Maz Totterdell

Maz Totterdell

Maz Totterdell is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom whose music combines folk musicianship, melodic songwriting and poetic lyrics. Her sound is compared with artists including Vashti Bunyan, Thea Gilmore, Lisa Mitchell and Feist.

Early activity

She starts singing at open mic nights in Devon at the age of nine. By the time she is 10, she performs at London’s Hackney Empire in the final of UK Unsigned. She begins teaching herself guitar and writing songs at 11, and by the time she is 13 she has played eight original compositions at local venues and festivals.

Recordings and songs

Her debut single, Counting My Fingers, wins the public vote for 6 Music’s Rebel Playlist after receiving national radio play on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music. It also receives the highest score on Steve Lamacq’s Roundtable in January 2012. Her debut album, Sweep, is released in 2012 and includes songs built around confessional teen romance and pop hooks. Another single, Smile On Sunshine, is also part of her catalogue, alongside Little Puzzle and a version of Back to Black associated with Amy Winehouse.

Live work and band setup

By 2011 she is playing her first London shows, drawing from a large catalogue of original songs and including a different one-off cover at each performance. Her solo voice-and-guitar performances later develop into a small ensemble arrangement, with the music arranged by Totterdell herself. The project also includes Selke.