ORIGINS AND VISION
The story of Mantra of the Cosmos began with a simple suggestion: Zak Starkey should start a band with his mates. The idea of forming a 'supergroup' was floated, but Zak hated the term, as it felt too self-indulgent. His first thought was Karl Bartos of Kraftwerk, a German electronic pioneer. Karl politely told him "You should've phoned me ten years ago", so Zak shelved the idea for a while, unsure of who could make the project truly different.
Two years later the lightbulb moment came: Shaun Ryder. A psychedlic beat poet with a voice like no other, and one of the few people wild enough to bring his vision to life. Zak and Shaun first crossed paths on TFI Friday alongside Liam Gallagher, instantly hitting it off. When Zak asked him to join, Shaun's reply was pure Ryder: "Yes buddy, I'm right in."
From there, Mantra of the Cosmos became a band of misfits, outsiders and innovators. Big, out-of-control characters who are unpredictable, chaotic and brilliantly different. In the studio it's mayhem; Shaun freestyling surreal rants while Zak wrangles the chaos into something that feels less like a track and more like a transmission from another world.
Mantra of the Cosmos isn't about being polished or safe. It's about creating something raw, bold and producing music without boundaries from musicians who've spent their lives defying them.
ZAK STARKEY - PRODUCER AND DRUMS
Son of the Beatles' Ringo Starr, Zak Starkey has carved out his own path as one of the greatest rock drummers of his generation. Known for his explosive work with The Who, Oasis and Johnny Marr - Zak brings thunder, precision and is the glue that holds Mantra of the Cosmos together.
SHAUN RYDER - VOCALS
The iconic frontman of Happy Mondays and Black Grape, Shaun Ryder's unmistakable voice and surreal lyrics have defined British music for decades. With Mantra, he brings the same wit, edge and unpredictability that made him one of the true legends of the Madchester scene.
BEZ - VIBES AND PERCUSSION
A cultural icon in his own right, Bez rose to fame as the energy, spirit and chaos engine of Happy Mondays. With Mantra, he brings the vibe, the movement and the intangible spark that turns every gig into an experience beyond music.
ANDY BELL - GUITAR
Best known for his work with Ride and Oasis, Andy Bell is a pioneer of shoegaze and psychedelic guitar soundscapes. His ability to blend shimmering textures with raw riffs makes him the sonic architect of Mantra's interstellar sound.
INFLUENCES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Mantra of the Cosmos is the meeting point of acid rock, punk energy, and art-house experimentation. Their music channels the heavy grooves of bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin, the psychedelic soundscapes of Pink Floyd and Primal Scream, and the chaotic
spirit of Happy Mondays. The result is a sound that’s raw yet refined, nostalgic yet futuristic, familiar yet like nothing you have heard before. With heavy riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and surreal lyrics, Mantra’s songs feel less like tracks and more like sonic voyages.
Since their formation, Mantra of the Cosmos have already left a footprint on the rock landscape. Their explosive set on the Glade Stage at Glastonbury 2023 announced their arrival in unforgettable style, drawing fans old and new into their orbit. Their single Dominoe Bones has earned critical praise across outlets including NME, Clash, and BBC Radio 6, with airplay on Radio X and Apple Music playlists.
With limited edition vinyl releases selling out fast and interviews spotlighting the band’s unique chemistry, Mantra of the Cosmos has cemented its place as one of the most exciting psychedelic alt-rock bands in the UK today. And this is just the beginning!