After releasing “Disco Boy” on mau5trap, Mat Zo sat down to talk about the track’s production, his fresh drum and bass EP, mental health, and more.
When considering artists who have made a profound impact on the electronic music landscape over the last decade, Mat Zo undoubtedly deserves a mention. Throughout his career, he has explored diverse genres and released tracks on some of the most prestigious labels in the industry, while also launching his own label, Mad Zoo, and discovering innovative ways to engage with fans. In 2024, Mat Zo turned his attention back to music production, unleashing breathtaking tracks that have enraptured listeners.
His latest single, “Disco Boy,” represents a shift from his recent sound, featuring a prominent blend of nostalgic electro vibes. Finding a perfect home on mau5trap, Mat revealed that the song originated as “a little silly idea” born out of a frustrating production session that was “going nowhere.”
I was wracking my brain all day so I took a break by starting the bare bones of that idea. I wasn’t really thinking about a specific era or any specific label when I made it, but when it was more fleshed out it did occur to me it sounded a bit like electro from 10 years ago. I don’t think I’m doing it consciously, and if you listen to any of my music, you can tell my music taste hasn’t really evolved that much since 2010.
Mat Zo
While “Disco Boy” is designed for the dancefloor, another side of Mat Zo shone through earlier this summer. In August, he released the Sine of the Times EP on Vision Recordings. This collection marked his return to the drum and bass scene but, true to Mat Zo’s style, it included more than just pulsating basslines. One standout track, “Splain,” showcases a collaboration with Rohaan, drawing inspiration from jazz music.
Mat Zo explained that the concept for “Splain” emerged when he met Rohaan in person for the first time. “I wanted to create something reminiscent of ‘Jazz Club’ by Leaf, a track I hadn’t thought about in ages, so this idea grew from that hazy memory,” he shared. “A good sign is when you’re laughing your ass off in the studio.” Initially crafted as a 16-bar loop, the track took a turn when others became excited about it, prompting the duo to finalize the arrangement and incorporate samples from Bernard Purdie.
Diving deeper into the drum and bass sphere, Mat Zo revealed his history with the MRSA alias, explaining that he abandoned it “because it’s a terrible infectious disease.” His recent explorations reflect his main name as he aims to create music that resonates, emphasizing that fans are eager for his DnB offerings, regardless of the alias used, especially in the US, where the genre is gaining traction.
I’m just glad that after years of pushing drum and bass in the States, people finally started to catch on.
Mat Zo
Outside of music, Mat Zo is vocal on social media, recently addressing the challenges surrounding sample clearance. We asked him about the increased difficulties he observes in this area.
“There’s simply less money in releasing music,” Mat Zo noted. “This situation makes labels less inclined to invest in sample clearance, while copyright holders often raise their fees to compensate for diminished royalties.” Consequently, he has found sample clearance to be “prohibitively expensive,” a significant obstacle for him, as he considers sampling an essential aspect of his artistry.
For long-time followers of Mat Zo, the status of his Mad Zoo imprint has been a common topic, as it appears to have been on hold. He mentioned his intention to revitalize it “when [he] can afford it.” He explained, “The challenge is that there was never an effective plan to make it profitable. Our initial goal was to assist producers in launching their careers, and we succeeded in that aspect – but we weren’t running a business. I want to release some of my music through Mad Zoo in the future when the opportunity arises.”
We also delved into mental health, inquiring whether Mat Zo perceives any positive progress compared to the past. “I see a general trend towards greater awareness about mental health in society, which is crucial,” he stated. “It’s challenging to improve mental health support specifically for artists due to the psychologically demanding nature of the profession, but increased openness reduces stigma, which in turn has a significant impact.”
Mat Zo reminisced about the success of tracks like “Pyramid Scheme” featuring Chuck D, “Easy” with Porter Robinson, and “Rebound” with ARTY, all of which have become timeless classics. “I feel fortunate to have been involved in that initial wave of EDM,” he reflected.
As our conversation wound down, we had to inquire about his best culinary creation after he tweeted about the connection between cooking skills and artistic talent. “I make a bangin’ bolognese,” he replied, leaving us eager for both that dish and to hear more groundbreaking music from one of the industry’s most respected producers.
Don’t miss Mat Zo’s “Disco Boy,” now available on all streaming platforms. Follow him on social media to stay updated on new releases and performances.
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