The wonderful thing about folk music is that it reinterprets past tales and legends for modern audiences. And singer-songwriter Maz O’Connor is highly skilled at telling stories through her songs.
We caught up with Maz to talk about her latest album, the inspiration behind her in-development musical, and how folk artists can use social media to their advantage.
Folklore and literature play heavily into your songs; you read literature at Cambridge and grew up in Cumbria, home of famous authors and poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
How have those influences come together to shape you as an artist?
The thing I’ve always been drawn to in songs is lyrics, especially if they tell a story. And what I love about folklore and literature is the storytelling.
Stepping into another character. Time-travelling to Ancient Greek times, or Elizabethan England, or some mystical land of the imagination.
I want my songs to be little worlds that the listener can lose themselves in for a moment.
Your new album Love it is a Killing Thing, comes out on 13 March, and one of the cool things about it is that it has been recorded live to tape – no edits; just playing the songs live.
Was this something you’d always wanted to do, or was it a spur-of-the-moment decision?
I’ve always loved folk albums made in the 1960s and 70s, and that era was a massive influence for me when I was putting this album together.
When I spoke to The Northern Cowboys about recording the album with them, they suggested doing it to tape, which would help me achieve the sound that I loved.
They were bang on – it’s a perfect sound for the material, and I’m so in love with how the album has turned out!
You have an extremely engaging Instagram presence (@mazoconnormusic), posting lots of videos and snippets of your songs.
How important is it for folk artists to utilise social media, and what’s your number one tip for musicians who want to get started on socials?
Well first of all, thanks! I sort of hate doing social media, and if I had my way, I’d throw my phone into the sea and go completely analogue!
But it is important for artists to use social media to reach their fans. People love to hear from their favourite artists, and if you don’t have the marketing budget of a major corporation behind you (which, surprise, I don’t!), then it’s the best way of reaching people.
It can suck so much time out of the week, so I plan ahead and make as much stuff in one afternoon as I can, and save it for later.
My top tip would be to ignore trends. You’ve got to be yourself and not cheapen what you make on the advice of some app or website that won’t be popular with anyone soon enough. Focus on sharing your music and get a good mic to make videos with.
Also, share things outside of your music too if you’re comfortable. What makes you you?
You currently have a musical in development, The Wife of Michael Cleary – the true story of Bridget Cleary, whose husband murdered her because he believed she was a fairy changeling.
What inspired you to write about this subject matter, and how did you find the overall song-writing process?
I was drawn to Bridget’s story for a few reasons. First of all, she lived very close to where my Grand grew up in Ireland, so I felt an affinity there.
Secondly, she was a creative, independent, headstrong woman, same as me. I felt that if I had been born in her place and time, I would have been persecuted too. I was 26 when I first heard her story, the same age she was when she died. So I felt very drawn to her as a person, and enraged by the injustice of her killing. I visited her home and reputed grave during my research trip and promised her that I would tell her story.
I loved the song-writing process, partly because it was so different to writing for myself. I could inhabit different characters and styles, and I got to stretch my harmonising muscles. The process of writing the musical made me a much better and more confident composer.
As well as the launch of your new album, what else have you got planned for 2026?
I have some tour dates this spring, and there will be hopefully some more in the autumn. I’m also working on a novel, so keep your eyes peeled for that…
Beyond work, I want to go camping as much as I can this summer and get up to the fells in Cumbria. Swim in the lakes, be in nature as much as possible, and maybe, just maybe, get a chance to throw my phone in the sea!
Find out more about Maz O’Connor’s latest album and musical on her website: www.mazoconnor.com
Maz takes to the Live to your Living Room stage on Thursday 26 March, where she will be showcasing songs from Love it is a Killing Thing, as well as some well-loved classics. Buy your tickets on our website.