Anz (musician)
Anz | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Genres | |
| Labels | Ninja 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]
Early life[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
DJ mixes[edit]
- Spring/Summer Dubs 2019 (2019)
- Spring/Summer Dubs 2020 (2020)
Extended plays[edit]
- Anz EP (2017)
- Invitation 2 Dance (2019)
- Loos in Twos (2020)
- OTMI001 (2021)
- All Hours (2021)
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Hylton, Riri (2 February 2021). "Breaking Through: Anz". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Kent-Smith, Jasmine (30 March 2021). "Anz launches new label OTMI". Crack Magazine. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ Murray, Eoin (20 December 2020). "DJ Mag's Best Of British Awards 2020: the winners". DJMag. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ Mickles, Kiana (2 July 2020). "Anz takes the hallmarks of UK dance music to miraculous heights". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ Jolley, Ben (15 October 2021). "Anz – 'All Hours' review: a dancefloor journey through the decades". NME. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ a b Desautell, Parker (26 October 2021). "Anz's 'All Hours' Embraces Pop Without Losing Her Sonic Range". PopMatters. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
- ^ a b c Chardew, Ben (18 October 2021). "All Hours EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 15 February 2022.