Zanov – Lost in the Future (self-released, 2023)
Zanov returns to the forefront of the French electronic music scene with his latest offering, Lost in the Future (2023). The French maestro goes deeply into the progressive electronic music, seamlessly combining cosmic influences with captivating melodies and symphonic undertones.
Lost in the Future invites listeners to embark on a transcendental voyage fraught with elements of adventure, ambiguity, and the allure of the unknown. Through meticulously crafted synthetic soundscapes, Zanov masterfully captures the essence of a world yet to unfold, tantalizing the senses with glimpses of what lies ahead.
Zanov, a pioneering figure in French progressive electronic music, emerged as one of the early innovators in the field. His unique musical identity was shaped by his scientific background, his visionary outlook towards the future, and his rejection of traditional musical boundaries.
In 1975, he encountered the versatile synthesizer, initiating a year-long exploration of novel soundscapes and structures using a VCS3. Balancing his pursuits with his profession as a computer engineer, he gradually augmented his home studio with iconic synthesizers like the ARP 2600, the RMI, and the Korg PS 3300. Despite the complexity of his setups, his scientific expertise enabled him to master contemporary techniques.
Noteworthy for their sound quality and distinctive aesthetic, Zanov released three acclaimed albums with Polydor & Solaris in 1977, 1978, and 1983. He garnered praise from critics for his pioneering approach and innovative sonic universe.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Zanov performed at various venues including the Golf Drouot, the Laser Olympia, and the Paris Planetarium. However, his focus shifted in 1980 when he began work on a fourth album, later postponing the project due to time constraints.
In 2014, after a hiatus of 34 years, Zanov revived his passion, acquiring an Arturia Origin synthesizer and digitized his abandoned tapes from 1983. This endeavor culminated in the release of Virtual Future.
Reinvigorated by the past, Zanov embarked on a prolific creative period in 2015, incorporating new equipment such as the Access Virus TI synthesizer. His fifth album, Open Worlds, presented a collection of independent yet cohesive compositions, characterized by his emotive sound design and meticulous attention to detail.
Continuing his artistic evolution, Zanov expanded his arsenal with an Arturia MatrixBrute and ventured into live performances before releasing his sixth album, Chaos Islands, in 2020. Inspired by the Theory of Chaos, he explored the interplay between simplicity and complexity, crafting music that captivated listeners with its structured yet unpredictable nature.
As he approached his 76th birthday in 2023, Zanov unveiled Lost in the Future, a reflective exploration of humanity’s trajectory amidst advancing technology. This album seamlessly blends futuristic sounds with melodic motifs, evoking a sense of adventure and uncertainty inherent in the uncharted territory ahead.
Buy Lost in the Future.