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Mat Zo
Mat Zo
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Key Information

Matan Zohar (/ˈmɑːtən ˈzər/ MAH-tən ZOH-ər;[citation needed] born 30 April 1990), better known by his stage name Mat Zo, is a British DJ and electronic music producer.[5] Zohar released his debut album, Damage Control, via the Anjunabeats and Astralwerks labels on 5 November 2013.[6] His second studio album, Self Assemble, was released on 25 March 2016 under his own Mad Zoo label.[7]

Early life

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The son of artist Israel Zohar, and half-brother of Israeli singer Alma Zohar, Matan Zohar was born in London on 30 April 1990 and lived in Ohio until the age of eleven before returning to his birthland. He was raised by his mother, Wendy Caron Zohar, a professional violinist who nurtured Matan's early love of and inclination toward music. His father, who was a Kazakhstan-born painter, gifted him a guitar at the age of eight which eventually shifted to him forming musical bands and playing with drums and bass. Zohar began to explore electronic music in his teens by self-learning music production with Logic Pro and taking inspiration from artists like The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk.[8][9]

Career

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Mat's releases on Anjunabeats have earned substantial critical acclaim, and his collaboration with Porter Robinson, "Easy", reached number eleven on the US Dance Club Songs chart, and number one on Beatport.[10][11]

On 28 August 2013, Mat Zo announced the title and artwork for his debut album Damage Control as well as a teaser track called "Little Damage". Damage Control was released on 5 November of that year. It garnered immediate critical acclaim and established Mat as an extremely versatile artist who could produce electronic music of all types and genres. Dancing Astronaut called it "an inspiring and timeless artistic debut".[12] The album went on to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album.[13]

On 25 March 2016, Mat Zo released his second studio album titled Self Assemble, which he speculated to be his "farewell to the [EDM] industry" due to his disenchantment with the EDM scene as of 2015.[7][14] "This album is sort of my last send-off before I go and do other things in life. It feels like I'm ready to go and venture off into other realms," stated Mat Zo to Billboard.[7] As of January 2017, Mat Zo appeared to have changed his mind about retiring due to a "renewed sense of vigor and passion",[15] and continues to tour and produce with his main name in addition to two new collectives; Kill the Zo with Kill the Noise and the Mary Nixons with the Knocks.[16][17]

His earlier drum and bass productions are under the pseudonym MRSA on Hospital Records. He also has several unreleased tracks under the MRSA moniker playable through his Myspace account.[18] Mat has also continued to produce occasional drum and bass releases under his current name, such as "Games" for UKF10 and "Blessed Be Thy Name" for This Is MAD TOO.

Mat Zo revealed through a Reddit "Ask-Me-Anything" on 6 July 2018 that he was working on a third studio album.[19] He returned to Anjunabeats in the same year with the release of his No Words EP, ending his five year hiatus from the label.[20] Mat Zo's "classic" trance and progressive sound within the EP were praised by critics.[20] Mat Zo released his third album, Illusion of Depth, through Anjunabeats in 2020. In 2021, his song "Colours (feat. Olan)" was featured in the racing video game Forza Horizon 5.[21]

Mad Zoo Records

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Following the establishment of his own label Mad Zoo in August 2014,[22] Mat Zo has focused his efforts onto expanding his label and creating a platform for upcoming artists. The first compilation on Mad Zoo, This Is Mad Zoo was released on 5 July 2019, which included 12 tracks from various artists including Mat Zo, himself. [23] The second compilation, entitled This Is Mad Too, was released exclusively on Beatport on 20 January,[24] and on all other major streaming platforms on 24 January 2020.[25] This Is Mad Too includes a total of 17 tracks from Mat Zo, Tsuruda, Rohaan, Acrillics, Gladez, Anti.Negative and others.[26] A release party for the compilation was hosted by Bass Waffles in Highland Park, Los Angeles, on 26 January.[27]

