Zar (UK)
Artist
Previous Events
Bio
Zar (Arun Dhanjal) truly embodies eclecticism. He’s the DJ whose monthly show on Voices Radio and DJ sets are “explorative, joining the dots between starry psyched-out sonics and dance floor beats” [DJ Mag]. He’s the producer of left-field electronic music, a forward thinking artist that blends musicality, club sensibilities and a desire to connect on an emotional and cerebral level through crafting music with intention and artistry. He’s also the drummer for hindustani classical/psychedelic rock band Karma Sheen. With DJ Mag naming Zar as an “emerging artist you need to hear”, “part of an emerging wave of club producers with a flair for melodic heft” and “an exciting prospect in the sphere in electronic composition”. he is establishing himself as a major talent on the rise. His music has garnered support from the likes of Tom Ravenscroft, Hagop Tchaparian, Nabihah Iqbal, NAINA, Anu, Raji Rags & SUCHI and on Apple Music, BBC Radio 1 Dance, NTS, Rinse FM, Radio 6 & BBC Asian Network. Zar’s work ethic is ambitious & prolific, releasing two EP’s in 2023: “Practice Makes Miracles” [ANARP Records] and “Unfurl” [Tabula Rasa Records], which were both placed on Bandcamp’s “Best Electronic Music of March & October" lists, describing “Unfurl” in particular as “[sending] huge crowds into rapture the same way that Jon Hopkins and Four Tet do. They signal big things for the producer”. His 2024 single “Rivulets” [Tabula Rasa Records], was released to critical acclaim, with a premiere on Mixmag & review from DJ Mag praising Rivulets as “a sparkling club weapon with bags of depth…striking the sonic sweet spot…we can only hope there’s more of it on the way”. Zar is a dynamic & versatile performer, with an ability to command attention on big stages. He debuted at Warehouse Project Manchester in November 2023 playing alongside Four Tet, Skrillex, Ben UFO and more. He has supported the likes of Nabihah Iqbal & Seb Wildblood. Zar also debuted at Wide Awake Festival 2024, a solo live show in 2023. Zar was hand picked by the esteemed arts organisation & label CDR for their inaugural artist development programme supported by PRS Foundation, receiving mentorship, A&R from Local Actions’ Tom Lea, and funding to record & release his new record “Light Stain At Dawn”. Exploring new avenues of contemporary classical composition & recording live instrumentation, Zar has crafted a streamlined, ambitious and fresh new release which includes a club remix from SUCHI. Named as a Pirate Studios Resident for 2024 and a recipient of the Rhythm Section Future Proof Mentorship Scheme, Zar continues to make strides towards being an innovative, critically acclaimed artist whilst honing in on his style of music: Club Influenced Music for Pondering People.
Music style
Experimental, Drum and Bass