Contributing WriterTommy Maze is carving his own lane in the underground, mixing house, tech, funk, and soul with plenty of personality. Jamie Jones, Skream, and Matroda have supported his productions, and they’ve picked up heavy rotation across Tomorrowland, Ushuaïa, and EDC. Maze’s latest EP on Jackfruit marks another chapter in an epic 2026 run for the Italian artist, as he continues to put his own stamp on the house scene.
Hey Tommy, thank you for joining us today. Your first release on Jackfruit, ‘The Night Is Yours / Feeling Alive ’, is released on October 23rd. How did the release get to TSHA, and how did that relationship start?
Hey, thank you for having me!
In 2025, I sent demos to TSHA, and when I finally sent “Feeling Alive”, it was the right fit! She loved it, and they needed a second track to make it an EP, so I made “The Night Is Yours”. She tested them out in clubs, and we signed it. I made these two tracks thinking about what I’d like to dance to in a club, so I think that’s why they work so well on the dancefloor.
Your releases take influence from a wide range of house and techno styles. Has this been a natural progression, or a conscious decision? Can exploring genres be better than sticking to one sound?
It’s a natural progression; in my early years as a producer, I explored many genres (including Techno). That helped me to learn and to grow, so I think that influence comes from my background. I think it’s good to explore genres, but you also have to find your sound/style and stick to it. I’m sure I found it.
You’ve recently remixed the Armand Van Helden classic ‘The Funk Phenomena’. Can you share the story behind this? Can you share the story behind this?
I love Armand Van Helden, and this is one of my favourite songs. I didn’t want to rework the track; I just wanted to give it a modern touch. I didn’t expect all this support. Over 600 downloads and support/downloads from big names like Skream, Franky Rizardo, Jamie Jones, Fritz Kalkbrenner, Calussa and many more. I never had this much support before, so I guess people liked it, ahah. I’m very proud of this remix.
I’ve seen on Instagram that you post videos breaking down your tracks. Did you start doing this to share production knowledge, and do you think it’s important in the music industry?
I think it’s important to show the process behind a song, how a record gets made, and the elements inside it. I make it for that reason more than as a “tutorial”.
There’s an ongoing conversation about the increasing pressure for artists to be online figures while also working on their craft. Do you feel this pressure, or do you find it helpful?
Actually both. I feel this pressure, but I also find it helpful. I just have to find the right balance.
I’ve read that you place soul and funk influences at the centre of your tracks. Who are some of your biggest inspirations from these genres?
Exactly. My biggest inspiration is Stevie Wonder, but I also draw on legends like James Brown and Nile Rodgers.
You frequently show support for other artists on streaming platforms, in shows, and online. What are your thoughts on the need for community and collaboration in music?
Yes, in my opinion, it’s important to support each other. We often listen to/like/download a song, but we forget to follow and support that artist. It’s nice to connect with other artists and collaborate; something beautiful and innovative can come from it.
To finish up, what can you tell us about your plans in the coming months?
Well, my plans for the next few months are to collaborate with artists, singers, and musicians of all kinds (I’m already working on that). I also want to grow as an artist; I’m learning new instruments and want to play more gigs. That’s my main goal.
Follow:
Tommy Maze: Instagram – SoundCloud – Facebook – Spotify
Jackfruit: Instagram – Bandcamp
