Zedd: The Chart-Topping Electronic Music Producer

Zedd is a Grammy-winning German-Russian DJ and record producer known for his intricate, melodic take on mainstream electronic dance music. Hailing from Kaiserslautern, Germany, he achieved global fame with his 2012 debut album "Clarity," which spawned the platinum-certified title track and established him as a leading force in the EDM boom of the early 2010s.

Early career

Born Anton Zaslavski in 1989, Zedd's initial musical training was in classical piano and drums. His interest in electronic production was sparked by the French duo Justice, leading him to start creating remixes and original tracks in his bedroom studio. His early demos caught the attention of Skrillex, who signed Zedd to his OWSLA label in 2011, releasing the "The Anthem" EP.

Breakthrough

Zedd's major breakthrough arrived in 2012 with the release of his debut studio album, "Clarity," on Interscope Records. The album's title track, featuring the vocals of Foxes, became a global hit, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a platinum certification in the United States. The album itself won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album in 2014, cementing his status.

Key tracks

Clarity — This Grammy-winning song featuring Foxes served as Zedd's commercial breakthrough single and defined his signature blend of soaring melodies and powerful drops.

Stay The Night — Featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, this 2013 pop-EDM crossover hit reached the top 20 in over ten countries and has been certified multi-platinum.

The Middle — A massive 2018 collaboration with Maren Morris and Grey, this track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved diamond certification in the US, marking a huge chart comeback.

Spectrum — An instrumental track from the "Clarity" album that showcases Zedd's classical influences and complex production style, later released with vocals by Matthew Koma.

Break Free — This 2014 collaboration with Ariana Grande became a top-five global smash, further solidifying Zedd's reputation as a hitmaker for top pop stars.

Following his initial success, Zedd became a highly sought-after collaborator, working with major artists like Selena Gomez on "I Want You To Know" and Liam Payne on "Get Low." His sophomore album, "True Colors," released in 2015, debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. He has since focused on high-profile single releases and high-energy live performances at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza.

Fans of Zedd's polished, melodic electronic style should also explore other leading figures in the genre. Martin Garrix shares a similar trajectory from young prodigy to festival headliner. Grey is the production duo that co-created "The Middle" and operates in a similar sonic space. ILLENIUM blends emotive melodies with bass-heavy drops, appealing to a similar audience. Madeon is another producer known for intricate, harmonic compositions within the electronic dance music sphere.

Zedd's catalog remains a staple on electronic and top 40 radio stations worldwide. His hits receive consistent airplay on mainstream dance FM stations, online electronic music streams, and pop-focused radio formats, ensuring his anthems continue to reach new listeners daily.

You can hear the dynamic music of Zedd on a variety of radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his biggest hits and deep cuts through our curated selection of electronic and pop music radio stations.