Zat, from Haarlem, have been together since 2003. It plays its own English-language 80s rock with thoughtful, socially critical lyrics.
Pop journalist Peter Bruyn calls them a “great pub band”, Chris Bailey of The Saints was “pleasantly surprised” and compared frontman Chielie’s intense performance to that of Elvis, Pieter Mulder and Sjako! guitarist Wouter Planteijdt compare Chielie’s voice and appearance to those of Roger ‘Chappo’ Chapman of Family fame and Hans Croon, singer/guitarist of The Dutch, says “I recognise the sacred fire in Zat”. Live, Zat are a compelling experience.
In 2013, the 6-track EP ‘Timber!‘ was released.
Seven years later, in 2020, the debut album ‘All gold and promises‘ arrived, on CD (sold out), on vinyl (few copies still available) and in book form with the CD included, featuring artwork by 14 different artists accompanying the lyrics (sold out). The album launch took place at De Pletterij in Haarlem. E-Bone (bass player of Gotcha!, Krater and Green Poulder) describes it as: “Sounds awesome; lyrics make one cry; songs are brilliant at times.”.
Following ‘All gold and promises’, the band decided to from then on release individual singles only. They did so in 2023 with ‘Desert shield – remix‘ (the original of which appeared on the 2022/2023 seasonal CD of ‘Haarlemse PopScene On Tour’) and in 2024 with ‘Snowdrops‘, featuring ‘Sudden mourner‘ as its B-side on vinyl (sold out) and on streaming services.
On June 27th, 2026 Zat performed at the first edition of the legendary ‘Haarlem Shakes!’ festival at creative hub ‘De Volharding’ in Haarlem.
Meanwhile, the band is working to enable its own studio recordings in its own rehearsal space, more singles set to be released subsequently.
Zat’s music is best enjoyed with 5 grams of Max Haze and 3 glasses of prosecco.
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Zat is:
Chielie, vocals
Bas van der Steeg, guitar and backing vocals
Kees Weidema, bass
Mike Veldkamp, drums
Zat can be contacted via info@zat.nu and guitarist Bas on +31 (0)6 40737304.