Zoon

About

Zoon, the moniker of Daniel Monkman, is a sonic alchemist weaving together the raw power of shoegaze with the spiritual depth of his Indigenous heritage. Hailing from the Ojibway community of Selkirk, Manitoba, Monkman’s music is a cathartic blend of swirling guitars, ethereal textures, and deeply personal storytelling. His debut album, *Bleached Wavves*, released in 2020, was a revelation—a genre-defying masterpiece that earned comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive while carving out a distinctly Indigenous perspective in the shoegaze canon. Monkman’s journey is one of resilience and rebirth. After battling addiction and homelessness, he channeled his struggles into music, creating a sound that feels both expansive and intimate. His work is steeped in the concept of “moccasin gaze,” a term he coined to describe the fusion of traditional Indigenous music with the dreamy, reverb-drenched aesthetics of shoegaze. This unique approach has resonated deeply, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted following. Zoon’s cultural impact extends beyond music. As a proud member of the Peguis First Nation, Monkman uses his platform to amplify Indigenous voices and stories, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding. Collaborations with artists like Status/Non-Status and recent performances at major festivals like SXSW have further cemented his status as a rising star. Currently, Zoon is working on new material, promising to push his sound into even more experimental territories while staying true to his roots.