Biography

Frank Maza's artistic journey is a compelling narrative of duality, a story woven from the threads of contrasting yet complementary cultural and musical traditions. His life and career are a testament to the power of synthesis, where seemingly disparate influences converge to create a unique and innovative artistic voice.

Early Life: A Tale of Two Cities

Maza's formative years were spent navigating the vibrant cultural landscapes of Madrid and Boston. Summers in Madrid immersed him in the heart of flamenco and Latin music, exposing him to its raw passion, intricate rhythms, and rich history. Winters in Boston, on the other hand, introduced him to the diverse world of American music, from the soulful storytelling of its singer-songwriters to the rhythmic innovation of jazz and the burgeoning sound of hip hop. This bicultural upbringing became the defining characteristic of his artistic identity, shaping his musical sensibilities and providing him with a unique perspective.

Education and Musical Development

Maza's formal musical education reflects this duality. He honed his skills at the Escuela de Música Creativa in Madrid (2009-2011, 2013-2015), deepening his understanding of flamenco and Latin musical traditions. He then expanded his horizons at the New England Conservatory in Boston (2011-2013), where he explored jazz and other American musical forms. His academic pursuits culminated in a double degree in contemporary writing and production, and voice performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston (2020-2024), where he was recognized for his talent by being on the Dean's List in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. At Berklee, he delved into the intricacies of music production, arranging, and songwriting, while simultaneously refining his vocal artistry. This rigorous training provided him with the tools to seamlessly blend his diverse influences into a cohesive and innovative sound.

During his time in Boston, Maza was also actively involved in the local music scene, leading the High School Jazz Collective band (2015-2019) and serving as a City Music Alumni and Ambassador (2017-2019). These experiences allowed him to develop his performance skills, collaborate with other musicians, and further explore the intersection of different musical genres.

Artistic Career: Bridging Worlds

Maza's artistic career is characterized by his ability to bridge the gap between his two musical worlds. As a singer and composer, he draws inspiration from both his flamenco and Latin roots and the American songwriting tradition. He cites a diverse array of influences, including Spanish singer-songwriters like Joaquín Sabina and Joan Manuel Serrat, American icons like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Frank Sinatra, flamenco masters like Paco de Lucía, and jazz figures like Bebo Valdés and Nat King Cole.

His debut album, SOLID (2019), released under Casa Limon/The Orchard, showcased his original songwriting and his ability to fuse these disparate influences into a unique and compelling sound. His live performances, featuring collaborations with renowned artists such as Javier Limón Sr., Nella, Delfina Cheb, Mariza, Ainhoa Arteta, Mala Rodríguez, Pitingo, and Arcángel, further established him as a versatile and engaging artist.

Production Career: A Vanguard Approach

Maza's work as a composer, arranger, and producer is where his duality truly shines. He has carved out a niche for himself by blending his deep understanding of flamenco and Latin musical traditions with cutting-edge production techniques, often incorporating elements of electronic music and hip hop. This innovative approach has made him a sought-after collaborator for a wide range of artists.

Maza's production credits include:

  • Alejandro Sanz: Programming and arranging for a new album (title and date to be determined).

  • Nella: VOY (2019) and DOCE MARGARITAS (2021) (Albums)

  • Delfina Cheb: DOCE MILONGAS DE AMOR Y UN TANGO DESESPERADO (2020) (Album)

  • Montse Cortés: UNA SOY (2021) (Single)

  • Agustín Díaz Yanes: ORO (2017) (Film soundtrack)

  • Asghar Farhadi: TODOS LO SABEN (2018) (Film, featuring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem)

  • Various Artists: VUELVE A MADRID (2020) (Single)

  • Maloko: BULERIA DE CORAL (2021) (Single)

  • Iberia: VOLANDO (2021) (Movie - Special collaboration and performing)

His upcoming 2025 productions of full albums for Antonio Cortés and Beli Moli highlight his sole production focus, merging flamenco and Latin tradition with contemporary sounds.

Maza's work in film soundtracks, notably his collaborations with directors Agustín Díaz Yanes and Asghar Farhadi, demonstrates his ability to create music that enhances and complements visual narratives.

The Defining Duality:

Frank Maza's artistic identity is shaped by the dynamic interplay of his Madrid and Boston experiences. This duality has fostered a profound musical sensibility, enabling him to blend the deep emotion and complex rhythms of his flamenco and Latin roots with the thoughtful lyrics and rich harmonies of American songwriting, and the rhythmic innovation of hip hop. His work explores a space where these seemingly separate worlds converge, resulting in compositions, lyrics, and performances marked by both passion and thoughtful introspection. He continues to forge a path that honors his heritage while embracing the future of music, creating a sound that is both timeless and innovative.