Mat Zo talks about “Self Assemble,” Tennyson, and his Asshole Cat [TMN EXCLUSIVE]

Just a little while back, we hosted the legendary Mat Zo in our Residency Program to help highlight someone who has continued to impress us year after year. Part of this residency included a deep look into his recently released album, Self Assemble, which has been one of the most impressive listening experiences we’ve heard in quite some time.

We wanted to know a little more behind this perennial star and his latest body of work, which brought us to this Q&A.

TMN: Hey Mat – first off, thanks for coming on board to be our Resident Artist. We’ve been fans for quite some time, so it’s an honor to have you.

Mat Zo: Thanks for having me.

TMN: Let’s talk about Self Assemble. We’ve been spending a lot of time with it since it came out. It definitely feels like it’s organized to be a true top-to-bottom listening experience. Does it tell an underlying story, or is the track arrangement solely for proper flow?

Mat Zo: When I was making it I had a general story in mind, but by the end the story was so vague that it became purely open to interpretation.
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Introducing our Next Resident Artist — Mat Zo [TMN Residency]

If you peep the backlogs of TMN, you’ll find posts about Mat Zo dating back as far as 2012. After bursting onto the scene during EDM’s heyday with a refreshing sound, Zo has continued to push his style forward to one so encompassing that you never know what to expect when you hit play in the best way possible.

In the 3 years since his Grammy-nominated debut album, Mat Zo has continued to pour out free downloads on his Soundcloud page remaining an influential producer while some other artists of the same generation grew stale. His 2016  sophomore album Self Assemble, captures that adventurous spirit displaying Zo’s versatility and growth as a musician since his debut. Playing out like one seamless and intentionally cinematic experience, the album spans bass / tech house, future funk / soul, electro-pop and even dubstep.

Mat Zo’s catalogue embodies much of what we love about electronic music–a penchant for innovation paired with the undeniable talent to pull off extensive experimentation. It’s for that reason that we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him as our latest Resident Artist. Over the next month, stay tuned for exclusive Mat Zo content on TMN. In the meantime, check out a medley of tunes from his latest album below.

Mat Zo – Soul Food
Mat Zo – The Enemy (ft. Sinead Egan)
Mat Zo – Killing Time
Mat Zo – Ruffneck Bad Boy (VIP)
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[ULTRA 2014 Schedule Recommendation] TMN’s Must See Guide to Ultra (Miami 3/28 – 3/30)

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Ahh. The time is finally here. All winter long we’ve been angrily looking at the calendar, not-so-patiently awaiting the start of festival season here in the states. To kick things off in 2014, we’re obviously overwhelmingly excited for what Ultra 2014 is bringing to the table.

As you would guess, this year’s line up is stacked, as usual. There’s a veritable pantheon of EDM legends, coupled with some amazing up and coming artists as well. We traditionally like to do a full stream of everyone that’s going to be there, but this year we’re going to change it up. Instead of giving you a tiny sample of each artist who’s playing, we’re going to give you our recommendations, day by day.

Scheduling is going to be tricky, so make sure you set out a proper game plan. It might be hard to stick to after a few beverages, but take it from us – don’t miss out on seeing your favorite artist, or any of these suggestions below:

Friday March 28th

Chainsmokers – Stage 7

Picked by Bryn Carter & Clayton Warwick

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TMN Staff Comment: Two handsome devils reigning from New York who can make ANY song the ultimate remix. Make sure to check out these two who will keep your feet moving and your mind spinning with their intense indie/electronic melodies.

’The Wanted – We Own The Night(The Chainsmokers Remix)’
’The Chainsmokers vs. Tove Lo – Habits’
’#SELFIE’

Friday March 28th

M.I.A. – Live Stage

Picked by Eric Gossett

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TMN Staff Comment: The ever-controversial M.I.A. is definitely a “don’t miss” performance at this year’s Ultra Music Festival. The singer just released her critically-acclaimed album Matangi last year and is currently being sued by the NFL for $15 million for her performance at the Super Bowl. So if that was what they (couldn’t) show at the Super Bowl, I can only imagine how wild her uncensored stage show must be.

