Zedd: The Musical Prodigy Blazing Trails in EDM
Born Anton Zaslavski, but widely known as Zedd, this remarkable artist has taken the electronic dance music (EDM) scene by storm. Hailing from Kaiserslautern, Germany, Zedd's musical journey began in his early childhood, as he was raised by two classically trained musicians. His deep-rooted connection to music led him to start playing the piano at the tender age of four. Throughout his formative years, he immersed himself in the Classical repertoire, honing his skills and even composing a song a day at times.
At the age of twelve, Zedd expanded his musical prowess by learning to play the drums. Soon after, he joined the post-hardcore/metal trio Dioramic, where he began performing and producing numerous rock songs in the band's own studio. As the 2000s progressed, Zedd's musical horizons broadened, and in 2009, his interest in producing electronic music was sparked when he discovered the French electronic duo Justice. With his innate gift for musicality and a background in instrumentation, composition, and production, Zedd's transition into the realm of electronic dance music was seamless.
The year 2009 proved to be a pivotal turning point for Zedd. Within an astonishingly short period, he garnered widespread critical acclaim and gained a loyal following. It only took a few months for Zedd to win two Beatport remix contests: the "Armand Van Helden / Strictly Rhythm Remix Contest" and the "Fatboy Slim / Skint Remix Contest." These victories brought him recognition and caught the attention of Skrillex, who discovered him online and promptly signed him to his new OWSLA label. Zedd's talent also captivated Interscope A&R Dave Rene and Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, leading to the release of several official remixes for powerhouse artists such as Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, P. Diddy, Swedish House Mafia, and Skrillex on labels including mau5trap, Interscope, and EMI.
In addition to his remixes, Zedd's original compositions made a significant impact. His hit singles "Shave It" and "Slam The Door," released through OWLSA, both dominated Beatport's charts for multiple weeks. In the same year, his remix of Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night" featured on the deluxe edition of her album "Born This Way," while his remix of "Born This Way" appeared on the remix album of the same name. Renowned electro heavyweights, including Armin Van Buuren, Kaskade, and Knife Party, also lent their expertise to remix Zedd's tracks.
Zedd's extraordinary development is undeniably linked to his unique and instantly recognizable style of composition. In a saturated field, his music stands out for its meticulous attention to detail, careful production, playful nature, and remarkably catchy melodies, despite its complex musicality. Drawing from his diverse background in classical, post-hardcore/metal, and electro-house genres, Zedd's music not only taps into uncommon sources but also has the ability to appeal to audiences outside the realm of EDM.
In 2012, Zedd signed with Interscope Records and released his debut LP, "Clarity," in October to resounding critical acclaim. The album's first single, "Spectrum," featuring singer/songwriter Matthew Koma, captured global attention, climbing into the Top 10 on iTunes' dance chart and maintaining the #1 spot on Beatport Worldwide for nearly three weeks. The track went on to reach #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Song chart and was named the Dance Club Song of the Year by Billboard. Additionally, iTunes recognized "Clarity" as the "Breakthrough Album of the Year (Dance)" for 2012.
Beyond his solo work, Zedd has contributed his production talents to various artists, including Eva Simons' "I Don't Like You" and Justin Bieber's "Beauty And A Beat." Rolling Stone named Zedd an "Artist to Watch" for 2012, and MTV designated him as an "Artist to Watch" for 2013. Zedd's electrifying performances have graced major festivals such as Ultra, Electric Daisy Carnival, Nocturnal, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Hard Summer in Los Angeles, and Electric Zoo in New York. Notably, he made his national television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman in October, showcasing his classical training by performing a stripped-down version of his single "Clarity" alongside a string quartet and vocalist Foxes. This performance exemplified Zedd's true musicianship, transcending the boundaries of EDM.
Zedd's remarkable journey positions him not only as a powerhouse within the EDM realm but also as a musical prodigy with immense crossover potential. His originality and momentum will undoubtedly propel him into the ranks of superstardom. With each release, Zedd continues to defy expectations and redefine the boundaries of electronic dance music. His unparalleled talent and relentless pursuit of musical excellence set him apart as a true visionary, destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
