Peter ‘Maz’ Maslen first came to our attention as drummer in 80s rock pop outfit Boom Crash Opera, a band which has been doing quite a few come back gigs lately. He can also be seen clicking sticks with Mark Seymour and The Undertow and a list (too long to mention) of other acclaimed artists.
What was your first kit like?
An early 70’s Yamaha blue marine pearl (20×14, 13×9, 16×16) with ‘Royal’ cymbals. A kid down the street had exactly the same kit and I convinced him to sell it to me … then I had double everything … ‘more is more’ … right? I worked on school holidays and bought a Pearl ‘Jupiter’ snare (14×5.5 steel) which I still have 40 years later. That snare cost me $90 (a LOT of money back then). My next acquisition was a pair of Avedis Zildjian 14” hi-hats and an 18” Avedis crash (which I still have).
What’s your regular kit set up?
DW drums. I have a very large ‘modular’ Champagne Sparkle DW kit (many drums of varying sizes that I configure for what I’m doing).
-Sabian Cymbals
-Vater Sticks (5AW)
-Evans Heads
Different snare options include: DW/Craviottos (all maple), Ludwig (Acro, BB, Bronze Engraved, Maple) and Fidock (Tas Blackwood) snares.
Is it the same for recording?
Nope. I use more drums for recording and I take a whole heap of stuff so I can choose the right tool. I can use more toms on a recording session, mainly for musicality.
What sticks do you favour?
Ooooo … anything around a 5AW (Vater)
Other drummers you admire?
Australian drummers who blow my skirt up are: Freddie Strauks, Buzz Bidstrup, Gil ‘Rathead’ Matthews, Mark Kennedy, Rob Hirst, Jon Farris, Gary Young, Johnny Dick, Phil Rudd. These are drummers who have made their mark on the Australian recording landscape. They have paved the way for the next wave to come through behind them. I hold their recorded work in the highest regard.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
I’m in the studio a lot (working with different people). Next project is Mark Seymour and The Undertow’s 3rd studio album called ‘Asylum’
What gigs have you been playing lately?
Boom Crash Opera, Mark Seymour and The Undertow, RawBrit.
Most memorable gig?
Talking Heads-Remain in Light Tour in 1984 at Melbourne Ent Centre. Left a huge impression on me … the ‘theatre’ of the performance taught me a great deal! Jamming with David Bowie when I was 19 in a Brisbane nite club.
Worst stage nightmare?
-Hitting myself with a stick .. really, REALLY hurts!!
-Starting the wrong song.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
Shows with Boom Crash Opera, live shows with Mark Seymour and The Undertow and RawBrit.
A drum tip for the kids?
Play the music you like, or want to … don’t be fooled by trickery and know your legal stuff (what you‘re entitled to).