Discography

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Studio albums

Awards and nominations

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Grammy Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 Damage Control Best Dance/Electronic Album[13] Nominated

Berlin Music Video Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016 SINFUL Best Art Director Nominated

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mat Zo, born Matan Zohar on April 30, 1990, in , , is a British electronic music , DJ, and renowned for his genre-bending style that incorporates elements of , , , hip-hop, and . Raised in a musical family—his mother, Wendy Caron Zohar, is a violinist, and he is the son of artist Israel Zohar and half-brother to singer Alma Zohar—Zohar spent much of his early childhood in , , from ages one to eleven before returning to , where he developed an interest in electronic music influenced by artists like and . Zohar's career began at age 16 with his debut single "No Hassle," followed by releases on prominent labels such as Armada and Anjunabeats, which helped establish his reputation in the electronic dance music scene. His breakthrough came with the 2013 debut album Damage Control on Anjunabeats and Astralwerks, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album, topped the iTunes Dance chart and Billboard Heatseekers chart, and featured hits like "Easy" (a collaboration with Porter Robinson that reached #1 on Beatport) and "Only For You." In 2014, he founded his own imprint, Mad Zoo Records (later stylized as MAD ZOO), to explore more experimental and genreless sounds, releasing his second album Self Assemble in 2016, which reflected his disillusionment with mainstream EDM trends. Throughout his career, Mat Zo has collaborated with artists including Halsey, , , and , and has performed at major festivals such as (EDC), (UMF), Tomorrowland, and . He has also produced under aliases like MRSA for tracks and offers select original productions as free downloads on . Now based in , Zohar continues to evolve his sound; in 2025, he debuted the year with the single "Wounded" on , followed by "A Long Time" on October 31.

Early life

Family background

Matan Zohar, professionally known as Mat Zo, was born on April 30, 1990, in , , to a deeply immersed in . His father, Israel Zohar, is a renowned Israeli painter born in 1945, celebrated for his figurative works and classical training at the Bezalel Academy of Art in . His mother, Wendy Caron Zohar, is a professional violinist whose musical background significantly shaped the household's creative atmosphere. After his parents separated shortly after his birth, Matan was raised primarily by his mother, living in , from ages one to eleven before returning to , surrounded by an environment that emphasized artistic expression from an early age. He has a half-sister, Alma Zohar, an established pop singer based in , further underscoring the family's artistic ethos. This nurturing setting, where and were integral to daily life, fostered a profound appreciation for that permeated Matan's upbringing.

Musical development

Mat Zo's early musical development was profoundly influenced by his family's artistic environment, where and creativity were integral to daily life. His mother, a professional violinist, exposed him to through her playing and teaching, fostering a deep childhood interest in the art form. Complementing this, his father, a renowned painter, contributed to a household that valued creative expression across disciplines, encouraging Mat Zo's innate curiosity toward sound and rhythm from a young age. At age 8, while living in , his father gifted him a guitar, further igniting his passion for . As a boy, Mat Zo pursued hands-on musical experiences, becoming a in a and a in a band, developing foundational skills in and ensemble performance. These early endeavors, starting around age 11 upon his return to , allowed him to explore and influences while building confidence in live collaboration. This phase marked his transition from passive listener to active participant, blending the structured discipline from his mother's classical background with the improvisational energy of . At around age 16 in 2006, Mat Zo shifted his focus to electronic music production, inspired by acts like and , which ignited his passion for synthesizing digital sounds. Entirely self-taught, he experimented with home-based software such as Fruity Loops and sequencers, creating tracks in his bedroom without formal training. To test diverse styles freely and without external expectations, he released early anonymous works under pseudonyms like MRSA and Reif, particularly delving into under the former alias starting in 2007. This period of private experimentation laid the groundwork for his distinctive production techniques, emphasizing genre-blending and technical innovation.

