The Roots
It all started with a sense of curiosity: “What happens if I touch this knob? How would it sound if I played these two notes together?”
Hello, my name is Kevin Esfahani, but you might know me as Zahand. I was born in California and grew up in a multicultural household, with a Russian-German mother and an Iranian father. From an early age, I was surrounded by a rich blend of ethnic and oriental music, which greatly influenced my artistic identity as Zahand.
My love for electronic music blossomed during my teenage years. One memorable night, while riding in the back seat of my dad’s car, a particular song from a playlist grabbed my attention. It began with a soft, emotional piano and gradually layered in synthesizers and cinematic elements. The rush of emotions it stirred in me was intense and unfamiliar. I asked my dad to play the song over and over, and it became the only thing we listened to on the way home.
“Kev, that’s a lot of piano. Are you sure you want to keep listening to it?” my dad asked with a knowing smile. I replied, “I don’t know, I just seem to like it.” We both laughed and kept listening, and that moment sparked my passion for electronic music.
Musical Influences
In the beginning my musical journey was shaped by artists like Above & Beyond, Vintage & Morelli, Ben Böhmer, and Boris Brejcha, and by influential labels like Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep. These inspirations introduced me to the subgenres of electronic dance music, including House and Techno. As a young enthusiast, I began producing music on my computer as a form of self-expression. Watching live performances by musicians like Stephan Bodzin fueled my passion for live performance and DJing even further.
Artists like Jon Hopkins drew me into the world of ambient electronic and cinematic music. By 2020, I found new inspiration in Organic House through artists and labels such as Tim Green, Hraach, Armen Miran, All Day I Dream, Hoomidaas, and The Soundgarden. The emotional impact of these sounds sparked a realization in me: “I have no idea how I’m going to do this or what to do next, but I know that I’ll find a way to make music and sound a big part of my life.” That moment marked the beginning of my journey as a musician.
Network
During my studies at the School of Audio Engineers in Hamburg, I delved into the specifics of music production, recording, and sound design. Alongside earning my diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Audio Engineering, I forged connections with like-minded artists and DJs. Together, we founded a music and event collective called Open Nature. The video on the left showcases the beginnings of the collective. The track you here is my first official release called “Nature’s Call”.
Passion
The greatest source of joy in my life comes from spending time in nature, which fuels my inspiration for creating sounds. While I cherish solitude, I also love connecting with people and dancing together, embracing that tribal feeling we were all born with. My core mission is to spread love and positivity through sound, helping others express themselves, heal and connect more deeply with their own emotions through music.
Career
Over the years, I have honed my technical expertise as a freelance sound designer and music producer, specializing in creating custom sound libraries using synthesizers, samples, and field recordings. You can explore these sounds on my distribution platform, LotusTunes. My collaborations include work with ADSR, Alex Rome Sound, and Production Music Live. Additionally, as a content creator, I blend my skills in photography, videography, recording, and editing to craft a cohesive and engaging experience for my audience via my YouTube channel LotusTunes Academy.
