GAZ has spent the last few years rebuilding his musical identity with purpose, patience and a clear artistic point of view. Best known as Garry McCluskey, the former frontman of 1990s South African rock outfit CRUSH, he re-emerged as a solo artist in 2020 and steadily established a body of work defined by strong hooks, honest writing and a mature alternative rock edge. Following the momentum of his 2025 album 'My New Skin', GAZ now returns with 'Moving On', a new single accompanied by a music video and lyric video, created once again with producer Mark Beling. The song is intimate, emotionally direct and rooted in a deeply personal chapter of his life, making it a fitting focal point for a conversation about legacy, loss, reinvention and the power of music to carry a person through change.

You have lived several lives as an artist already. When you look at GAZ now, what feels most different about the musician you are today compared with the one people may have known in your earlier career?

"I would say a more mature and professional approach dominates these days. Whilst CRUSH made amazing music as a four-piece, I have focused more recently on finding and refining the artist I am today and what that could be. For me, the level of professionalism that I am surrounded by on this new journey demands my best. I feel I need to be as polished and worthy as I can this time around. There are not too many more chances to have a go at it, I suppose. Also, recording in a high-end studio versus the CRUSH home studio makes a world of difference."

Many artists talk about comeback records, but your solo work feels more like a reinvention than a return. Did you see it that way from the start, or did the identity of GAZ emerge gradually as the songs arrived?

"There was certainly an unmistakable CRUSH sound back then. We were a four-piece rock band. A solo artist needs a slightly different approach because it is all you, heart-on-sleeve time, with nowhere to hide. I have a deep love for Rock, Indie and Alternative, all mixed with a touch of Goth and Synth. I feel GAZ’s sound is a collection of these influences, and I lean on any one of them, or draw from them at any time, if it feels and sounds right."

The response to 'My New Skin' gave your solo work real momentum. Looking back, what did that release prove to you about your songwriting, your audience and your place in the current music landscape?

"I never imagined that my music would chart one day in the US, Mexico or Stockholm, or that I would ever be in a position to submit a solo album for the SAMAs. It is mind-blowing for me to both conceive and reflect on. There is such a feeling of self-worth and pride. I guess it proves that there are listeners out there, from all corners of life, who want to hear what we are bringing to the music scene. It shows that exploration, commitment, honesty and a good product can be recognised anywhere, with the right people around you."

When a song connects strongly, do you feel it first as a personal vindication, a creative milestone, or simply proof that honesty still cuts through?

"It depends on the track and the reason it was written, or what motivated me to do it in the first place. We all want our music to be heard and loved. There is no MasterChef recipe. I want my music to come from an honest place, first and foremost. If that resonates with listeners, then the other merits fall into place in terms of personal validation and creativity. I do not see any point in creating work that only I might like. The art must resonate more broadly, not just within the artist."

'Moving On' comes from a deeply human and difficult place. What made this the right moment to turn that experience into a song rather than leave it unspoken?

"It was never intended to be written or released. It was realised in an outpouring of music and emotion during a studio session back in November 25. I had gone to the studio to record a new song I had written called 'The Last Song', fully written and rehearsed. Upon arrival, Mark’s old Mean Mr Mustard bandmate, Darryl de Lange, was there. We had a few drinks and were messing around, playing this and that. It became clear that there was no intention of recording my new song, we were partying and having too much fun. Then Darryl went outside for some fresh air. Mark, on his Taylor acoustic, started playing something new and directing it straight at me. 'Sing, GAZ,' he said, but this was not my rehearsed song. It was something else entirely. It all poured out between us over about three minutes or so. I was singing ad-lib lyrics while Mark progressed the song as we went. 'Chorus,' he shouted as he changed things up, and out that came too, straight from nowhere into his phone recording. That was it, a three-minute moment of purity, emotion and creativity, completely off the bat. That formed the basis for 'Moving On'."

The title suggests forward motion, but the story behind it carries grief, adjustment and emotional weight. How did you find the balance between sorrow and strength when shaping the final version?

"I agree. There is a very unusual juxtaposition of sadness and forward movement that makes this track quite unique. The lyrics make you want to cry, but the melody gives you hope. There is a beautiful ride that Mark introduced to the track at some point, which holds the song’s progression and maintains its momentum. The synth also sets a deep mood while allowing the vocals to be clearly heard. You do not quite know whether to cry or smile when listening to this song. It is a bit bizarre in a way, but that is honestly how it was conceived. Let us say, moving on, but hurt."

Was there a moment in the writing process when you realised the song was no longer just about what had happened, but about how you chose to respond to it?

"Yes, I changed some of the final lyrics as they came across as too direct and potentially hurtful. With some restraint, and with my mind on the bigger message, the lyrics were softened into a more reflective and soothing description of what I was going through, or what a listener might be experiencing. This was an important milestone in the writing, and I am glad it happened."

You wrote and captured the first version instinctively in the studio. What is it about spontaneous writing that can sometimes reveal more truth than a carefully planned session ever could?