Career

Early career and debut

Mat Zo released his debut single, "No Hassle," in 2007 at the age of 17 on a:Loud Recordings, a track that blended and breaks influences to mark his initial foray into professional electronic production. This release quickly attracted attention from tastemakers, providing early validation in underground circles and setting the stage for further output on smaller labels. Concurrently, under the alias MRSA, he produced tracks, securing releases on prominent imprints like , Invisible Recordings, and , which helped cultivate recognition within the and dubstep-adjacent scenes through their energetic, bass-heavy soundscapes. By the late 2000s, Mat Zo's style began evolving toward and , evident in releases such as the "Foot and Mouth EP" on Praesul Records in 2007, where he incorporated progressive melodies and uplifting builds to experiment with broader electronic textures.

Rise to fame

Mat Zo's breakthrough began in 2011 when he aligned closely with , the label founded by Above & Beyond, through a series of high-profile releases that positioned him within the and scenes. His early tracks on the label, such as "Rebound" in collaboration with Arty, marked his entry into broader electronic music circles, showcasing a fusion of melodic builds and energetic drops that resonated with international DJs. A pivotal moment came later that year with the release of "," another collaboration with Arty on in December 2011. The track quickly garnered support from prominent figures including Above & Beyond, , and , earning plays in global DJ sets and establishing Mat Zo as an emerging talent capable of blending classical influences with modern electronic production. By 2013, Mat Zo achieved mainstream recognition with "Easy," a collaboration with released on in April. The single topped the charts and received extensive radio airplay, including premieres on by , highlighting its crossover appeal in . This period also saw Mat Zo expand his live presence, headlining sets at major festivals such as in in 2013, where his performances of tracks like "Easy" and "Mozart" helped solidify a global fanbase and cemented his reputation as a dynamic live act.

Major albums and releases

Mat Zo's debut studio album, Damage Control, was released on November 5, 2013, via . The album features 12 tracks that blend , , , , and & bass, creating a dynamic soundscape with experimental interludes and diverse influences like hip-hop and Bhangra. Critics praised its versatility, noting how it transcended typical electronic genres to showcase Mat Zo's innovative production and emotional depth, earning it recognition as a standout release of the year. The album's impact was further highlighted by a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Dance/Electronic Album, which elevated Mat Zo's profile in the electronic music scene and underscored its commercial and artistic success. Around 2014, Mat Zo relocated to , where he established his own label, Mad Zoo, gaining access to advanced U.S.-based studios that shaped the evolving production style of his subsequent work. Building on this period, Mat Zo's second studio album, Self Assemble, arrived on March 25, 2016, self-released through Mad Zoo. The 12-track project delves into themes of personal disenchantment with mainstream EDM, exploring emotional vulnerability, genre boundaries, and a of musical and spiritual liberation through motifs reminiscent of a . It incorporates diverse elements like , , , and beatless compositions, reflecting Mat Zo's intent to break free from conventional expectations. Reception highlighted its cohesive flow and boundary-pushing creativity, positioning it as a visceral evolution from his debut.

Recent work (2017–2025)

Following the independent release of his second album Self Assemble in 2016, Mat Zo shifted toward more experimental and label-affiliated projects, marking a period of artistic evolution. Between 2017 and 2019, he continued releasing singles and EPs on Mad Zoo, including collaborations that explored genreless sounds. In October 2020, Mat Zo returned to with his third studio album, Illusion of Depth, released on October 9. The album spans diverse electronic subgenres including , , and melodic , showcasing his genre-bending approach with gritty textures and live instrumentation elements. In interviews, Zo described the project as a deliberate creative statement reflecting his maturation as a , emphasizing and personal expression amid industry challenges. Marking a return to his early label roots, Mat Zo released the single "Disco Boy" on on September 6, 2024. The track revives nostalgic house influences reminiscent of the label's aughts-era sound, blending funky basslines and progressive builds in a nod to deadmau5's foundational releases. On October 31, 2025, Mat Zo issued the EP A Long Time via , featuring the tracks "A Long Time," "Stupid O'Clock," and "Wounded." The release delves into introspective electronic territory, with extended mixes highlighting intricate and emotional depth characteristic of his evolving style. Throughout this period, Mat Zo maintained an active presence in live performance, with appearances at venues and events including Ember Music Hall in January 2025 and It'll Do Club in March 2025, alongside ongoing production work such as releasing Max for Live patches and tools via to support fellow creators.

