WAAN

About WAAN

WAAN is a Dutch future-jazz duo comprised of saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven, recognized for their experimental jazz, nu jazz, and ambient jazz sound that blends electronically driven grooves, atmospherically composed melodies, and elements of dance, pop, roots, and jazz funk. Their music is characterized by the intertwining of electronics with acoustic improvisation, pushing boundaries between genres, and a focus on pulsation, ecstasy, and trance. The duo's latest endeavor is their highly anticipated second album, "We Want WAAN," released on January 23rd, 2026, via Sonar Kollektiv, which features collaborations with artists like Ivy Sole. This follows their acclaimed debut album, "Echo Echo," released in February 2023, which garnered two Edison Award nominations. WAAN's live performances include their core lineup with Matteo Mazzù on bass and Mark Schilders on drums, and they have upcoming dates scheduled in late 2026 and early 2027.