Paul Marz talks new album 'Self Made'

[Jerry Lee]

You have an undeniable work ethic. Do you have any pre studio/writing rituals? What does it entail and why was that important to you?

For me it's more of trying to stay in a constant state of focus rather than having a pre studio process or getting to a stage of preparation. Over time I've learned to work at staying in the zone on a daily basis and then just opening the creative outlet when the time and conditions are correct.

This is the first time on an album that you are producing. What was different about your process this time? What was it like learning a whole new way of expressing yourself?

 It was a fun challenge. I almost felt like I was making music for the first time again. There was a renewing quality to creating the directions of songs from scratch. It gave me a fresh perspective on the art and let me say things and write things to express in ways that weren't as fluid when working with another producer. It was rewarding to challenge myself and then complete the task.

 

What was your initial reaction hearing your own productions on your album after the songs were finished?

It was a sense of accomplishment as well as relief. There were some points along the way where I thought I might not actually ever finish the project, that it would just turn into a dream on a shelf collecting dust. So to actually see it through was a huge personal achievement.

 

Emotionally, what was it like the first time hearing the first album that you co-produced?

It was part surprising but also very motivating. It opened a new world of possibilities for me artistically so I was looking forward to exploring that realm. 

Can you talk about the first time you knew you were going to make this a full project?

After completing the first track  'The Return', I started to become more comfortable with the production process. At first I was thinking, "let me see if I can do this again" or "was that first one just beginners luck?".  When I realized that I had an understanding of the process, the thought entered my mind to maybe create my own album. It was like a spark that ignited a new me and the challenge just felt right.

I am very intrigued by the recording process during the pandemic. How do you bring  everyone and everything together?

Luckily about 75% of the project was completed before the pandemic. Most of the tracks were recorded and just needed to be mixed.

I had a number of virtual studio sessions with J. Glaze which allowed us to mix what we already had recorded. I've been working with Glaze for close to 10 years so communicating our ideas through zoom wasn't as difficult as it may have been otherwise. The only major difference I'd say was that I had to plan out tracks more thoroughly rather than letting them grow organically during a session. 

 

With the pandemic affecting the entertainment industry as a whole have you thought about how you may present the new material live? Would you ever consider a hologram?

 

Yes, I'm considering a series of in studio videos. Some performance but also some following the creation process, to give fans a more in-depth look into the art. Never thought about a hologram but that could be a cool idea.

 

On your previous album 'Death of a Star, Rise of a Titan' you say "burry my ego, then resurrect". How is it taking a step back from the limelight to focus on building the younger generation of emcees in the underground/battle rap scene?

 

It's the greatest and most fulfilling thing I've ever done. I've gained a fresh grand perspective on life since making a conscious effort to focus on building the iBattle platform. Looking back, I view my journey as an MC like a preparation process for this future role. Honing my craft would allow me to excel to a level that I didn't know was possible. I've always upheld lyrics to a high standard so it's fun and rewarding to watch the next generation of MCs push the boundaries of the craft.

 

How would you sum up the last year in three words?

Realize what's important.

Listen to Self Made on all streaming platforms

https://album.link/us/i/1530516090