Zack Cassanov

Mortal Kombat is a 2021 reboot of the cinematic franchise, serving as a dark fantasy martial arts film based on the iconic video game series by Ed Boon and John Tobias. Directed by Simon McQuoid, the narrative follows Cole Young, a struggling mixed martial arts fighter who discovers his lineage as one of Earthrealm’s chosen protectors. Along with a roster of warriors, he must prepare for the titular tournament to defend his world against the malevolent forces of Outworld. Visually, the film leans into a gritty aesthetic that prioritizes high-octane, choreographed fight sequences and substantial production values designed to honor the source material. The tone is intense and atmospheric, balancing supernatural elements with the visceral nature of combat. As a production, it utilizes locations in South Australia to ground its expansive fantasy world in a tangible, rugged environment. The film is characterized by a commitment to the franchise's brutal combat roots while aiming to revitalize the series through a modern lens, emphasizing physical performance and stylized action set pieces over traditional exposition.

Cassanov frequently showcases his vintage Akai MPC60, stating: 'There is a swing and a grit to the 60 that you just can't replicate in the box. It is the heartbeat of my studio.'

He is a vocal advocate for analog over digital, stating: 'I have a physical reaction to VSTs sometimes. I need to feel the electricity moving through a real circuit.'

The Moog Grandmother is an analog, two-oscillator monophonic synthesizer that bridges the gap between classic modular synthesis and modern playability. Designed by Moog Music Inc., its architecture draws heavily from the historic circuitry of the Moog modular Model 15 and the iconic Minimoog. The instrument features a semi-modular design, meaning it arrives with a hard-wired signal path that allows users to produce sound immediately without the need for patch cables. However, its true versatility lies in its patchable front panel, which enables musicians to override or extend the signal flow, offering deep sonic exploration beyond its default configurations. Physically, the Grandmother is equipped with a 32-key full-size keyboard, dedicated pitch and modulation wheels, and a built-in arpeggiator and sequencer. Its workflow is distinctly tactile and immediate; there is no internal patch storage, which forces the musician to design sounds on the fly. This limitation encourages a hands-on, ephemeral approach to composition. Because settings cannot be saved digitally, users rely on included hard-copy or digital templates to record their patch layouts. The synth includes MIDI connectivity, allowing it to integrate into broader electronic setups while retaining its classic, subtractive-synthesis character. It is a machine intended for sound designers and keyboardists who value organic, tactile feedback and the unpredictable, evolving nature of real-time analog sound generation.

Burial, the alias of South London-based electronic musician William Emmanuel Bevan, operates at the intersection of dubstep, UK garage, and 2-step. Emerging from the Hyperdub label in the mid-2000s, his work is defined by a distinct, melancholic atmosphere that reimagines the urgency of UK rave culture through a lens of urban isolation and nocturnal introspection. His sound palette relies on fractured rhythmic structures, heavy use of vinyl crackle and ambient city noise, and pitch-shifted, ghost-like vocal samples that evoke a sense of longing and anonymity. From his seminal self-titled debut and the landmark 2007 album Untrue, to subsequent expansive long-form EPs like Kindred and Rival Dealer, Burial’s methodology favors dense, layered textures over traditional song structures. His music captures a specific sense of emotional weight, often described as haunted or enigmatic, reflecting a reclusive creative persona that shuns public exposure in favor of atmospheric depth. Collaborative efforts with artists such as Four Tet, Massive Attack, and Thom Yorke have further explored these moody, expansive soundscapes. His output remains a significant influence on contemporary electronic music, characterized by a fragile, late-night sensibility that bridges the gap between dancefloor roots and abstract, emotive electronica.

Blade Runner is a seminal 1982 American science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative explores profound questions regarding human identity, artificial consciousness, and the moral implications of advanced technology. Visually, the film is defined by its iconic neo-noir aesthetic, characterized by dark, rain-slicked urban environments, high-contrast chiaroscuro lighting, and an industrial, retro-futuristic production design that grounds its speculative concepts in a gritty, tactile reality. The tone is somber and contemplative, moving at a deliberate, atmospheric pace that prioritizes mood and philosophical inquiry over conventional action tropes. As a cornerstone of the cyberpunk subgenre, it blends detective mystery elements with existential drama, creating a dense, immersive atmosphere that challenges the distinction between creators and their creations. The sensibility is one of melancholic cynicism, appealing to those who appreciate complex, visually arresting world-building and narrative depth that favors thematic inquiry about what it means to be alive rather than traditional genre escapism.

Cassanov has shared several Instagram stories of himself at Tame Impala shows, calling Kevin Parker 'the greatest producer-songwriter of our generation.'

La Croix is a brand of carbonated water, originating in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1981, and currently produced by the National Beverage Corporation. The beverage is defined by its minimalist formulation, containing no sweeteners, artificial flavors, or sodium, positioning it as a calorie-free, unsweetened alternative to traditional soft drinks and imported sparkling mineral waters. Known for its effervescent texture and a diverse array of fruit-based flavor profiles, the brand occupies a functional yet expressive space in the beverage market. Its aesthetic is characterized by distinctive, brightly colored packaging that distinguishes it on store shelves. The drink appeals to consumers seeking a neutral, hydration-focused experience without the additives common in carbonated beverages. Its global presence and enduring popularity are rooted in this straightforward, ingredient-conscious approach to sparkling water, offering a palate that emphasizes crisp, carbonated refreshment derived from natural fruit essences rather than heavy syrups or additives.