Success stories: Zar.

Listed on UKF’s 2024: ones to watch, alumni Pierlugi Zardetto, better known as Zar, has been making a lot of noise in Manchester and beyond.

Since graduating from Electronic Music and DJ Practice (now Electronic Music Production and Performance) in 2021, Zar has been causing ripples in the Drum & Bass scene earning nods from heavyweights like Bryan Gee, LTJ Bukem, Submorphics and LSB for crafting some of the most soulful, vibe-drenched liquid Drum & Bass in recent times. 

Musical Milestones

His discography features collaborations with exciting talent including DRS, Mystic State, Diligent Fingers, EVABEE, Duskee, Dan Harris and Milansugar. Not to mention his extensive back catalogue with Channel and Motiv; the three have worked closely together throughout their eruption onto the scene. Check out Zar’s Spotify here.

Taking inspiration from a wide range of music, he is influenced by Jazz and Soul to create emotive, deep, musical yet forward thinking Drum & Bass; making a signature sound of beautiful tones, melody and composition while adopting sampling techniques from Hip Hop.

Zar has released on prestigious imprints such as:

• V Recordings
• Five Alley
• Liquid V
• Fokuz
• The Chikara Project
• Serial Killaz
• Deep In The Jungle

He’s also working closely with DRS’s label ‘Space Cadet’ on some exciting upcoming projects.

Events and future projects

Zar and Channels event, Rare Groove, is another example of their inspired perspective on soulful sounds. Hosting both live gigs and club nights ranging from jazzy lo-fi band shows to their roots of bright, bass heavy liquid drum & bass. The events showcase a variety of innovative artists from Manchester and the wider UK scene such as Dogger & Mindstate, Sam Binary, Verbz and Fieves (Spirit Alumni 2023).

Although written in the grey of Manchester, Zar’s music was felicitous with the sunny settings at Sardinian beach festival Sun & Bass 2023. His first international booking, hosted by DRS, was a promising demonstration of his potential on the international stage.

In 2024 he’s been booked for Manchester Academy 1, kickstarting what will undoubtedly be another landmark year for the Zar.

Looking forward, Zar is working on the finishing touches of his debut Album which will be released later in the year. With a lot of big Drum & Bass projects on the way, while also dabbling within downtempo styles, he is most definitely one to watch.

Have a look at some of our other Alumni success stories here.