"It must be the pressure to perform in the moment. There is nowhere to hide, it is all you, and you must rely on instinct. You reach deep within yourself and let whatever inside comes out. It does not matter what emerges in those moments. Often it can be rubbish, but sometimes it is real, instinctive purity. I do not think you can be contrived in those moments. There is nowhere to go but inward. Planned sessions can lose that spontaneity because you are already anticipating what you are going to do and have rehearsed your delivery. There are already boundaries and limitations before you even arrive at the studio. I must commend Mark for recognising that moment and taking us into the unknown."

The song has a very strong sense of place and home, especially with the father and son thread. Why was that emotional perspective important to preserve?

"The song reflects the memories of three family members, father, mother and son. All parties to the relationship and separation were, and will be, affected. It would not be right to focus only on the parents, as the child is just as important. Our separation agreement states that our son lives with his father, hence the line 'Me and my son', as that is what remains. He is under my care, and that is profoundly important to me. Of course, he loves his mother and vice versa, and he still spends precious time with her, but at the end of the day it is 'Me and my son'."

A lot of songs about separation lean heavily on confrontation. This one feels more reflective and dignified. Was that emotional tone something you had to work toward, or did it arrive naturally after the first burst of writing?

"Most of the lyrical tone was delivered in one go initially, as mentioned. Once I reflected on the message and some of the wording, I felt certain parts needed to be edited, as they were too targeted towards my wife regarding the separation. That would not have been fair to her or to the message of the song. I cannot help where I was emotionally on that first night in the studio; it was raw and unfiltered. I later reworked certain lines to make the song less personal and more universal, allowing listeners to relate it to their own circumstances if they find themselves in a similar position. This was the right decision, as I would not be happy with the song otherwise. It would have been contradictory to claim I was 'moving on' while some of the lyrics suggested the opposite. I still have the utmost respect for my wife, and that needed to be reflected with dignity."

Mark Beling remains a central creative partner in your work. What does he bring to your process that helps songs like 'Moving On' keep their emotional centre intact?

"My relationship with Mark Beling is not simply that of producer and singer. Our connection goes back to when our sons were in primary school together, and we have maintained a close bond since. He is first a good friend, and then a top producer. He understands and connects with the deeper meanings behind the tracks we create together and can quickly engage on a creative level. He also knows the sound and mood I am aiming for with GAZ, which makes the studio process almost seamless. With 'Moving On', I doubt any other producer would have fully understood where I was emotionally at the time of recording. He captured the mood beautifully."

The production leaves space for the vocal and lyric to carry the weight. What kind of sonic decisions did you both make to protect the intimacy of the track?

"I believe the intimacy is protected primarily by the lyrical message. It was a strong vocal performance with clarity that tells the story well. From there, Mark took over, so it would be best to ask him, but I believe he had deep respect for the message and built the music around the vocal. He also cleverly added atmosphere that brings both sadness and a brighter tempo to the overarching message of 'Moving On'. I am ecstatic with the final mix and the overall integrity of the song. Beling is a genius."

Mark Beling is also making waves again with Mean Mr Mustard, which gives this collaboration even more context within South African rock. Did that wider creative energy around him feed into the excitement around this single at all?

"I am not entirely sure, but I do not think so in general. Back in November 25, the revival of Mustard was a very low-profile affair. That said, I knew Mark was highly motivated at the time. Darryl de Lange, also part of Mustard past and present, was in the studio with us on that first night. A lot of fun was had, I assure you. However, 'Moving On' was conceived in a very quiet moment during the night. Thanks to 'Daggy' stepping outside for some fresh air, otherwise this track may never have been realised."

You have released the single alongside both a music video and a lyric video. What did you want those visuals to add to the listening experience?

"I wanted the visuals to enhance the emotional feel of the track. There is a connection between the lyrics and the video content, but the imagery still allows the viewer to interpret the song in their own way."

When listeners finish this song, what is the one feeling or thought you hope stays with them?

"I hope listeners can relate to the track in some way, whatever that may be for them. I hope 'Moving On' inspires them to move forward from whatever challenge they are facing or have faced, and that it brings some light and healing."

Looking beyond this release, where do you feel this chapter is taking you creatively, and what kind of songs do you feel most compelled to write now?

"I just want to keep putting out quality tracks that continue to build the GAZ brand and sound. Whatever the mood, tempo or genre, I am ready to explore further and see what is left in the tank. I do not know what shape or sound that will take right now, and honestly, I am happy with that, as it leaves the door wide open to explore."

GAZ’s story is one of endurance, not only in music but in life, and 'Moving On' captures that with uncommon honesty. It is a song shaped by real experience, carried by a trusted creative partnership with Mark Beling, and presented with the kind of emotional clarity that invites listeners in rather than pushing them away.

Thank you to GAZ for sharing this chapter so openly. Readers are encouraged to stream 'Moving On', watch the music video and lyric video, and follow GAZ as this next phase continues to unfold.

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