ZASKA

ZASKA plays neo-soul infused with indie jazz and a touch of funk. Max Zaska is an Irish guitarist, songwriter, musical director, and producer known for his collaborations with many Irish artists, including Hozier.

Max Zaska blends influences from Silk Sonic, Snarky Puppy, Tom Misch and Nubiyan Twist with a guitar style that pulls from greats Wes Montgomery, John Scofield, Nile Rodgers, and Carlos Santana to create a sound uniquely ZASKA.

ZASKA’s 3rd studio album, Nectar, is an upbeat danceable blend of soul, R&B, pop, and hip-hop creating a fusion of Irish neo-soul. Nectar features collaborations with Gemma Dunleavy, shiv, Melina Malone, jarjarjr and more artists to be announced. The first single, No Right Time, is out on 18 October and the album’s full digital release follows in 2025.

With high-energy and engaging live shows, ZASKA leaves audiences buzzing with performances described as “masterful” (BBC Radio One’s DJ Spoony), “incomparable” (Hot Press), and “joyous” (GoldenPlec). ZASKA has had sell-out shows upstairs at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, and has thrilled audiences at the Mladí ladí jazz Open Air Festival in Prague, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, and Electric Picnic.

ZASKA’s live recordings include the Live At The Triskel EP (2024) showcasing some songs from the upcoming studio album and Live In Dublin (2023), with highlights and new releases recorded live over 5 years.

The second album, A Better Way (2022) looks at sustainability in culture and the environment, highlighting infectious rhythms textured with horns and strings. “Notes of pure optimism coursing throughout,” The Irish Times. Songs received support from BBC Radio 1 Introducing, Spotify’s ‘A Breath of Fresh Éire’ and Japan’s ‘Monday Spin,’ KCRW, and British Airways & Aer Lingus ‘Next Big Thing.’

ZASKA’s critically acclaimed debut album, It Takes A Village (2019) features over 25 performers and boldly expressed the complex emotions of becoming a father. It was named Album of the Year by RTÉ 2XM’s Groover’s Corner host Peter Curtin.

“Zaska plunders the worlds of neo-soul, funk, hip-hop, rock, and jazz, making for an enjoyably idiosyncratic listen.” (Hot Press)

“A benchmark example of the talent that exists in this country.” (The Irish Times)