ZHERAV unleashes hypnotic Middle Eastern grooves on NAJA / BAZAAR 45 for Batov’s highly collectable 45 series.

New Zealand-based producer ZHERAV announces his debut release, NAJA / BAZAAR, a double single and 45
on Batov’s Middle Eastern Grooves series. The record fuses psychedelic rock, hypnotic rhythms, and electronic
production influences, creating a sound that moves between swung grooves and cinematic, reverb-soaked
textures. ZHERAV draws from his background in house and techno, layering live guitar, bass, and synths over programmed drums.
“I had a production template for house music on Ableton” he explains, “and I thought about how to switch to this Middle Eastern sound using the same format”. Most of ZHERAV’s tracks developed through improvisation - starting with programmed drums, then experimenting around scales on instruments until something works. ZHERAV has already received support from independent radio in Australia and New Zealand, and encouragement from international artists like Ko Shin Moon.
Both tracks explore Middle Eastern scales, bringing a distinct flavour to the grooves, while maintaining ZHERAV’s signature hypnotic layered sound. ZHERAV had something in mind related to snakes and their charmers when creating the A-side, NAJA (“Indian Cobra”). An ominous bassline loops repeatedly over snapping drums and percussion, whilst ZHERAV improvises guitar riffs and effects over the top.
The B-side, Bazaar, evokes the bustling, nocturnal imagery of a Middle Eastern market at night. Again, shaped
organically through improvisation and analogue texture, but at a faster pace. Flutes and percussion introduce the
song before a pulsating bassline leads the way.
Looking ahead, ZHERAV is exploring live/DJ hybrid sets
and collaborations with local musicians. NAJA / BAZAAR is the latest exciting edition to Batov’s Middle Eastern Groove series, promising to transport listeners into a world of rhythm, texture, and hypnotic instrumental storytelling.