Mozez will not make you get up and dance. He will, however, make you think. In a music world where poppy tunes and heavy beats rule, it is refreshing to hear an artist who does not rely on catchy hooks to make his statement.
Along the same vein as Thievery Corporation and Frou Frou, Mozez finds his place in his new album, So Still. He combines soft tempo rhythms, moving lyrics and a sexy voice to create songs that are appealing to the senses.
Born Osmond Wright, the Jamaican-born singer/producer found his musical roots in the church and with gospel. Moving on from there, he found himself working the club scene with such productions as Ministry of Sounds.
His best work, however, came later. He had developed “his own laid-back, heartfelt, and deeply soulful style” when he met Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. With similar thinking and styles, the three began working together. This collaboration led to the creation of Zero 7.
Zero 7 released the album Simple Things in 2001 and When It Falls in 2004. Many of the tracks that came from Simple Things were later seen on MTV, in TV commercials and on soundtracks for films like Garden State.
Now after the success and recognition of Zero 7, Mozez has finally released the music he had been continuously working for his solo debut. He recruited friends to help including Ben Chapman, Nightmares On Wax and of course, Zero 7.
The result is indeed inspirational. The opening song “Feel Free” is a beautiful tribute to love and passion which was crafted by Mozez and producer Guy Sigsworth. The next track “Baby Blue” is a hopeful message of new beginnings after troubled times. Moving on in the album, the track “So Still” is about that moment when one finds inner peace and personal fulfillment.
This is indeed the theme of the album: the search for private revelations in one’s daily life. It is an open discussion of the moments in which we find love, excitement, pain and pleasure. It is a discussion Mozez wishes to have with his listeners and in a sense, the world.
I was lucky enough to talk to Mozez over the phone. Here is a transcript of our conversation.
Miss Hipstah: I wanted to start off by asking you how you got your start? Cause I know, from your bio, that you got your start in the church and then you went on to make a transition from the church to the club scene.
Mozez: Yes, for me, it wasn’t a transition, because for me I haven’t changed (laughs). It’s for me just a different state basically in terms of…of belief. My beliefs changed. It’s not a change in terms of personality, it was just a moving on to a different stage.
MH: Well, when you say that your beliefs changed, what do you mean? Do you mean musically…?
Mz: No, I’m still a Christian, basically, you know but your understanding of God and the Universe and everything changes as it goes on. It was a fundamental change. Things that I wouldn’t have done growing up. I have a better understanding now.
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