A Brisbane-based singer-songwriter and producer, Zvnder (pronounced Xander) recently released his second single 'Hourglass Love', a mix of dark pop and contemporary R&B laced with emotive vocals.
The first song he wrote as a teenager, over time Zvnder re-crafted 'Hourglass Love' reworking the song's sonic tones around the themes of love, loss and betrayal with a particular focus on bad relationships.'Hourglass Love' follows Zvnder's debut single 'Over Me' that he released in late 2020.
Who is... I'm Zvnder (Xander)! I started out playing acoustic guitar and writing music for small clubs and pubs back when I was in high school. I started a band shortly after, studied music at the Griffith Conservatorium and then became infatuated with music production (especially 808s).
From there, I've been producing and mixing my own music in my home studio and released my first song in 2020, 'Over Me'. Whenever I feel a bit lost in life, music has always been there for me and gives me a way to get my thoughts out there, and help people who are feeling the same way.
I sound like... Chase Atlantic, Paris Shadows, Post Malone.
My first gig... As Zvnder was at Studio 188 in Ipswich way back in 2016.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... I had so much trouble picking a name and overthought it for ages. My music teacher eventually came up to me after a gig and said "why don't you just call yourself Zander?". I flipped the 'a' to a 'v' and the rest is history.
In the studio I usually... Most of the time I'll be producing by myself to begin with, and get some ideas down on Ableton (either programmed or guitars/ piano).
Once I've got the main idea down I'll invite some friends around and we'll record the rest with some beers and have a great time doing it. Music can be so serious sometimes, so keeping it fun is the most important thing for me.
If I could tour with anyone... If I ever toured with Post Malone or Chase Atlantic I'd have to pinch myself a little! They're such amazing performers and musicians.
Social media is... A blessing and a curse! It's so good being able to reach people from around the world, but it can be so stressful at times. But hey, I'm never gonna complain about watching silly TikToks.
My favourite app at the moment is... '8 Ball Pool'! I've become waaaaay too addicted to it at the moment.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Well, it's probably not the most embarrassing moment of my life, but I announced on social media that my song was coming out way later than it actually was. Then I missed hearing my song spun on radio because of daylight saving time. It killed me.
Life on the road can be... So, so much fun but you also miss home, friends and family.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... Either beer or burgers and I'm a happy man.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I was walking the street with my friends and two cars full of kids pulled up, jumped out the car with machetes and knives and robbed someone right in front of us. We tried to stop them, but didn't have much luck. It was just mental and I've never seen anything like it.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Kanye West for sure. He's not the most well-spoken dude out, but he sure knows how to make a passionate speech.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I'd say Berlin. Germany sort've feels like a home away from home even if you've never been there which is a strange thing. The food and drinks, the people, the culture, the autobahn; it's just a great place to be and I love it there.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Wiz Khalifa and Post Malone 'cause those dudes know all too well how to party, and I feel like we'd just get along like a house on fire. I'd invite Elon Musk as well 'cause that'd make it a super-strange mix.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'd be cooking Uber Eats no doubt.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love pets! I've had two dogs and now I have a cat who I co-parent with my brother.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Unapologetically, Hennessy. It's one of my favourite things ever.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... About six months ago, I love the gym but once you're out of the routine it's a big challenge to get back into it.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing dishes, blegh!
Do you have any phobias... Swimming in the middle of the ocean with nothing around terrifies me. You just can't know what's underneath you.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Oh boy, yes. If I could copy 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' that'd be iconic.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? My friend Nick cops it way too much.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Literally any kebab store. HSPs are the king of leaving you coma-ed.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Growing up I was described as the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes, 'cause I'm always hyper and leaving a bunch of destruction wherever I go.
Last show you binge-watched? 'The Office'. It's just too good.
