate, Ryan Strathie (Holy Holy), who is not only an incredibly versatile drummer, but also has an amazing ear for arrangements. He is producing, recording, mixing and steering the sense of the project, which will culminate in an extended release later in the year.
Thematically, these songs written over the last couple of years are about reflecting on, and bidding farewell to, Mazlin’s youth. Incorporating a range of feelings, there is a load of nostalgia, and referencing late teens/early twenties years. It is definitely a bittersweet juxtaposition between memories and the intrepid steps ahead.
All the tracks also features the wonderful musicianship of Ryan Strathie (drums), Alex Bennison (guitar), Luke Hodgson (bass) and Hugo Lee (sax), whom Mazlin has spent significant time with in bands over the last decade, and the mastering prowess of Matt Redlich (Holy Holy, Ball Park Music, Husky).
While K.L. Mazlin finishes off the other tracks for this monumental shift, enjoy the start to his journey.
After the first steps taken to delve into solo territory, and the positive response to the first single, Aurora Glass, K. L. Mazlin follows up the foray in 60/70s inspired singer-songwriting with a smooth, laid back piano driven track called "Middle Ground". An ode to getting older, Middle Ground evokes the feeling of being lost in that grey area between the buzz of youth and middle aged back pain. Mazlin's timeless songwriting and knack for chord progressions is a true nod to his Beatles' influence, but also features tasteful instrumentation and clever transitions, particularly with this track's mid section, and the fragile piano cadence at 2:21.
The recording once again features the performing, recording and mixing by Ryan Strathie (Holy Holy), bass by Luke Hodgson (Angus and Julia Stone, Meg Mac, Megan Washington, Goyte) and mastering by Matt Redlich (Ball Park Music/ Husky).
Digital download contains high quality MP3/Wav files.
As a celebration of his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, K. L. Mazlin gives a rendition of one of their favourite songs, “I Need You”, by America (1972). Happy anniversary Heather and Pete!
Also featuring Alex Bennison (guitar, bass), Ryan Strathie (drums), Remy Boccalatte (guitar). Produced and Mixed by Ryan Strathie and mastered by Matt Redlich.
Digital file of WAV and MP3
Aurora Glass' is the first single off an upcoming release by K.L.Mazlin. Produced by Ryan Strathie. Out now through False Peak Records.
Featuring Ryan Strathie (drums), Alex Bennison (guitar), Luke Hodgson (bass) and Hugo Lee (sax).
Mastered by Matt Redlich.
Artwork by Cass Urqhart.
