Showing posts with label Mat Zo. Show all posts
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04:19:00

 


With tracks under his belt such as 'Easy' (with Porter Robinson), 'Rebound' (with ARTY), 'The Sky' and 'Superman', Matan Zohar, formally known as Mat Zo, is one of Anjunabeats’ most celebrated artists. His GRAMMY-nominated debut album, ‘Damage Control,’ released in 2013, gave Mat’s avant-garde approach to production its full expression. Featuring break-out hit ‘Easy’, the track took Mat mainstream: a BBC Radio 1 A-List addition, Sirius XM BPM listing, a #1 Billboard Heatseeking record, an Essential Mix of the year nomination, and, ultimately, a GRAMMY nomination for best dance and electronic recording. 

The British producer’s latest studio album, ‘Illusion of Depth,’ was released on the label in October 2020. The album has garnered over 25 million streams and produced the singles 'The Next Chapter,' 'Problems,' and 'Colours’; the latter of which was placed in the soundtrack for the 2021 racing video game Forza Horizon 5. 

Last year, Mat Zo released the ‘ZOCASE EP’, a series of three lengthy tracks with cutting-edge sounds; each track a genre-less display, spacing between progressive house, breakbeat and techno.

Kicking off 2025 with ‘Wounded’, an official cover of Fleet Foxes 2020 track, ‘Can I Believe You’, the renowned producer followed up with another single, ‘Stupid O’Clock’ in early September. A showcase of masterful sound design, these singles provide a unique sonic experience that demonstrates Mat’s widely respected production skills. Now, he returns with his latest genre-defying production, ‘A Long Time’. Reminiscent of his emerging years and ongoing reputation for musical experimentation, ‘A Long Time’ shows off an extended journey of twists and turns through almost eight minutes.






Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Mat Zo - A Long Time[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Mat Zo’s A Long Time is a striking example of contemporary electronic music production that demonstrates a sophisticated blend of technical precision and creative daring. At a steady 124 BPM, the track unfolds over nearly eight minutes, moving fluidly through progressive, trance, and indie dance elements. Its sonic architecture showcases advanced layering techniques, with basslines that interlock seamlessly with rhythmic percussion patterns and atmospheric harmonic textures. The use of stereo imaging, reverb tails, and spatial effects creates a three-dimensional listening environment, giving the track a festival-ready, immersive quality. From a production standpoint, A Long Time highlights meticulous attention to detail in its transitions and drops. Automated filter sweeps, volume modulation, and sidechain compression ensure that each build-up flows into its corresponding release with impact and clarity. The dynamic range is carefully managed, maintaining an energetic loudness level without sacrificing tonal balance. Mat Zo’s signature approach to sound design—merging raw, analog-inspired synths with polished digital timbres—makes the track both innovative and club-friendly. Its intro and outro structures are DJ-conscious, offering sync-friendly cue points and looping potential for set integration. Beyond its technical merits, the track has profound positive effects on mental health and wellness environments. Scientific studies have shown that rhythmic entrainment at moderate tempos (110–130 BPM) can enhance mood regulation, reduce stress, and improve focus (Thoma et al., 2013). The uplifting melodic hooks and harmonic progressions in A Long Time stimulate dopamine release, contributing to emotional uplift (Salimpoor et al., 2011). In fitness and movement-based wellness classes, such music supports sustained physical activity by promoting a natural synchronization of movement with rhythm, which has been linked to improved exercise performance and enjoyment (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). For meditation or relaxation sessions focused on active mindfulness, its evolving sonic journey can encourage flow states, offering both cognitive stimulation and emotional relief. In human-centered terms, A Long Time demonstrates how well-crafted electronic music can transcend entertainment, acting as a tool for mental health support, physical engagement, and emotional well-being. Mat Zo’s balance of technical mastery and expressive artistry creates not just a track for the dance floor but an experiential soundscape that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. #PureGold Love iT[/content]
[item value="10"]Rhythm, Groove & Drive[/item]
[item value="10"]Melodic Hooks & Harmonic Layers[/item]
[item value="10"]Transitions, Drops & Build-Ups [/item]
[item value="10"]Energy Flow & Momentum [/item]
[item value="10"]Sound Design & Production Quality[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality of Arrangement & Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]Use of Effects & Spatial Design[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Range & Loudness Balance[/item]
[item value="10"]Atmosphere & Immersion[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional Resonance[/item]
[item value="10"]Creativity & Artistic Identity[/item]
[item value="10"]Cohesion & Storytelling[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocal Performance & Lyrical Impact[/item]
[item value="10"]Catchiness & Replay Value[/item]
[item value="10"]Club / Festival Suitability[/item]
[item value="10"]Track Intro/Outro Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]BPM Consistency & Sync Ease[/item]
[item value="10"]Cue Points & Loop Potential[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Energy for Set Flow[/item]
[item value="10"]Crowd Reaction Potential[/item]
[/review]


Suggested Bibliography
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis (Part I). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–66.
Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257–262.
Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition & Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.