Mad Zoo Records

Founding and purpose

Mad Zoo Records was founded by Mat Zo in August 2014 as an independent imprint to provide a faster outlet for his music and that of like-minded artists, free from the restrictions and commercial pressures he experienced with major labels. The label's creation stemmed from Mat Zo's frustration with industry expectations that forced his work to conform to mainstream EDM trends, allowing him instead to champion experimental electronic music across diverse genres. The label launched alongside its inaugural release, the Up Down Left Right EP on August 11, , which highlighted Mat Zo's collaboration with on the track "Get Down 2 Get Up" and underscored the imprint's commitment to genre-blending freedom without artistic limitations. Headquartered in , Mad Zoo Records operates as a entity focused on the distribution and manufacturing of commercial electronic recordings, enabling direct control over production and release processes. Mat Zo serves as the label's owner and primary A&R, personally curating releases to prioritize artistic integrity and innovation over chart-driven success.

Notable releases and artists

Mad Zoo Records' flagship release was Mat Zo's second studio album, Self Assemble, issued on March 25, 2016, which showcased the label's commitment to experimental electronic music through its diverse BPM explorations and dystopian themes. The label's first compilation, This Is Mad Zoo, arrived on July 5, 2019, featuring 12 tracks from a range of artists including Mat Zo's "Motivate," DJ Craze's "We Outta Here," and counsel pop's "," highlighting the imprint's eclectic roster and boundary-pushing sound. Among the notable signed talents, The M Machine debuted their full-length album Glare on the label in 2017, blending electro-house and indie elements across tracks like "Blind" and "Heart Sandwich." Other acts include Nick Newhouse, who released the double single "Even Heat / Overfalls" in October 2021, marking his entry with intricate productions, and counsel pop, known for singles such as "ecrie" in 2021 and the EP vice99p in September of that year, emphasizing and experimental breaks. In 2025, the label released a new EP by Mat Zo, supporting his This Is A Mad Zoo House Tour across , described as a love letter to club music with Filter House elements and obscure samples. Additionally, on October 11, 2025, Swardy (of The M ) debuted his solo EP Here On My Own on Mad Zoo. Mad Zoo prioritizes digital distribution via platforms like and , alongside a direct demo submission process at [email protected] to foster emerging talent.

Musical style and influences

Genre versatility

Mat Zo's music exemplifies versatility within electronic production, seamlessly integrating diverse subgenres to create hybrid soundscapes that defy conventional categorization. His work spans and in its foundational phases, evolving to incorporate , , , and elements, reflecting a commitment to stylistic experimentation. During his early career in the late 2000s, particularly through releases on , Mat Zo rooted his sound in and , characterized by uplifting melodies and builds that aligned with the label's melodic ethos. By the , he shifted toward and hybrids, evident in his 2013 debut Damage Control, which fused these with dubstep drops and electro influences. In the 2020s, his style further diversified into and territories, as showcased on the 2020 Illusion of Depth, alongside nostalgic grooves in tracks like the 2024 single "Disco Boy," and further explored in the 2025 EP A Long Time, which blends , , and elements. A hallmark of Mat Zo's production is the use of layered synths, dynamic drops, and intra-track genre-mashing, allowing disparate elements to coexist within single compositions. This approach is prominently displayed in Damage Control, where tracks transition from dreamy synths to hip-hop interludes and electro-charged breaks, creating a cohesive yet eclectic . Critics have lauded Mat Zo for his boundary-pushing versatility, particularly after founding Mad Zoo Records in 2014 and moving away from EDM clichés toward more innovative, genre-defying outputs. Releases like the 2016 album Self Assemble were described as "genre-burning," highlighting his ability to subvert expectations and blend styles without compromise.

