Inspired #435 - Maz
Utah-based songwriter Marley Guevara aka Maz has just released her debut EP 'NPC' via Winspear - home to the likes of Wishy and Slow Pulp.
'NPC' finds the indie pop artist from the small town of Logan playfully picking apart growing up, relationships, and self-empowerment across five charming tracks. Pulling inspiration from Blondie to Santigold to Daft Punk, the collection delivers on the simmering buzz she’s amassed across a brief, but potent, run of singles. Bobbing and Cole Williams, members of Still Woozy’s production crew, build crisp sonic environments for Guevara to flex and explore across. The EP comes on the heels of her successful live debut supporting Wallice on a run of West Coast dates, and an impactful run of shows at SXSW.
Maz took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Santigold—Her energy is infectious, and I love the way she blends electronic elements with punk and reggae influences. Her music feels fearless and vibrant.
The Strokes—Their melodies and guitar work are so effortlessly cool. There’s something about their sound that feels timeless yet raw, like controlled chaos.
Ratatat—Their guitar tone is iconic. I love how they create emotion and atmosphere without lyrics, just through pure instrumentation.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
Sing Street. It’s such a charming film, but beyond that, it reminds me of my childhood—creating music with friends, dreaming big, and staying in that playful, imaginative space. It inspires me to keep that childlike wonder alive in my art.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
San Francisco. It was the first place I lived outside of Utah, and it had the perfect balance of grunge and beauty. The colors, the energy, the history of the hippie movement and skate culture—it all felt like a living piece of art.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill. Both have an undeniable musical integrity. They used their art as a way to connect with God and express something deeper than just songs. Their music carries a sense of purpose, and that’s something I really admire.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
My emotions. I write because I feel a need to create—it’s almost instinctual. Every song comes from something real I’m experiencing or processing.