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07:37:00

 




Anjunabeats legend Mat Zo makes his 2025 debut with ‘Wounded’, the latest in the celebrated producer’s catalogue.

With tracks under his belt such as 'Easy' (with Porter Robinson), 'Rebound' (with ARTY), 'The Sky' and 'Superman', Matan Zohar, formally known as Mat Zo, is one of Anjunabeats’ most celebrated artists. His GRAMMY-nominated debut album, ‘Damage Control,’ released in 2013, gave Mat’s avant-garde approach to production its full expression. Featuring break-out hit ‘Easy’, the track took Mat mainstream: a BBC Radio 1 A-List addition, Sirius XM BPM listing, a #1 Billboard Heatseeking record, an Essential Mix of the year nomination, and, ultimately, a GRAMMY nomination for best dance and electronic recording. 

The British producer’s latest studio album, ‘Illusion of Depth,’ was released on the label in October 2020. The album has garnered over 25 million streams and produced the singles 'The Next Chapter,' 'Problems,' and 'Colours’; the latter of which was placed in the soundtrack for the 2021 racing video game Forza Horizon 5. 

Last year, Mat Zo released the ‘ZOCASE EP’, a series of three lengthy tracks with cutting-edge sounds. With each track a genre-less display, spacing between progressive house, breakbeat explosion and techno, Mat cements his inimitable style. An official cover of Fleet Foxes 2020 track, ‘Can I Believe You’, Mat Zo presents, in his typical fashion, an eight-plus minute journey through his masterful sound design.

Mat Zo ‘Wounded’ is out now on Anjunabeats.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Mat Zo’s remarkable streak of musical brilliance continues to shine with his latest masterpiece, ‘Wounded’. This eight-minute odyssey is not just a track—it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of progressive soundscapes, enveloping listeners in a rich tapestry of emotions and sonic wonder. From the very first beat, ‘Wounded’ establishes a mesmerizing pulse with its steady 124 BPM, creating a rhythmic heartbeat that resonates deep within. The production unveils layers like a beautifully crafted story, each element introduced with purpose and precision. Heavenly cinematic vocal choirs float ethereally, their angelic tones weaving through the composition like whispers from another realm. These vocals are contrasted with raw, distorted male voices, grounding the track with an emotional intensity that feels both intimate and expansive. The strong guitar riffs stand out, not merely as musical elements but as emotional anchors. They ripple with fervor, adding grit and warmth that complement the soaring cinematic strings. These strings swell and recede like ocean tides, infusing the track with a sense of grandeur and timelessness. Sun-kissed melodies sprinkle throughout, their luminous quality evoking feelings of nostalgia and hope, like the golden glow of a setting sun. What makes ‘Wounded’ truly transcendent is Mat Zo’s masterful ability to blend these diverse elements seamlessly. The hypnotic combination of sounds doesn’t just play to the ears—it speaks to the soul. Each progression, each drop, feels like an emotional revelation, pulling listeners deeper into a sonic journey that transcends genre boundaries. It’s not just a track; it’s an emotive voyage destined to capture the hearts and minds of electronic music aficionados around the globe. #PureGold indeed. Love it. [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]




Additional info:


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00:37:00


Mat Zo drops a genre-bending double A-side, ‘Les Mishegas / Shut Up’, out now on Anjunabeats.

Mat Zo is one of Anjunabeats’ most celebrated artists, with tracks such as 'Easy' (with Porter Robinson), 'Rebound' (with ARTY), 'The Sky' and 'Superman' capturing the imagination of the masses. His GRAMMY-nominated debut album, ‘Damage Control’, released in 2013, gave Mat’s avant-garde approach to production its full expression. Featuring break-out hit ‘Easy’, the track took Mat mainstream: a Radio 1 A-List addition, Sirius XM BPM listing, a #1 Billboard Heatseeking record, an Essential Mix of the year nomination and, ultimately, a GRAMMY nomination for best dance and electronic recording.

His latest studio album, ‘Illusion of Depth’, was released on the label in October 2020. The album produced singles 'The Next Chapter', 'Problems' and 'Colours'; the latter of which has garnered over eight million streams, 150k YouTube views, hundreds of national radio play-outs and was placed in the soundtrack for the 2021 racing video game Forza Horizon 5. Mat rounded off 2022 with a surprise end-of-year single, ‘Astatine’, which has since amassed over 600K streams.

