Mat Zo Interview + Exclusive Superman Download

Posted by Middy on May 31, 2012

When you see a new Mat Zo track, you really have no idea what blissful sounds are going to be cascading into your ears the moment you hit play. You know it will be a superb production from beginning to end and a feeling of joy will linger long after the last note has dissipated into the space around you. He could send you into a primal frenzy with tracks such as “Mozart”, “Rebound” or “It’s Yours” or sooth your soul into a trance with “The Lost”, “Near The End” or my favorite mashup ever “Satellite Dynamics” using the Arty’s remix of his “Synapse Dynamics” and Ocean Lab “Satellite”. Then there are those you cannot really pin down Like “Bipolar”, “Frequency Flyer”, “Superman” (which we have an exclusive free download for you guys) or Tate & Diamond Feat Nicolai (Electrified (Mat Zo Electrofied Dub).

Mat Zo is a known quantity in EDM having been releasing tracks since the young age of 16 and at 17 was tabbed by Tiesto to remix “Driving To Heaven” on the 7th edition of his peerless compilation album “In Search of Sunrise”. Since then, Mat Zo has been steadily growing in fame and as a producer, with releases on Markus Schulz’s Coldharbor Recordings, AVA Records, and most importantly, Anjunabeats. He also has a drum n’ bass moniker MRSA that was quite active on Hospital Records from 2008-2010, but has since gone into a sort of hibernation. This shows the eclectic nature of Mat Zo and how easily he can make any sort of music. I do not want to bore you before the interview so make sure to catch him on the “Language Tour” with Porter Robinson & The M Machine this summer coming to a city near you. Also his latest single “The Sky” has been widely supported and is a great track, so be sure to get that and like him on Facebook and follow him on twitter. Last but VERY much not least we have an exclusive download of his hit single “Superman”, so do not hesitate to download it if you do not already have it.

DOWNLOAD: Mat Zo – Superman

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1. FNT: “This whole genres business is like the Berlin wall, and I’m there with a forklift and a wrecking ball” Mat Zo, September 2011. What is your creative process ie do you start with melodies first and work from there and how do you build your sound in each song. How do you decide what to put in your sets because they include music from a variety of genres?

Mat Zo: I always start with the main idea/theme then build around that. When I choose music to play out all I’m really looking for is something that will move a crowd. Genres don’t really play a role in that.

2. FNT: You started as a guitar player at 8 years old and your mom was a professional violinist. How did this influence you to move towards music and how did you shift towards dance music?

Mat Zo: I started liking dance music at an early age so it grew with me as much as coming from a musical family did.

3. FNT: Your half sister Alma Zohar is a successful singer. Who gets more praise from your parents when you guys are all together and who would you say is more talented?

Mat Zo: Haha! She is definitely a better lyricist.

4. FNT: You spent much of your childhood in the “Arse-end” of America, Cleveland, but moved back to London at age 11. What was key about moving back to London that helped spark your interest in dance music and your interest in making it?

Mat Zo: London gave me a lot more opportunities to experience dance music than Cleveland would have.

5. FNT: Do you have a writing or producing partner or helper like many people in the industry or is this all a one-man show?

Mat Zo: I’m a complete control freak in the studio. Working with someone all the time would annoy me, so no.

6. FNT: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of Dj life?

Mat Zo: Obviously the reward of being able to play music to people who actually enjoy it is what makes this job great. However spending your life in airports and often alone in hotel rooms can drive you crazy.

7. FNT: Your drum & bass moniker MRSA made a comeback on Above & Beyond’s “Love Is Not Enough” remix package, though disguised in the cheeky name MRZO. It had been a long time since we had seen a track from MRSA or MRZO, so will we be seeing more from MRSA or the evolved MRZO?

Mat Zo: Definitely

8. FNT: Do you have a pre-show routine?

Mat Zo: Yeah, wake up.

9. FNT: Funniest cab / airport story.

Mat Zo: I missed a flight to my first gig because I didn’t do the dishes when my dad asked me to.

10. FNT: You went to the same school as Judge Jules. How has that relationship been helpful for you as a young producer?

Mat Zo: Haha no I didn’t. Did I?

I do my homework and Special Features also went to the school as well. Makes me think it looks like this place.

11. FNT: What is the thing that has changed the most since you first started producing?

Mat Zo: The ass-print on my chair. Honestly , everything has changed so dramatically it’s impossible to decide.

12. A. FNT: Favorite drink order? Mat Zo: In what order?
B. FNT: Any specific people you point out at shows? Mat Zo: When I’m at shows I don’t usually point out anyone.
C. FNT: Best show this year? Mat Zo: Beta, Denver.
D. FNT: Your favorite football club? Mat Zo: The one with all the footballers.
E. FNT: Who you got in the Champions League Final: Chelsea or Bayern? Mat Zo: I haven’t got anyone in the Champions League.
F. FNT: Craziest fan request? Mat Zo: I had someone come up asking me for an autograph thinking I was a comedian.