Mo Van Zandt’s latest single, “Waves,” catches you off guard in all the right ways. Featuring rapper Vice!?, this track draws listeners into a world of leftfield electronica with a futuristic trip-hop twist. “Waves” hooks you with its minimal groove, then explodes into a crescendo with breakbeat drums and chaotic analogue synths, creating a powerful and immersive ride.
Van Zandt crafts music influenced by turn-of-the-millennium dance tunes and art rock legends like Thom Yorke, Bjork, and Burial. Her work combines fragmented rhythms, strong bass lines, and otherworldly vocals, painting a picture of a semi-fictional dystopia. This music captures the emotions of disillusionment and hope.
Hailing from Texas, Van Zandt started with classical piano and psychedelic drumming in Austin. Moving to Brooklyn in 2016, she immersed herself in jazz, funk, and post-rock until the pandemic shifted her path. During isolation, she embraced electronic music, transforming her drum recordings and soulful vocals into a mix of beauty and chaos. Her early DIY performances turned venues into cyber-noir spectacles with synchronized visuals from her partner. Drawn to Berlin’s vibrant dance culture, she moved there in 2020 to kick off her solo career.
Van Zandt’s debut single and music video “hurt.heal,” produced at the renowned Funkhaus, was a standout, earning a spot on Soundcloud’s Sound of Berlin playlist. Her compelling voice caught the attention of DJ Philippa, leading to a feature on the disco track “Slow it down” for Freerange Records. Collaborating with Eric Baldwin (Cocktail Party Effect), Van Zandt is now set to release a meticulously crafted, cinematic debut album, with more sure to come after.
