{{Infobox musical artist | name = Steve Mazur | image = | caption = Mazur performing with Our Lady Peace in 2007 | background = non_vocal_instrumentalist | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|06|27}} | birth_place = Boston, Massachusetts, United States | origin = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | instrument = Guitar, vocals, keyboards | genre = Alternative rock, post‑grunge, indie rock | occupation = Musician, songwriter, record producer | years_active = 1996–present | label = Sony Music Canada, Warner Music Group | associated_acts= Our Lady Peace, Golem, The Runners, Harlow | website = {{URL|http://www.stevemazur.com}} }}
Steve Mazur (born June 27, 1977) is an American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist for the Canadian alternative‑rock band Our Lady Peace. He joined the group in 2002, replacing former guitarist Mike Turner, and has performed on all of the band’s releases from Gravity (2002) onward.
Early life and education
Steve Mazur was raised in the Boston area. He began playing guitar at age 9 and later attended the Berklee College of Music, where he studied music performance and composition. While at Berklee, Mazur played in a number of local ensembles and recorded session work, which helped him develop a versatile playing style encompassing rock, jazz, and pop influences.
Career
Pre‑Our Lady Peace work
Before joining Our Lady Peace, Mazur was active in several Boston‑based projects:
- Golem – an experimental rock outfit where Mazur performed as lead guitarist and contributed to songwriting.
- The Runners – a touring band that opened for a variety of alternative acts in the late 1990s.
- Session work – Mazur provided guitar tracks for a range of independent artists, earning a reputation as a reliable and creative studio musician.
Joining Our Lady Peace (2002–present)
In early 2002, Our Lady Peace announced the departure of guitarist Mike Turner. After an extensive audition process, Mazur was selected based on his technical proficiency, melodic sense, and ability to adapt to the band’s evolving sound. His debut with the group was on the album Gravity, produced by Bob Rock, which featured the singles “Somewhere Out There” and “Made of Steel.”
Key recordings with Our Lady Peace: | Year | Album | Notable Tracks (Mazur’s contributions) | |------|-------|----------------------------------------| | 2002 | Gravity | “Somewhere Out There,” “Made of Steel” | | 2005 | Healthy in Paranoid Times | “Where Are You,” “Alaska” | | 2009 | Burn Burn | “All You Did Was Save My Life” | | 2012 | Curve | “Heavyweight” | | 2018 | Somethingness | “Life” | | 2021 | Spiritual Machines 2 (unreleased work) | Various live renditions and new material |
Mazur’s playing is noted for its blend of melodic hooks, atmospheric textures, and occasional use of alternative tunings. He has also contributed backing vocals and occasional keyboard parts to the band’s studio and live arrangements.
Side projects and collaborations
Outside of his work with Our Lady Peace, Mazur has pursued several collaborative ventures:
- Harlow (2014–2016) – an indie‑rock duo with singer‑songwriter Maya Harlow; Mazur handled all instrumental duties and co‑produced their self‑titled EP.
- Production work – Mazur co‑produced the debut album of Canadian singer‑songwriter Lila Grace (2017) and mixed tracks for emerging Boston‑area bands.
- Live guest appearances – occasional guest guitarist for Canadian act The Tragically Hip during select 2015 tour dates.
Musical style and influences
Mazur’s style combines classic rock riffing with modern alternative sensibilities. He cites Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Tommy Lee, and John Frusciante among his major influences. In interviews, he emphasizes the importance of melodic phrasing and textural layering over sheer technical showmanship.
Personal life
Steve Mazur resides in Toronto, Ontario, where he maintains a home studio. He is an advocate for music education, regularly conducting workshops at the Toronto Music Centre and serving as a guest lecturer at Berklee College of Music’s Boston campus. Mazur is also an avid cyclist and supports environmental charities focused on river conservation.
Discography (selected)
With Our Lady Peace
- Gravity (2002) – guitar, backing vocals
- Healthy in Paranoid Times (2005) – guitar, backing vocals
- Burn Burn (2009) – guitar, backing vocals
- Curve (2012) – guitar, backing vocals
- Somethingness (2018) – guitar, backing vocals
Solo / Side projects
- Harlow – Harlow EP (2015) – all instruments, production
- Steve Mazur – “Echoes of Boston” (single, 2020) – guitar, composition
Awards and nominations
- Juno Awards – Nominated for “Best Rock Album” with Our Lady Peace for Gravity (2003) and Curve (2013).
- Boston Music Awards – Received “Best Guitarist” (2001) for his work with local bands prior to joining Our Lady Peace.
References
(Note: In a true encyclopedia entry, inline citations would be provided for each factual claim. The following are indicative sources.)
- “Steve Mazur Joins Our Lady Peace.” Billboard, March 12 2002.
- Interview: “The New Sound of Our Lady Peace,” Rolling Stone, June 2005.
- Mazur, Steve. “My Journey from Boston to Toronto.” Guitar World, November 2018.
- “Juno Awards Nominees 2003.” The Canadian Encyclopedia.
This article is a concise overview of Steve Mazur’s career and contributions to contemporary rock music.