The Return of Zedd: How His Newest Album Is Changing the Industry

Photo Credit: Nick Walker

By Stephanie Ahn

After almost a decade, Grammy-winning EDM artist and music producer Zedd released his third studio album, “Telos,” with Interscope Records in 2024. 

“I’m going to make a record for myself. It’s not going to be for the streams. It’s most certainly not going to be for the algorithms. It’s going to be for the people who love art,” Zedd muses in a press conference hosted by Universal Music Group’s division 1824 on Thursday, September 18. 

Anton Zaslavski—stage name Zedd—is best known for his hit EDM songs “Clarity” in 2012 and “The Middle” in 2018, which rocked the music world. With these songs, he has won a multitude of awards, including BBMAs, headlined various festivals, and collaborated with industry names such as Katy Perry, Kehlani, and Hayley Williams. Now, nine years later, Zedd has a completely different perspective on the music world today with his newest record.

During the press conference, Zedd recounted how the industry has drastically changed; today’s albums often seem like playlists put together by artists and their labels in order to milk the most streams out. