Zands has performed and recorded as a percussionist with ensembles and artists including, Lady Gaga, Squid, Michael Giacchino, Kae Tempest (with orchestrate) the Royal Philharmonic, the Philharmonia Orchestra, 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 then released their album 'Recaptures' with the Berlin based label 'Unperceived'. Louise and Zands have also written bespoke pieces for TV and theatre including the upcoming 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. 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 now teaches. 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