Zands has performed and recorded as a percussionist with ensembles and artists including, Squid, Michael Giacchino, Kae Tempest (with orchestrate) the Royal Philharmonic, the Philharmonia Orchestra, World Orchestra for Peace, I Fagiolini, La Nuova Musica, Lady Gaga, Thom Yorke, William Basinski (both with the London Contemporary Orchestra), Sir Karl Jenkins, Angus MacRae and the London Session Orchestra. He is also a member of the Decca signed band Melt Yourself Down.

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With Louise Anna Duggan, he writes original tracks under the name 'Minihi’. Their first track Tokaido was released by Deutsche Grammophon as part of Project XII. They have released two albums 'Recaptures' and 'Stasis Loops' and have received extensive radio play. The pair have also written bespoke pieces for TV and theatre including the ITV series Tom Jones, a BBC immersive Dr Who experience and productions of Romeo & Juliet and Richard III at Blenheim Palace. They also composed the score for Macbeth at Shakespeare's Globe. 

 

Zands has worked extensively in the theatre world as a performer and musical director with companies including: the RSC, The National Theatre, The Old Vic, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, The Royal Court and Shakespeare’s Globe. He he also regularly deps in the West End on shows including Come From Away and Tina. Always happy to put on a costume, he has appeared as an on screen drummer in the Star Wars series Andor, narrowly escaping the imperial forces. 

 

Zands studied at Berklee in Boston and the Guildhall School in London where he is now a professor. His musical journey began at a young age, guesting on bongos in his older brother's rock band and playing bodhran in the pub in his Dad's hometown of Thurles, Tipperary.                                            

 

Photo by Jordan Woods