WAAN is the brainchild of saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven. Together with bassist Matteo Mazzú and drummer Mark Schilders, they create a sound in which the boundaries between electronic and acoustic, dance floor energy and jazz improvisation blur. Since their debut, WAAN is known for an adventurous style where groove-driven electronics and improvisational freedom meet. In the studio, the band works closely with producer Oscar de Jong (Kraak & Smaak). Their debut album Echo Echo received rave reviews, garnered two Edison Jazz nominations, and was played worldwide, including on BBC programs by Jamie Cullum. Now WAAN is working on their second album 'We Want WAAN', which will be released on January 23, 2026, via Sonar Kollektiv.