Taken from his debut EP Stranger in a Strange Land, Gareth Haze’s latest single “Stars” showcases the South African-born, UK-based singer-songwriter at his most reflective and sonically ambitious.
Produced alongside his brother Mark Haze, the track draws deeply from Gareth’s multi-instrumental roots and family musical heritage, blending alternative rock with elements of folk, pop, and blues. True to his DIY ethos, Gareth favours emotional honesty over polish, creating music that feels both intimate and expansive.
A Celestial Sound With Raw Emotion
On “Stars”, Gareth pairs lyrical reflections on mortality, legacy, and the values that define us with driving guitars, rich reverbs, and layered vocal harmonies.
The result is a soundscape that feels both earthly and cosmic, with a touch of psychedelia. Influences from Soundgarden, Radiohead, and Collective Soul are evident, but Gareth’s voice remains unmistakably his own – raw yet melodic, vulnerable yet powerful. Swelling reverbs and atmospheric delays mirror the song’s celestial imagery, while unconventional vocal harmonies add depth and a dreamlike quality to the track.
You can stream/download “Stars” HERE.
The Heart of Stranger in a Strange Land
“Stars” sits at the emotional centre of Stranger in a Strange Land, a debut collection that captures Gareth’s journey of starting anew in a different country while reflecting on his past. The EP explores themes of love, loss, personal growth, and creative identity.
Through this project, Gareth Haze invites listeners to join him on a journey of rediscovery – an introspective voyage through the strange and beautiful uncertainty of life as an artist far from home.
More info about Gareth Haze
Gareth Haze’s musical journey began in a household where music was both a language and a legacy. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he mastered guitar, drums, piano, marimba, xylophone, timpani, and a range of percussion instruments from a young age.
His sound draws from the rich textures of folk, rock, and blues, while his songwriting channels the lyrical honesty of Frank Turner and Dashboard Confessional and the storytelling gravitas of legends like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.
A self-professed fan of rock and punk, Gareth’s philosophy as a performer is simple: it’s better to play with passion than to chase perfection. His live shows reflect this raw, heartfelt energy—each note infused with sincerity and spontaneity. As the brother of acclaimed South African rocker Mark Haze, Gareth’s artistry also carries a sense of legacy, bridging continents and genres in pursuit of authentic expression.
With Stranger in a Strange Land, Gareth Haze steps firmly into his own as a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller, offering listeners an honest, emotionally rich sound that feels both timeless and deeply human.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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