Before they were the new face of alternative music with their self-branded ‘ugly pop’ – and one of the most refreshing and fiercely independent artists of 2023 – ZAND had some lofty career goals. We’re talking movie star, marine biologist, artist (of the painting variety), author, poet and musician. All at once. The days off would have been sparse, but the pension sizeable. “I had stars in my eyes; I wanted to do it all and the world seemed full of boundless opportunities,” says the London-based singer, full name Zander Sweeney (pronouns they/them). In the end, it didn’t make sense for ZAND to become anything other than a musician, offering in their Lancashire lilt that “nothing else gives my existence purpose.” Entranced by the performances of their idols – an e...
