Zedd
Zedd: A Trailblazing DJ and Producer
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Zedd's full name is Anton Zaslavski. He is also known as Skrillex (though this alias belongs to another artist) and is often referred to by his initials, AZ.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Anton Zaslavski was born on September 2, 1989. He remains alive as of the writing of this biography.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Zedd is a Russian-born German-Swiss DJ, record producer, musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in Saratov, Russia, Zaslavski was introduced to electronic music by his mother. He began learning piano at the age of four and eventually moved to Germany to pursue a career in music. After dropping out of school at 16, he taught himself how to produce electronic dance music (EDM). His talent quickly gained attention, leading him to collaborate with notable artists such as Skrillex.
#### Major Accomplishments
Zedd has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. He has released four studio albums: Clarity (2012), True Colors (2015), The Middle (2018), and Sound of the Future (2021). His breakthrough single, "Clarity," featuring Foxes, peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Maren Morris.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Zedd is known for his eclectic music style, which blends elements of EDM, pop, and hip-hop. His track "The Middle" (feat. Maren Morris and Grey) won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2019. He has also made headlines with his chart-topping singles "Clarity," "Stay," and "Beautiful Now." In addition to his music career, Zedd is a devoted philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
#### Impact and Legacy
Zedd's impact on the music industry extends far beyond his personal achievements. He has been credited with popularizing EDM worldwide, paving the way for future generations of electronic musicians. His collaborations with mainstream artists have pushed the boundaries of genre fusion, creating a new wave of innovative soundscapes.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Zedd is widely quoted and remembered for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bridge the gap between electronic music and the mainstream. His commitment to innovation has inspired countless artists, making him an influential figure in modern music.
Quotes by Zedd
I’ve been making music for a long time, since I was very young, but at the same time, I’m still exploring what works for me. I feel like I’m just starting out.
What I don’t like to hear in music is something has not been thought through: that a sound is just there randomly. I want to make sure that every single little noise that’s in my song is there because it’s supposed to be there.
I can’t just sit down and make a song in a day. It’s only possible if you focus on the music and not the sound.
A lot of EDM is not bad at all when it’s simple, but a lot of it is not really musical. That’s just what I really like to do: taking what I had at the beginning, which is classical and jazz influences, and putting it into electro.
What I look for in a voice is for it to be unique. I don’t really care if a singer sings well. Really, it’s about emotion, or being able to sing the lyrics and actually mean it. A lot of singers sing good notes but forget about what words they use.
I never feel like I need to make a song that sells 5 million copies; that’s not the point of why I make music. It’s great if that happens, like it did with ‘Clarity,’ but my goal is to always make a better track than the last one.