Mawzy is the brainchild of songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Cooke. Through earnest storytelling, Mawzy lyrics capture the unnavigability of life and romance in his city, Toronto. His use of crafted melodies and lush synthesizers work together to create the trademark Mawzy sound.

“Start Again” is about giving love a second chance. The lyrics describe a day spent with a past partner, walking through the city, saying things that were never said, and reconnecting to start again. There is a shared sentiment between the two that things were never quite finished and to make things work it would require honesty and a fresh start. Sonically, this song pulls from 70’s influences like Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac, and features the vocals of Kirty (Fast Romantics). 

Long View is Mawzy’s introspective debut LP from this project and draws greatly on themes of love and loss, pulling from Cooke’s past experiences with partners and friends. There has also always been the influence of the east coast in Cooke’s music and ocean/nature imagery is a recurring motif in songs like “Forever Wild,” “Where I’m From” and “Regrets & Wonders.” Using these metaphors and personal anecdotes, the album conveys an overall sentiment that through the ups and downs of life, we can choose to see the brighter side.