Rapper, but journalist. But author. But educator, more specifically a … yeah, a title won’t cut it here.
As he ramps up into a busy 2025, Zander Tsadwa — stage name Zander, an American — is using every skill he has and developing new ones in order to inform people, connect with people, and be a little more free every day. And there is nothing in his life that makes him feel more free and powerful right now than rapping his off to the beat of his own drum, which is no figure of speech.
As he continues to rack up Spotify playlist rejections and charged comments on his music videos due to his experimental production, Zander continues to carve out a singular sonic space as both a vocalist and producer that is minimal, hot-headed, and loving.
ATC Sound presents highlights from Zander, an American’s January interview with underground hip-hop publication Folded Waffle. Get to know the artist with a summary of essential facts below.
Where Zander, an American Is From
According to the interview, Zander hails from the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota. More specifically, he is currently based in Minneapolis, MN but grew up in the smaller Saint Paul, Minnesota’s state capital.
Zander’s Musical Mission
Zander, an American distinguishes himself from other artists in many ways. One of the main differentiators is the raw and hyperaware world he builds in his music. He is the opposite of an escapist artist who gives listeners moments of reprieve — he grips your harm and hurls himself and everyone with him through the chaos of the modern world with an unshakeable confidence that something better is on the other side if we try to live better together.
The Story Behind Zander, an American’s Stage Name
Zander always wanted to use his real name in someway (“Zander” being a long-time nickname for Alexander). He felt the format of “Tyler, The Creator” was humble yet singular. Zander, an American reads like an otherwise normal person is being given the chance to speak his piece.
Additionally, Zander wanted the descriptor to best represent everything about his background and current identity as a person. He landed on “an American” because so many of the competing influences in his life wouldn’t even be molded together if he did not live in the United States. He’s also “an” American as opposed to “the” as another level of humility, claiming “I don’t think ‘thee’ American exists.
Zander’s Brief Description Of His Musical Journey To Date
Since 2010, Zander has kept the pen — now the thumbs — moving as a lyricist. He started performing in college around 2015 and released his first song on SoundCloud in 2017. During the pandemic, he started making beats and subsequently releasing music under the name Zander, an American. Five years later, Zander’s writing, beatmaking, and production continue to grow more stark and impactful.
Zander, an American’s Vision For The Impact Of His Music
Ultimately, Zander wants people to fully engage his overarching brand Across The Culture — a hub of pop cultural information, analysis, and creation. Whether it’s through his journalism, thought leadership, or music, Zander hopes the intentionality behind his music brings people together who want to better understand people and live in harmony.
How To Support Zander
Support Zander, an American’s moves in music by following him on your digital streaming platform of choice and subscribing to the ATC Sound YouTube channel, home for visual content of ATC Sound artists like Zander as well as editorial content on the music industry.