Key influences and collaborations

Mat Zo was raised in an artistic family that profoundly shaped his approach to music. His mother, professional violinist Wendy Caron Zohar, nurtured his early passion for music through a staunch musical that emphasized dedication and precision. His father, prominent painter Israel Zohar, instilled an artistic discipline that encouraged creative exploration and rigorous practice, influencing Mat Zo's multifaceted production style. Key genre pioneers have also guided Mat Zo's technical development, particularly in . He has cited the Dutch trio for raising production standards through their innovative techniques in and broader , which inspired his own rigorous study of the genre's complexities. Similarly, DJ Randall's pioneering sampling and MC sets influenced Mat Zo, as seen in "The Next Chapter," where a sample from one of Randall's performances with MC was credited as a collaboration. Mat Zo's collaborations reflect his ability to merge styles with prominent artists. He partnered with Russian producer Arty on the progressive house track "Mozart" in 2011, blending intricate melodies and builds. In 2013, his work with on "Easy" fused electro house with emotive elements, showcasing shared influences in electronic pop. With , Mat Zo launched the Kill the Zo project, producing joint tracks that combined aggressive basslines and experimental sounds. His ties to Above & Beyond include remixes like "" featuring Richard Bedford, as well as features on originals such as "Always Do." From his youth, Mat Zo drew broader inspirations from rock and hip-hop, forming his first band at age 11 and incorporating these elements into his electronic framework over time. These early experiences, alongside lifetime exposure to hip-hop rhythms and structures, continue to inform his genre-versatile sound.

Discography

Studio albums

Mat Zo has released three studio albums to date, each showcasing his evolution as a producer blending electronic genres with personal storytelling. His debut album, Damage Control, was released on November 5, 2013, through . The 12-track record explores emotional depth through varied electronic styles, including uplifting trance and electro-house elements that evoke feelings of nostalgia and introspection. It debuted at number one on the chart in the United States and also topped the Heatseekers Albums chart. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2015. Self Assemble, Mat Zo's second studio album, arrived on March 25, 2016, via his own label Mad Zoo. Comprising 12 tracks, it was entirely self-produced during his time in and serves as a of the EDM industry's pressures, marking a departure from mainstream expectations toward more experimental , , and influences. The third album, Illusion of Depth, was issued on October 9, 2020, again on . Featuring 11 tracks, it draws from pandemic-era introspection, incorporating jungle breaks, rave anthems, and melodic trance to create a textured, immersive reflective of personal growth amid isolation.

