Since his transition into Progressive Dance music, he explored all the flavours the genre had to offer including, Electro Prog, Markus Schulzish Trance, James Holdenish Minimal House and good old fashion Progressive House. All of his varied styles have gained huge recognition. His Remix of Holden and Thompson's 'Nothing' saw him gain a name for himself on a bigger scale.
On the road to success, Mat Zo has gained great support from DJs such as DJ R-Man, DJ Tarkan, Jav D, Micah, Airwave, Andy Moor and Markus Schulz. Also his tracks have been spun by DJs such as Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz, Andy Moor, Mike Shiver, Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto and many others.
As a DJ, you could say that Mat Zo is a beginner. But he is already gaining credibility as a radio DJ, with mixes featured on many highly rated radio stations. Since he is still young, he hasn't been offered many bookings for clubs. However Mat will continue to grab audiences across the world through the aid of technology.
i:Vibes: Hi Matan, thanks for taking some time to talk to www.ivibes.nu. You have brought some real fresh energy to EDM lately with amazing tracks. What has been your secret for making such innovative music lately?
Mat Zo: I sit in my room all week and make music until I come up with something worth listening to. There’s no secret involved.
i:Vibes: Are you originally from London or did you grow up somewhere else? What was your childhood like?
Mat Zo: Well I was born in London but I moved to Cleveland, Ohio when I was about one. America had a very bad impact on me for the next ten years before I came back to London. I wasn't a very happy child I'll admit. But I think I can put a lot of that anger into the music to make it better.
i:Vibes: Who were your early musical inspirations when you were a kid?
Mat Zo: Well my mum is a violinist and I was brought up surrounded by music. From what I can remember, my favourite groups were always Radiohead, Daft Punk to Alice In Chains and Nirvana. I loved the early 'grunge' scene and the dance scene since I can remember. Nowadays my 'grunge' is Drum and Bass.
i:Vibes: What was your first record/CD that you bought?
Mat Zo: That’s stretching my memory a bit hehe. I think it was either Nirvana's Bleach or Alice In Chains' self titled album (or tripod as its sometimes known).
i:Vibes: Did you have some special experience that led you into music? How did you know that you wanted to be involved with EDM?
Mat Zo: I have wanted to create music ever since my Dad bought me a guitar when I was 8. But before that I used to have a xylophone that I would bang away at while watching Fantasia. I am talking about when I was 4-5. So I guess there wasn't one special experience, but I think you could say my mum playing me music while I was still in the womb had a lot to do with it.
i:Vibes: Being involved with so many styles of music in the last years, how has this diversity shaped you as a music producer? What qualities have you gained in this time?
Mat Zo: I believe that getting into all kinds of music will help your mind get a better understanding of sound. I don’t think getting into different styles 'shapes' your idea of music, that’s the last thing I want. I think it softens your brain and makes it more open to different vibrations. You need a soft brain for music.
i:Vibes: You grew up with so many different styles of music in the last years. How would you describe the Mat Zo sound now in December 2008?
Mat Zo: If I could describe it then I would have failed as a producer. Good music cannot be described in words. All I can say is that it’s different to what I was doing before and I hope this change carries on.
i:Vibes: You released ‘Defined’ on the well known UK label Anjunabeats. How thrilled were you by the release and were you happy yourself with the production of the track?
Mat Zo: After a day of listening to segments of the track over and over again, you tend to be put off the track afterwards. Now when I listen to it, it sounds outdated. However, if you told me I would be releasing on Anjunabeats two years ago I’d say you're crazy.
i:Vibes: ‘Defined’ is a track that is unforgettable. Was this a tune that was easy to make or did you have to bleed a lot in getting it perfect?
Mat Zo: No track is 'easy' to make, unless its dubstep. I guess it was relatively easy to make though, as it only took a day to produce.
i:Vibes: I really love ‘Rush’. It is very melodic and just beautiful. What was your inspiration behind this track? Does the track have a particular story behind it?
Mat Zo: No story really. I just wanted to make a simple track that could touch everyone's spinal cord. I put a lot of love into it.
i:Vibes: How do you usually work in the studio? Do you have a certain pattern when you are producing a track or does it change from track to track?
Mat Zo: I tend to always start with the drums and I build on top of that. Before that I usually come up with a chord structure or melody in my head or on the guitar. Sometimes you have to shut off your senses and use your subconscious mind to produce.
i:Vibes: Your remix of ‘Fallen Tides’ is also spectacular. The vocal is still the central point, but you really made a totally different version with a nice atmosphere. What is your goal with a remix?
Mat Zo: I just wanted to make my own thing out of it, as with any remix. I take a few basic elements and change them and build around them. I just want to add the Mat Zo touch. ;-)
i:Vibes: What goals do you have for 2009?
Mat Zo: Hmmm. I guess my goal is to not be homeless and make some good music. I'd like to get a few (a lot) more international gigs in as well. Maybe it won’t happen next year, but I also want to merge the DnB scene with the trance/house scene so we can make some beautiful dirty music together.
i:Vibes: With what artist would you liked to be locked away in the studio for 24 hours?
Mat Zo: Beyonce, but not to make music. Seriously though, I’d love to make some music with Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead.
i:Vibes: What German artists do you respect and why?
Mat Zo: So many including Martin Roth, Plastic Angel, PVD, Cosmic Gate, and all the minimalists. Germany seems to churn out good music. My favourite is Bach.
i:Vibes: You are also a DJ. How would you describe your DJing style?
Mat Zo: I try to play what I like, but sometimes what I like isn't suitable for trance gigs. I tend to play old and new trance/progressive, I don’t overdo the promos.
i:Vibes: Do you spin with CDs or do you use some of the new technology via a laptop?
Mat Zo: Never will and never have used a laptop to DJ live. CDJs give you a simple layout to mix with, I hate complexity.
i:Vibes: Do you think that something is missing in DJ culture without the old school vinyl? Have you ever spun with vinyl?
Mat Zo: I have never spun with vinyl live because I cant afford vinyls yet. But yes, I do think something is missing in new DJ culture, the love for music.
i:Vibes: What could one expect from you in a three hour set from you?
Mat Zo: Just about everything from minimal to uplifting trance, weaved together.
i:Vibes: You played at Luminosity at the Beach, at Zandvoort Holland. How was that experience for you and is there a big difference between the Dutch and UK audiences?
Mat Zo: Every gig is a good experience. I personally think that the Dutch audience loves the music a lot more than the Brits. They really go for it, old and young.
i:Vibes: What are your long term goals as an artist?
Mat Zo: Eventually I want to do film scoring. Apart from this, I just want to carry on making music for the rest of my life.
i:Vibes: What are your five all time favourite tracks?
Mat Zo: That’s a much too difficult question to answer because it changes all the time.
i:Vibes: What will you be doing for the holiday season?
Mat Zo: Doing what I usually do. I am not big on holidays but it’s a good time to get together with friends and get drunk, get high and eat.
i:Vibes: What are your hobbies?
Mat Zo: Nowadays I like learning things. I guess I am making up for completely failing school.
i:Vibes: Matan, thank you for the chat and good luck for the future!
Mat Zo: Thank you! :)
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i:Vibes Info
UK born, Matan Zohar (aka Mat Zo, Reif, Unripelemon), still a teenager, has made a sudden appearence on the EDM scene. After 3 years of producing varied electronic music, ranging from DnB to trance, he discovered progressive house. This discovery lead him to being tracklisted by some of the worlds top DJs. But still a teenager, Mat Zo is at the beginning of a long career...
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