Ten minute tea with Afternoon Tea. Spend ten minutes with Afternoon Tea. In the time it takes to boil one kettle, and let one cup of tea steep, we will have your daily art + music fix covered. Take your afternoon tea break with our Afternoon Tea curators.
Today’s tea + soundtrack + visuals curated by Mawzy.
Mawzy is the brainchild of songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Cooke. Through earnest storytelling, Mawzy‘s lyrics capture the ‘unnavigability’ of life and romance in his city, Toronto. Laying a sonic and visual foundation on his debut Escapism EP and follow-up singles, his use of crafted melodies and lush synthesizers has worked to create the trademark Mawzy sound.
“Better Man” is the second single from his upcoming album produced by Thom D’Arcy (The Sheepdogs, Yukon Blonde). Stream + share now.
“Better Man” was a song I wrote striving to do better for those you love. I’ve learned through this song that love is delicate and it needs care. Our words need to be proven by our actions. Releasing this song is therapeutic in the same way learning to let go of the love that “Better Man” was written about.
The title single of Mawzy‘s debut LP Long View (November 2023) has been featured on CBC’s Afterdark, Spotify Fresh Finds, and Amazon’s Apologies playlist. The FACTOR supported album spans from pop-centric and anthemic songwriting on “Forever Wild” and “Long View,” to spacious production and introspective lyricism on “Regrets & Wonders” and “Where I’m From.” Collaborating with local artists, Matthew materializes the Mawzy vision through a series of album visualizations inspired by beauty in nature and interpersonal connections.
During the winter it’s easy to let the elements get to you. It’s cold and wet, and us musicians still have to rush around to gigs and rehearsals despite the weather. I like to keep my body defenses up by making homemade lemon, ginger, and cinnamon tea. It’s comforting and simple plus it will help cure what ails you. Dice some ginger, add lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of fresh ground cinnamon to a tea infuser and let steep.
To pair with this calming elixir, I recommend perusing the works of Newfoundland painter Christopher Pratt. I recommend the painting ‘Placentia Bay Boat in Winter’. His use of symmetry and muted colors scene gives a serene feeling; a sure way to put the mind at ease. As a child I spent countless vacations at my mother’s childhood home in outport Newfoundland. The overturned dori in the evening light so beautifully captured in this painting transports me back to those days.
While viewing, a soundtrack is required, and an excellent fit would be the song ‘Now or Never’ by Nico Paulo. The combination of the melancholic lyrics and subtle nylon guitars sets a wonderful backdrop for viewing and sipping. If so inclined, Nico’s entire self-titled album is a perfect companion for Pratt’s collection, both marrying modern sensibilities with timeless lines and a touch of east coast charm.
Tea + Me 