EPs and compilations

Mat Zo's early extended plays and compilations laid the foundation for his diverse electronic sound, beginning with promotional mixes and label-launching releases. In 2012, he curated Anjunabeats pres. Mat Zo 01, a 12-track compilation featuring and tracks, including collaborations like "Rebound" with Arty and originals such as "Pyramid Scheme" and "Easy" (later re-released with ). Released on 24 January via , this mix album served as a showcase of his rising talent within the label, blending high-energy builds with melodic elements to highlight his production versatility. Marking the debut of his Mad Zoo imprint, Mat Zo released The Up Down Left Right EP on August 11, 2014, as the label's inaugural offering. This two-track EP, cataloged as MDZ001, featured the quirky disco-house collaboration "Get Down 2 Get Up" with alongside "The Up Down Left Right," emphasizing playful breaks and electro influences that defined Mad Zoo's experimental ethos from the outset. In 2019, Mat Zo compiled This Is Mad Zoo, a 12-track label showcase released on July 5 through Mad Zoo and distributed via . The collection spotlighted emerging artists alongside Mat Zo's own track "Motivate," spanning genres from ("We Outta Here" by Craze) to laid-back beats ("jd sports" by counsel pop), illustrating the imprint's commitment to boundary-pushing electronic music. Accompanied by a continuous version curated by Mat Zo, it captured the label's eclectic spectrum in a cohesive narrative. In 2024, Mat Zo released the ZOCASE EP on 18 September via . Comprising three tracks—"Relic of the Future," "Bluish Yellow," and ""—the EP showcases his retrofuturistic style, blending elements with innovative production. Mat Zo's most recent EP, A Long Time, arrived on October 31, 2025, via as an independent-leaning three-track release. Comprising extended mixes of introspective electronic pieces—"A Long Time," "Wounded," and "Stupid O'Clock"—the EP explores themes of reflection and emotional depth through atmospheric synths and subtle builds, offering a mature evolution of his sound. Additionally, in 2025, Mat Zo contributed to promotional mixes, including appearances in FUXWITHIT's Guest Mix 269 on June 5, where tracks like "Kamikaze Cosworth" were featured to promote his ongoing work.

Selected singles

Mat Zo's early career featured standalone singles that showcased his initial forays into electronic music, blending and breaks elements. His debut single, "No Hassle," released in 2007 on A:Loud Recordings, marked his entry into the scene at age 16 and received recognition from tastemakers. In 2010, he explored influences with tracks that highlighted his genre experimentation, contributing to his growing reputation in underground electronic circles. Breakthrough singles in the early propelled Mat Zo to wider acclaim within and communities. "Mozart's," a collaboration with Arty released in 2011 on , fused orchestral elements with driving beats, becoming a staple in DJ sets and exemplifying his melodic production style. The 2013 single "Easy," co-produced with and also on , achieved #1 status on Beatport's charts, underscoring its commercial impact and innovative blend of electro and vocal elements. In his later work, Mat Zo continued releasing versatile standalone singles that reflect his evolving sound across labels. "Always Do," a 2022 collaboration with Above & Beyond on , combined progressions with emotive builds, road-tested during live tours. "Disco Boy," issued in 2024 on , revived vibes with funky basslines, paying homage to early 2010s dance trends. His 2025 single "Wounded" on introduced introspective, headphone-mixed production, signaling a return to personal artistry amid his genre-bending trajectory. Mat Zo has also contributed notable remixes, enhancing his discography with reinterpretations of pop and electronic tracks. A prominent example is his 2010 remix of Kylie Minogue's "Get Outta My Way" for , which infused the original with extended builds and club-ready drops, extending its dancefloor appeal. Overall, his catalog includes 36 singles, spanning solo releases, collaborations, and remixes that demonstrate his adaptability across electronic subgenres.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Mat Zo received a nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2015 for his debut studio album Damage Control. The album, released in 2013 via Anjunabeats and Astralwerks, showcased his eclectic blend of electronic styles and earned recognition alongside other prominent entries in the category. In the competitive field, Damage Control vied against Syro by (the eventual winner), while(1<2) by , Nabuma Rubberband by , and Do It Again by & . The highlighted Mat Zo's rapid ascent as a capable of bridging , , and experimental elements, positioning him among electronic music's elite contemporaries. To date, this remains Mat Zo's sole Grammy , with no wins, yet it affirmed his innovative contributions to the genre and bolstered his reputation in the industry.

Other awards

Mat Zo's music video for "Easy," a collaboration with , received a for Best Animation at the 2014 Berlin Music Video Awards. The video for "Sinful," from his 2016 album Self Assemble, earned multiple nominations at the 2016 Berlin Music Video Awards, including Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Video of the Year. In terms of industry chart performance, Mat Zo's debut album Damage Control (2013) topped the Dance Albums Chart in the United States. Several of his singles also achieved peak positions on charts, including "Easy," which reached number one on the Top 100, and "," which topped the chart.

References

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