Biography
Zander Zon (a stage name) is a solo bassist and instrumentalist based in London, England. His home-made YouTube videos, which feature original compositions and solo arrangements of popular songs, have over three million total views. Zander is known for using altered tunings and thin gauge strings, which give him access to a massive tuning range. He uses a variety of techniques to create intricate bass arrangements, including harmonics, two-hand tapping, flamenco-style strumming and chordal fingerstyle. Though he is a highly technical bassist, Zander's music, described as cinematic and unique, is known to be always at the forefront.
In April 2013, Zander released his acclaimed second album, 'Saturn Return'. It features six new solo bass compositions, three orchestrations and an arrangement of Pachelbel's Baroque classic, 'Canon in D'. This release follows his renowned debut album, 'Sonorous' (2010), which contains 10 original compositions - all solo bass.
Following the release of 'Sonorous', Bassline Publishing released the 'Zander Zon - Sonorous Bass Transcriptions' book in 2011, which contains tabs and sheet music for all of his compositions on 'Sonorous', as well as performance notes, interviews, and information on bass-setup. 2011 also saw the release of the bass compilation holiday album, 'Holiday Rumblings' by Zon Guitars. This album includes two pieces by Zander, as well as pieces by Michael Manring and various Zon Guitars artists.
Zander has been featured in the UK's Bass Guitar Magazine as well as in Bassline Publishing's 'Solo Arrangements for Electric Bass'. He's also been featured by prominent online bass magazines, such as No Treble, iBass Magazine, Bass The World and the International Institute of Bassists. He has performed solo concerts, house concerts and weddings in the London area, and has gigged at venues such as The Troubadour Club and The Cobden Club.
In August 2013, Zander's solo bass arrangements of Adele's 'Someone Like You' and The Killers' 'Mr Brightside' each reached 100,000 views on YouTube within one week of being uploaded. His version of 'Someone Like You' was featured on CBS News’ website, whilst both videos made it to the front pages of Reddit and various other top sites. Zander's version of Imagine Dragons' 'Radioactive' was also well received, with Imagine Dragons Tweeting about the arrangement.
Zander maintains an active Internet profile and communicates daily with followers, subscribers and other musicians.
Interviews
http://smartbassguitar.com/limitations-can-breed-creativity-interview-zander-zon/
http://www.instituteofbass.com/archive/bass_faces/zon_zander/
http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/04/04/track-by-track-zander-zon-talks-saturn-return/
http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/12/30/new-school-zander-zon/
http://www.instituteofbass.com/archive/bass_faces/zander_zon/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwJeZlG9zcg&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LumOsO5rN3g