Anz (musician)

Last updated

Anz
Origin Manchester, United Kingdom
Genres
LabelsNinja Tune
Website https://anzdj.bandcamp.com/

Anz is a British DJ and producer. [1] [2] [3] Originally from London and based in Manchester, Anz has released five EPs and two production mixes on labels including Ninja Tune. [1] She also founded the label OTMI. [4]

Contents

Early life

Anz was born in London, United Kingdom. Growning up, her family listened primarily to Afrobeat and Ghanaian highlife music, influencing her later style. [1] Anz attended university in Liverpool, eventually moving to Manchester.

Career

After gaining some exposure with a series of mixes self-published to SoundCloud, Anz released her first EP, Invitation 2 Dance. Anz's career developed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of her prolific releases during the period. [3]

She quickly became known for her annual production mixes, starting with Spring/Summer Dubs 2019. Partially as a result of the popularity of the mix, in 2020 Anz was awarded "Breakthrough DJ" by DJMag. [5] Her next production mix, Spring/Summer Dubs 2020, received positive reviews, with Resident Advisor acclaiming its breadth, describing it as "fanned out over 30 plus tracks of singular UK funky, 2-step garage, dubstep and jungle." [6]

In 2021, Anz's EP All Hours garnered additional critical attention. Several publications praised the EP, in particular for its instrumentation, intensity, and rave influence. [7] [8] [9] Pitchfork described the EP as a breakout, specifically as "step up to the major leagues for a producer who can find magic in the murkiest nightclub corner." [9]

Style

Anz is known for the volume of her releases, having released several 90-minute production mixes. Her production pays homage to historical and experimental club music. Generally, her productions are cheerful in tone but fast-paced. [8] [9]

Discography

DJ mixes

Extended plays

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Hylton, Riri (2 February 2021). "Breaking Through: Anz". Resident Advisor . Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  2. Amin, Tayyab (20 October 2021). "DJ and producer Anz: 'This is music for all hours – and music that's all ours'". The Guardian . Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  3. 1 2 Wei, Whitney (27 September 2019). "Get to know Anz, the DJ that'll give you the hardest club workout you've ever had". Mixmag . Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  4. Kent-Smith, Jasmine (30 March 2021). "Anz launches new label OTMI". Crack Magazine. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  5. Murray, Eoin (20 December 2020). "DJ Mag's Best Of British Awards 2020: the winners". DJMag . Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  6. Mickles, Kiana (2 July 2020). "Anz takes the hallmarks of UK dance music to miraculous heights". Resident Advisor . Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  7. Jolley, Ben (15 October 2021). "Anz – 'All Hours' review: a dancefloor journey through the decades". NME . Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  8. 1 2 Desautell, Parker (26 October 2021). "Anz's 'All Hours' Embraces Pop Without Losing Her Sonic Range". PopMatters. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  9. 1 2 3 Chardew, Ben (18 October 2021). "All Hours EP". Pitchfork . Retrieved 15 February 2022.