From Italy to London, Gifted guitarist Titus Maz Will Leave You Mesmerized! Discover His Musical Evolution and Album, “The Way You Like It!” 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR 

Experience the extraordinary talent of gifted guitarist Titus Maz as he takes you on a mesmerizing journey from Italy to London with his new album, "The Way You Like It." Prepare to be captivated by his incredible melodic masterpieces that promise to create an unforgettable musical experience! 

Titus is a versatile musician whose roots in jazz seamlessly blend with contemporary neo-soul, R&B, fusion, and blues. His musical journey began at the age of nine with classical guitar, quickly evolving as he embraced the electric guitar. Over the years, he has honed his skills in fingerpicking on acoustic guitar while exploring various electric guitar styles, drawing inspiration from jazz, blues, and rock.  

Since 1994, Titus has been an active performer, joining local bands and participating in festivals across Italy and Europe. 

His passion for music led him to the USA from the early 2000 to 2015 on multiple trips, where he attended courses and seminars at the Musicians Institute, collaborating in recording studio sessions and live performances. During his time in Northeast Italy, he deepened his understanding of blues and jazz at CAMM, touring with several exciting bands.  

Relocating to London, Titus pursued a BA (with Honours) in Jazz, Composition, Performance, and Production at LCCM (University of Middlesex/Open University). This experience allowed him to learn from esteemed mentors, including some workshops with pianist Barry Harris, Peter Bernstein, Mike Stern, Guthrie Govan, and more.   

In 2016, he further enhanced his skills by completing a Jazz improvisation course at Berklee Online, guided by the renowned Gary Burton.  

Now based in London, Titus is actively involved in a variety of live and studio projects, including the Titus Maz Quartet, MOTS Live Band, MDing duties at Harvesters Church Gospel band.  

He supports and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, such as Valntna, Mikyla Cara, Roberta Silva, Ayanna, Andre Louis, Alice Pisano, Ammuin Orchestra, Wezi, Nina Rose, while also pursuing solo endeavors.  

I had the opportunity to speak with this incredibly talented musician, and here’s what she revealed about his introduction to music and the journey that first ignited his passion. 

Hi Titus, how are you doing? I'm doing well. 

Awesome! So, you're in Italy now?  Yes. 

How nice. First of all, thank you so much for your time today, and congratulations on your new project. Thank you very much. 

You're welcome. Can you tell me where you're originally from and where you're currently residing? I'm originally from Italy, but I've been living in London since 2015. Although not continuously, I’ve also lived in Los Angeles, and I’ve spent some time in New York. 

Awesome! What part of Italy are you from? I spent part of my childhood in Rome, but I was born in a small city in the northwest coast of Italy named La Spezia, famous for its local food and the stunning landscapes. 

Titus, what is your earliest memory of being interested in music? And what drew you to playing the guitar? Yeah, my earliest memory of being drawn to music is actually a cool story. I was on a school bus, and there was music playing through the speakers while we were on a field trip. I must have been around seven or eight years old. It was probably pop music—maybe even Michael Jackson. I remember all the other kids were playing and telling jokes, but I was completely captivated by the music. 

I was staring out the window, and it felt like the music was taking me to another dimension. That was the first moment I realized that music had the power to transport me to another space. 

Soon after, I started playing the guitar. It was a gift from a schoolmate who was leaving the country. Funny enough, she was originally from Chile, and she gave me a classical guitar as a farewell gift. That’s how I started playing. 

How old were you at that time? I was around eight years old. 

That’s beautiful! What a great friend! So, you just started strumming the strings without lessons? How did you realize you had a knack for it? Did you teach yourself? In the beginning, it was just me trying to figure it out. I remember my uncle had a book with guitar chords and some cassette tapes. I also found a guitar class in my hometown, but it was boring—kind of old-fashioned teaching. 

That’s funny, Titus! (laughs) Yeah! (laughs) After that, I taught myself until I discovered jazz. There was a well-known jazz mentor in my town, so I took some lessons with him when I was about 13 or 14. 

At that time, what was your go-to song to play on the guitar? I played a lot of Beatles songs, some Italian pop, and jazz classics. I tried different genres. I played everything from The Beatles to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. I started with the basics but quickly branched out. 

Awesome! So, at some point, you transitioned into a more professional direction. Can you tell me about that journey? Yes. I joined the conservatory in my hometown, though they didn’t offer jazz at the time. I took some private jazz lessons, and as soon as I could, I joined a band. I was still in high school when I started gigging with them, and they were paid gigs! We played at open-air festivals and similar events. 

When I was about 17 or 18, I started gigging regularly. Since the band members were older, they had connections that helped us get more gigs. I played guitar as a sideman for them, and that opened a lot of doors for me. 

I moved to different cities in Italy for my studies, and every time I relocated, I’d join a local band and find opportunities to perform. 

