UK-born South African singer-songwriter Gaz has unveiled his debut solo album, My New Skin, alongside his latest single, “The Afterlife,” produced by Mark Beling. Over four years in the making, the album is now available worldwide, offering listeners an intimate and deeply moving musical journey.
Blending emotive indie, rock, and alternative with influences of new wave, post-rock, and post-punk, Gaz delivers a powerful and immersive sound that has earned praise from industry heavyweights. Each single released over the past four years has received critical acclaim, paving the way for this significant milestone.
Formerly the frontman of the renowned 90s South African rock band Crush, Gaz rekindled his passion for music in 2020 after a long hiatus. Teaming up with SAMA-winning producer Mark Beling, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and creative rebirth.
This collaboration culminated in “My New Skin,” a ten-track album exploring themes of transformation, resilience, love, and social issues—creating a deeply introspective yet universally relatable body of work.
The final single from the album, “The Afterlife,” is a powerful and deeply evocative rock ballad that explores the idea of love enduring beyond mortality.
Inspired by Gaz’s reflections during his wife’s battle with cancer, the song poses a profoundly human question: How do we find our lost loved ones in the next life?
Featuring a stirring vocal duet with DelMari Shaw (*DelShaw*), “The Afterlife” captures the raw emotion of grief, hope, and the enduring power of love beyond the physical realm.
Recorded at Mark Beling Studios, the song came together in just two sessions. The first session saw Gaz laying down a single-take guide vocal, which remarkably became the final version due to its authenticity and emotional depth.
However, the track needed something more—a counterpart, a voice from “the other side.” In a serendipitous moment, Gaz received an unexpected message from DelShaw, whose ethereal voice became the perfect complement. Her contribution added an unparalleled depth to the track, solidifying its place as a timeless rock anthem.
Check out the lyric video for “The Afterlife” below:
As a whole, My New Skin represents both an artistic and personal rebirth. Each track tells a unique story, touching on love, balance, conflict, social issues, and self-discovery, all woven into a compelling, cohesive album.
Gaz’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies have resonated with audiences in the UK, US, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Australia, and beyond. Charting tracks like “Slow Down,” “Dopamine,” “Pay To Breathe,” and “Lullaby For The World” further showcase the widespread appeal of his emotionally charged sound and distinctive, hard-hitting style.
“In March 2020, I realized that a vital part of myself had been missing for far too long,” says Gaz. “Music has always been my calling, and working with Mark Beling reignited that fire. What started as a simple collaboration evolved into something much bigger—a complete reinvention of myself as an artist.”
My New Skin is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and embracing one’s true creative identity.
You can stream/download the album HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
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