Zedd

Zedd
Name	Zedd
Caption	Zedd performing in 2014
Birth name	Anton Zaslavski
Birth date	1989-09-02
Birth place	Saratov, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Origin	Klin, Moscow Oblast, Russia
Genres	Electronic dance music, Electropop, Progressive house, Dubstep
Occupations	Record producer, DJ, songwriter, remixer
Years active	2002–present
Labels	Interscope Records, Owsla, Ministry of Sound, Casablanca Records
Associated acts	Hayley Williams, Foxes, Zayn Malik, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga

Zedd is a Russian-born German music producer, DJ, songwriter, and remixer active in Electronic dance music and Pop music since the early 2000s. He rose to international prominence with crossover singles that bridged EDM culture and mainstream Pop music, collaborating with artists from Alternative rock and R&B scenes. Zedd has produced chart-topping hits, won major industry awards, and performed at prominent festivals and venues associated with Dance music and Contemporary pop.

Early life and education

Born Anton Zaslavski in Saratov during the Soviet Union era, he moved with his family to Klin and later to Germany where he was raised in a household immersed in Classical music. His father was a professional musician associated with regional ensembles and conservatories in Moscow Oblast, exposing him to repertoires by Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Frédéric Chopin. He studied classical piano from an early age and attended regional music schools that trained students for institutions like the Moscow Conservatory and the Royal College of Music. As a teenager he became involved in local electronic scenes influenced by acts such as Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, and Skrillex, combining formal classical training with contemporary production techniques learned through informal apprenticeships and self-directed study.

Career

Zedd began producing and performing in the early 2000s within European electronic music circuits, releasing early works through labels that intersected with movements led by Ministry of Sound and Owsla. He achieved breakthrough success with singles that climbed charts in markets influenced by Billboard Hot 100 metrics and international radio play dominated by networks like BBC Radio 1. High-profile collaborations with singers from Alternative rock and Pop music—including sessions tied to songwriters and producers connected to Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, and Kendrick Lamar—expanded his reach into mainstream playlists curated by platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Zedd has performed at major festivals like Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, and Tomorrowland, and held residencies at prominent venues affiliated with international nightlife brands. He has also worked on remixes and production for established artists linked to labels including Interscope Records and Casablanca Records, contributing to soundtrack placements and televised performances (e.g., Grammy Awards telecasts and late-night programs like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon).

Musical style and influences

Zedd's production signature blends structural elements from Classical music—such as counterpoint and orchestration reminiscent of Johann Sebastian Bach and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky—with electronic timbres common to Progressive house and Dubstep. He cites inspirations from pioneering electronic and pop acts like Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Skrillex, and pop architects associated with Max Martin and Dr. Luke. His arrangements often feature layered synths, dynamic drops, and vocal-centric songwriting informed by collaborators from Indie pop and R&B worlds, including artists who have worked with Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Sam Smith. Production techniques in his catalogue reflect studio practices used by engineers and producers affiliated with Abbey Road Studios-level workflows and digital audio workstations popularized by producers in the Electronic music community.

Discography

Zedd's studio albums and key singles have charted internationally across outlets that track sales and streaming, such as Billboard, Official Charts Company, and regional chart systems in Germany and the United States. Major releases include his debut studio album and follow-up albums that yielded singles performed by collaborators like Hayley Williams of Paramore and singer-songwriters associated with Virgin Records and Republic Records. Notable singles and remixes appear alongside works by artists comparable to Calvin Harris, David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, and Marshmello, and have been licensed for film and television projects involving production companies such as Universal Pictures and Warner Bros..

Awards and recognition

Zedd has received accolades from institutions that recognize achievements in contemporary music, including awards and nominations from the Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and national music organizations within Germany and the United States. His chart performance has translated into certifications issued by entities like the Recording Industry Association of America and certifying bodies operating in European markets. Industry press coverage from outlets such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, and The Guardian has documented his commercial impact and influence on the crossover between electronic and pop sectors.

Personal life and philanthropy

Zedd has maintained ties to communities spanning Germany, Russia, and the United States, participating in philanthropic initiatives and benefit performances aligned with causes championed by organizations similar to UNICEF and disaster-relief efforts coordinated with foundations tied to entertainment-industry fundraising. He has been linked socially and professionally to figures from pop culture and entertainment spheres, including musicians associated with Paramore, OneRepublic, and mainstream pop artists featured on major network broadcasts. His public statements and social-media activity engage with cultural events and charitable campaigns supported by colleagues across the global music industry.

Category:Electronic musicians Category:Record producers