Zedd 

Anton Zaslavski, known professionally as Zedd, is a Grammy-award-winning electronic music producer and DJ, renowned for his genre-defying sound and chart-topping hits. Born on September 2, 1989, in Saratov, Soviet Russia, Zedd moved with his family to Kaiserslautern, Germany, at the age of three. Growing up in a household steeped in music, his father, Igor Zaslavski, was a guitarist and schoolteacher, and his mother was a piano teacher. This musical environment led Zedd to begin playing the piano at the age of four, followed by drums at twelve, laying the groundwork for his future in music production.

Zedd’s initial foray into music was through the German deathcore band Dioramic, where he played drums. Signed to Lifeforce Records, Zedd was active in the metal scene before transitioning to electronic music production in 2009. His interest in electronic music was sparked after listening to the French electronic duo Justice’s 2007 album Cross. Inspired by the intricate production, he began experimenting with electronic club music. His early efforts were met with quick success, winning Beatport’s “Armand Van Helden / Strictly Rhythm Remix Contest” and later the “Fatboy Slim / Skint Remix Contest,” which opened doors for him in the electronic music scene.

Zedd’s career took off in 2011 when he released his single “Shave It” under Skrillex’s label OWSLA. The track was a notable introduction to Zedd’s style, characterized by intricate melodies and high-energy drops, a blend of electro-house that set him apart. His remix of Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” further elevated his profile, reaching number two on Beatport’s Electro House charts. Zedd’s detailed and playful production style, coupled with his ear for catchy melodies, helped establish him as a force in the EDM world.

In 2012, Zedd released his breakout single “Clarity” featuring Foxes, which reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 56th Grammy Awards. His debut album, Clarity (2012), was a major success, solidifying his position as one of electronic music’s top producers. The deluxe edition of the album featured the hit single “Stay the Night” with Hayley Williams, adding to his growing list of mainstream hits.

Zedd’s second studio album, True Colors, was released in 2015, with the lead single “I Want You to Know” featuring Selena Gomez. The album furthered his reputation for blending pop elements with electronic music, a formula that continued with hits like “Stay” featuring Alessia Cara and “The Middle” with Maren Morris and Grey. These singles demonstrated Zedd’s ability to craft crossover hits that dominated both dance charts and mainstream radio.

After a nine-year gap, Zedd released his highly anticipated third studio album, Telos, on August 30, 2024. Featuring collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including Bea Miller, Remi Wolf, John Mayer, and even the late Jeff Buckley, Telos represents a personal and artistic evolution for Zedd. The album reflects his growing range as a producer, merging electronic beats with rock, pop, and experimental influences. The album was promoted with the singles “Out of Time” featuring Bea Miller and “Lucky” with Remi Wolf, capturing a blend of introspective lyrics and vibrant production.

In addition to his album work, Zedd’s contributions to pop culture expanded with collaborations in Japan. He performed the opening theme, “Jaka Jaan,” for the anime Dragon Ball Daima, solidifying his status as a global artist. His unique blend of electro-house, pop, and orchestral elements, combined with a passion for creating emotionally resonant tracks, has made Zedd a trailblazer in the electronic music landscape.