Zaptra is the stage name for electronic music producer, Art Paz. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Zaptra began in 2004 with drum machine and acoustic guitar, but has since expanded to include a wide array of musical devices that characterize the layered and complex sound heard from all releases.  As the solo producer, Zaptra explores the creative possibilities for taking electronic atmosphere to expanded levels through live performance.
 
Now living in Chicago, IL. he pushes his ideas of ambient, guitar dreamscapes with unique synth arrangements and beat driven rhythms.  In 2010, he released his 12” self-titled full-length debut album, which has been played on L.A. popular radio stations such as KCRW and KXLU. Zaptra's unique sound has brought the attention to the remixing world and has since completed remixes for such artists as The Bellrays, Duran Duran, Bjork, yOya and Full Time Villain. 

Also known for Scoring music in collaboration with director Britt Brown’s short, titled “El Niño Encantado”.

Inspired by visual imagery, which edges on the fragile dream states and conscious awakenings. Zaptra is adorned with artwork designed by the wonderful Darryl Blood. Darryl has been the designer for all Zaptra releases and continues to represent the visuals for the Zaptra sound. 

Currently working with and featured on tracks with Chicago based artists such as: Vibequeen, Queenmars, Austin Fillmore and Sammy Pharaoh. As well as, New York City artist Asymptote and France based artists Penelope Antena and Carbon Bloc. 

www.zaptra.bandcamp.com
Facebook: Zaptramusic
Instagram: @zaptra
Twitter: zaptra
Contact: zaptra@mac.com  Attn: Art Paz

Guided meditations anchored in astrological transits to assist you in tuning in with the rhythms of your life and body. Find more free meditations at https://insighttimer.com/reneesills and free monthly horoscopes from embodiedastrology.com

Bookings Worldwide: alex@fckng-serious.de
Reinier Zonneveld's label: @filthonacid

Reinier Zonneveld Bio
When it comes to stadium-sized techno, Dutch tastemaker Reinier Zonneveld reigns supreme. Over the past 13 years, he’s emerged as one of the Netherlands’ most prolific producers, DJs, event organisers, and label founders. He’s become a beacon for a new generation of ravers, drawn to his fast-paced, bruising beats that fuse the sensibility of techno’s past with the cutting-edge sound design of its future.
But there’s more to Reinier Zonneveld than just a leading producer of acid techno. He’s the founder of the acclaimed Filth On Acid record label, who’s ranked #22 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs and previously the highest new entry of the year, a Guinness World Record holder, an Edison Pop Award winner, and one of the most in-demand live acts in electronic music. Regularly performing in venues with over 25,000 visitors, his live shows have become a benchmark for the modern techno experience, powered by classic machines like the Roland 909, 101, and other synthesizers, which he manipulates in real time to create his signature soundscapes.
Reinier’s reputation as a visionary and pioneer extends far beyond his production. He’s the creative force behind the technologically forward-thinking R² Festival, where he became the first artist in the world to perform back-to-back with his own AI, just trained on his own music, enabling him to experiment with wild new technics on stage while he performs on his synths and drum machines. In 2025, he’ll take this groundbreaking concept even further with a 10-hour AI B2B live performance, featuring a holographic version of himself with real-time audio-visual manipulation — redefining what it means to perform live in the age of AI.
Classically trained on piano from the age of three, Reinier studied econometrics and earned two master’s degrees at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, where his devotion to electronic music first took shape. He began releasing minimal, experimental club cuts in the early 2010s — including ‘Vuur’, ‘Flashers’, ‘Find Muck’, and ‘Remember’ before unveiling his debut album, Reverse Psychology (2013).
By 2015, his sound evolved toward the darker, faster side of techno, showcased on Make Me A Promise and Final Judgement, and cemented with his 2016 album Megacity Servant on Stil vor Talent, featuring the hit ‘Things We Might Have Said’ with Cari Golden. His monumental fourth album Heaven Is Mad (For You) pushed him to new heights, featuring some of his biggest tracks to date — including ‘Dance With The Devil (The 6th Gate)’ (16M+ streams) and ‘Move Your Body To The Beat’ (29M+ streams).
Since founding Filth On Acid in 2017, Reinier has continued to shape the global techno scene, consistently holding the #1 position on Beatport’s techno charts and collaborating with artists ranging from Carl Cox, Speedy J, and Angerfist to Armin van Buuren and Oliver Heldens. Now approaching its 200th release, the label remains synonymous with innovation and quality, balancing underground credibility with global reach.
Recognised as one of the most productive producers in the scene, Reinier has amassed over 83 days’ worth of his own released music, a staggering testament to his creative drive and output. He has also played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and tempo of modern techno, being one of the first artists in the scene since to push BPMs beyond 140 to 145 in the second decade of the year 2000, setting a trend that has defined the genre’s energy since 2018.
In a live setting, Zonneveld is renowned for his marathon performances from a 12-hour set at ADE 2019 to the record-breaking 11-hour, 11-minute show at his own Karren Maar Festival in 2023. His technical mastery, fearless experimentation, and relentless energy continue to redefine the limits of what’s possible in live electronic music.
Reinier Zonneveld stands as one of the most forward-thinking and influential figures in contemporary techno — an artist who continually pushes boundaries, challenges convention, and leads the evolution of the global electronic scene.

Derde Verde are a Los Angeles-based indie rock band known for their melodic soundscapes, driving rhythms, and heartfelt songwriting. Their 2019 album “Slow Light” was praised by KCRW as "Best New Music." Their upcoming album, “Tug of War”, captured mostly live on 2-inch tape, explores the conflict between past and present selves in the post-pandemic world. “Tug of War” is a record of powerful sounds, live performance, and resonant hooks due for release in 2023.

"Simone White has a voice like ether. It's sweetly airy and hypnotic. Hearing it can pull you under to a strangely beautiful, glittering world where nothing seems real." - NPR 
Here are some of my songs that you might not find elsewhere (B-sides, demos, remix, live, guest vocalist)  xo

“Middle East NOW” is an annual international festival on cinema, art and culture of the Middle East and North Africa held in Florence since 2010. For more info visit our website: http://www.middleastnow.it
 
Through our podcasts we aim to spread and promote quality music; produced by musicians who have ties to the Middle East and North Africa. Our main focus is on the independent music scene and young rising talents.

This broadcast started in January 2014. 
Our podcasts are mixed by Saeed Aman.
SAFAR mixes are created by guest DJs.

Contact: sound.middle.east@gmail.com

Profile image illustration by Nour Flayhan
Cover illustration by Leila Mostofi

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