’BRING THE NOIZE’
’M.I.A. – Bad Girls’
’27’

Friday March 28th

12TH Planet – UMF Radio Stage

Picked by Clayton Warwick

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TMN Staff Comment: Last year, I had the pleasure of introducing someone to trap, and did so by watching 12th Planet’s set on Sunday afternoon. This well respected, LA based producer will be throwing down a massive set full of filthy beats. If you want to get down and dirty, don’t miss this set.

’Pretty Lights
Go Down Sunshine (12th Planet Remix)’
’Smoked Out’
’12th Planet & Protohype
“Paper” on @smogrecords’

Friday March 28th

Kill The Noise – UMF Radio Stage

Picked by Michael Serratore

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TMN Staff Comment: There are plenty of players in the world of filthy bass, but no one does it quite like KTN. There’s an undeniable energy in everything he does, and that will only be taken to the next level amongst a crowd of frenzied fans

’Thumbs Up (For Rock N’ Roll) with Feed Me’
’DUCKSAUCE – NRG (Skrillex, Kill The Noise, Milo & Otis RMX)’
’Kill The Noise & Dillion Francis – Dill The Noise’

Friday March 28th

Chance the Rapper – Live Stage

Picked by Baseer Ahmad and Clayton Warwick

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TMN Staff Comment: You say you’re going to Ultra to only listen to beats? Don’t limit yourself. A break in the bass will be welcomed, and who better to give you said break than Chi-Town native, Chance the Rapper?

’Childish Gambino: They Dont Like Me (ft. Chance the Rapper)’
’Lil Wayne – You Song Ft Chance The Rapper (Dedication 5)’
’Chance The Rapper – Brain Cells Live (5day)’

Friday March 28th

The Glitch Mob – Worldwide Stage

Picked by Rachel Haroldson

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TMN Staff Comment: This is a no brainer. Glitch Mob absolutely throws down with live performances, from the insane stage set-ups to the energy of the group, you can just see that these guys have a passion for performing and love giving the audience an unforgettable show.

’Nalepa – Monday (The Glitch Mob Remix)’
’A Dream Within a Dream – DRINK THE SEA’
’The Glitch Mob – We Can Make The World Stop’
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[WMC Event] ‘Anjunabeats Volume 10’ Pool Party w/ Mat Zo 3/16

Above and Beyond
Anjunabeats Volume 10 Mini-mix

Gah! The events just keep pouring in. Thankfully we’re stealthy ninjas and we can quickly traverse the busy Miami streets. Hopefully the alcohol and party goers won’t slow us down. This time around we’re happy to tell you about the Ajunabeats Volume 10 Pool Party with Mat Zo, Seven Lions, Norin and Rad, Andrew Bayer, Jaytech, Maor Levi, and Beckwith. This Saturday pool party is going down at the The National Pool (1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach) from 12pm – 10pm. Make sure to buy your tickets the second you read this sentence, as this will sell out.

Now that you’re back from snagging your tickets, mark your calendar and get ready to party. We’ll be there in full force, although, minus the ninja masks. Black masks at a pool party in the Miami heat is probably not the best idea.

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[Progressive House] Porter Robinson & Mat Zo – Easy (Extended Mix)

After plenty of previews and radio rips, we finally have the true extended mix of Porter Robinson and Mat Zo‘s massive collaboration, and boy do they make it look easy. “Easy” is a happy-go-lucky affair with light, airy vocals and pumping synths that’ll make you want to jump out of your seat and dance right on the spot. Seriously, try to resist the urge to blast this out of your speakers right now (please refrain from doing this if you’re at work or a library at the moment). This track makes for a perfect way to wrap up the year and celebrate the forthcoming of a new one; and for those of you who are just finishing your finals, we at TMN all hope they were (relatively) easy.

’Porter Robinson & Mat Zo – Easy’
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