That’s amazing! I love your determination and passion for the guitar. When did you decide to move to the UK, and what motivated you to do that? At that time, I had a job in another field that allowed me to travel and do gigs on the side. Eventually, I quit that job to focus on music full-time. Initially, I planned to move to LA because I had some potential opportunities there, but the visa process was tricky. So, I chose London instead, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

London is more culturally diverse, and I’ve never regretted the move. From the start, I was able to find gigs through jam sessions and by meeting people. It was very welcoming in terms of opportunities. 

Yes, without a doubt! Clearly, you have taken advantage of every opportunity presented to you and created an excellent environment in England for your music and talent to flourish. Those blessed enough to experience your beautiful guitar playing are truly privileged. So, Titus, let's dive into your new project, your new album, “The Way You Like It.” I’d love to hear about it! Can you share the inspiration behind it and tell us who’s involved in the process? Yes. After my album, Subject To Change, I took a little break. But in 2023, I started feeling a creative spark again. I had some music tucked away, you know, just sitting there between 2022 and 2023—some emotions and melodies that were stuck in my head. So, I decided to wrap it all up, drawing inspiration from artists I admire and from my own experiences. I found inspiration everywhere. 

Sometimes a melody would just come to me, and other times, I was inspired by the people I met or the places I visited. 

My new album, The Way You Like It, is more than just a collection of songs; it's a journey. It's a mix of sounds from beautiful places and a push for me to go beyond my limits. Every track is like an adventure, sharing the feelings and moments that have shaped me. The album celebrates life's surprises, transforming them into music you can truly feel. 

That's fantastic! It's truly amazing to see artists embrace the beauty of the world and let it fuel their creativity. Life offers a wealth of experiences to explore and convey through music. I appreciate you sharing the journey behind your album—it's genuinely motivating. The tracks are simply stunning! Great job, Titus! You've created something special! By the way, where can we access this project? And will it be available on vinyl, too? The first single from the album was released on June 16th. I decided to release the music "single by single" because it helps build momentum. All the singles are set to be released on streaming platforms one by one. For example, the second single is coming out this Friday, and then I’ll release one every two weeks after that. By the end of August, all the singles should be out. After the final single is released, I’ll decide if I want to press the album on vinyl. 

For now, my music is available digitally on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and all the other major online platforms. 

That sounds amazing! Where can people catch you live? Yeah, I’m always doing something live, whether headlining or participating in different shows. Not too long ago, I played at a show called Encore in Brixton, where we showcased several R&B, jazz, and musical artists. I also have some headline shows planned for September and October. 

Awesome! And who are the talented musicians on this album? I play guitar, keys, bass, and handle the production. We also have some amazing guests on the album. Drew Ashby, an incredible trumpet player based in New York, is featured in two songs. There’s also Jay Kalo, a Cuban drummer living in Barcelona, who’s on three tracks. He’s a master of rhythm and brought a lot of Latin vibes to the album. Then we have Jordan White on keys, Indigo Pearce—one of London’s finest local talents—on bass, and Teo Marangon on production, mixing, and mastering. 

One of the unique aspects of the album is a collaboration with an Italian poet name “Davide Marchini” on a fun, slightly quirky track that came out in July. It’s the only song sung in Italian, and it features some of his wise sayings, adding a cool touch to the project. 

Also, some of my inspiration comes from Spain and other countries, which could lead to some international shows across Europe! 

How amazing! You have a wealth of talented musicians like yourself, each bringing a rich tapestry of culture and experience to your stunning masterpiece of an album! I've truly enjoyed our conversation today, diving into your musical journey and discovering what has shaped your path. Thank you for sharing that with me. Before we conclude this fantastic interview, I have one more question: What words of encouragement would you offer to those aspiring to enter this industry, and is there a lesson you've learned that you'd like to share to inspire them? Yeah, I would say never stop. There are many highs and lows in this business, and if you have the fire in you and believe you have something to say—whether it's a passion for an instrument or something else—consider it a long journey. Don’t get discouraged by the small setbacks. Try to relax, enjoy the process, and remember the moments when you felt truly blessed, when everything seemed to fall into place, and when you were in the zone. Reflecting on those blissful moments can help you remember how you got to where you are today. In the end, no matter what kind of work you do, you’ll experience highs and lows; music is no different. 

Well, I want to thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time, especially while you're on your trip to Italy. It’s definitely an honor. I think you’re one of the most talented guitarists I’ve ever heard. The sound that comes from your guitar, played by your gifted hands, is reminiscent of an angel's voice. Keep up the great work! You’re awesome, Titus! Oh, thank you, Gina. It’s my honor to be interviewed by you. 

Thank you, Titus! My prayers are that God will continue to bless the work of your hands, aligning it with His will for your life. May He protect you and your family and keep you safe in your travels. I’m so proud of every achievement you’ve made, and I’m rooting for your success. I look forward to the great things to come. I know your album will be a tremendous success. Thank you again for your time. Thank you, truly. It’s been a pleasure. I also admire your work as an artist, and it’s amazing how you manage to maintain such a high level of professionalism. 

Thank you, Titus! That’s so kind of you. Have a great day! You too, Gina. 

www.titusmaz.com 

END OF INTERVIEW