Never one to be constrained by the arbitrary concept of genre, 'Les Mishegas' and 'Shut Up' are no exception, blending together influences from heavy metal, electronica and psychedelica. Both tracks have been teased live in Mat's DJ sets over the past year, including his performances at Group Therapy 500 in Los Angeles, Above & Beyond's Group Therapy Weekender festivals in the US, UK and Australia, and most recently at Beyond Wonderland, Anjunabeats Miami and Anjunabeats Austin.

Expect more shows from Mat across Europe and North America in the coming months, and more music. 'Les Mishegas / Shut Up’ is out now on Anjunabeats.


Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]Mat Zo - Les Mishegas / Shut Up [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Anjunabeats is one of the most respected record labels globally because of its eclectic releases that nowadays cross genre boundaries and allow more music voices to be heard rather than focusing on one single sound. Mat Zo with his tracks has proved his ability to absorb influences from other genres and come up with something new and exciting. If you for instance adore indie dance sounds Les Mishegas is an excellent slice of rock guitar riffs, power boosting basslines, chunky thumping grooves to create raw, rough and incredible elegant tapestry of sounds and emotions. On the other side Shut Up is the more colorful groovy melodic floating progressive house track ready for mainstage action. With disco house influences and feel good summery vibes plus heavy dose of acid overlays this track despite its aggressive title is pleasure for the ears and perfect to add flower power 70's nostalgia into the proceedings. #PureGold Love IT   [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

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13:00:00

 


One of dance music’s most enigmatic figures returns home to Anjunabeats.

GRAMMY-nominated producer Mat Zo is back with a brand new artist album set for release in October: ‘Illusion Of Depth’.

At the age of 30, this is the London-born, L.A.-based producer’s third artist LP.

He broke onto the scene in 2008 and has been causing an uproar ever since. In the early naughties, he penned Anjunabeats classics like ‘The Lost’ and ‘Synapse Dynamics’ which were far ahead of their time. They were followed by the likes of ‘Superman’, ‘The Sky’ and ‘Rebound’ (with Arty). He pushed the Anjunabeats sound to the mainstage, racking up spins from Pete Tong, Axwell and Armin van Buuren.

It was his GRAMMY-nominated debut album ‘Damage Control’ that fully showcased Mat’s avant-garde approach in 2013. Featuring break-out hit ‘Easy’ with close friend Porter Robinson, the track took Mat mainstream: a Radio 1 A-List addition, Sirius XM BPM listing, a #1 Billboard Heatseeking record, an Essential Mix of the year nomination and, ultimately, a GRAMMY nod for best dance and electronic recording.

Since then, Mat has grown his own stable. Self-releasing his second LP in 2016, ‘Self Assemble’, via Mad Zoo, Mat’s imprint nurtured a new generation of eclectic, genre-agnostic creators.

He’s stayed close with Anjunabeats through that time, joining Above & Beyond for shows at Madison Square Garden and Huntington Beach and Anjunabeats label shows around North America.

We come full circle with ‘Illusion of Depth’, a modern homage to the sounds that made him a star.
“I started working on Illusion of Depth because I wanted to make a body of work that was cohesive. I’m usually known for being all over the place, but I wanted to make an album that had unifying qualities. In this case, partly it’s the tempo. Everything on the album is in the 124-128 bpm range, but within that constraint I still managed to be all over the place stylistically. There’s also a lot more live/non-digital elements on this album than my previous work. I was getting really tired of how clean everything is in this corner of dance music. Above all else I wanted to make an album with grit, texture and attitude. I wanted to make a fuck you statement to the safe, sugary & fluffy world of post-EDM trance.”
“A big part of the conception of the album came from working with Olan. She's a highly skilled singer, songwriter and producer and we've known each other for years. We had been in the studio working on a bunch of material before this, and that helped us grow a common musical identity. When it came to writing this album we were already comfortable with each other. This allowed the songs on the album to be honest, opposed to a bunch of toplines plastered on top of already formed tracks. Every song we wrote together is personal, sincere, and holds a lot of meaning for both of us.” - Mat Zo

 

Prepare for another helter-skelter trip through a pick-n’-mix of styles. ‘Illusion Of Depth’ begins with the brash ‘In Media Res’. Next, it’s Zo’s ode to 90’s warehouse techno: ‘The Next Chapter’ featuring legendary jungle/D&B MC GQ. Then, all of a sudden, ‘Love Songs’ and some French, filter house.

The album introduces Atlanta-based Olan, a singer and producer that Mat has worked with for a number of years. There’s a nod to classic rave culture and the Chemical Brothers with her vocals on ‘Problems’ while closing track ‘Paralysis’ is a cinematic rock crescendo.


‘Illusion of Depth’ will be released via Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats imprint on the 9th of October 2020. Find it on Anjuna Music Store

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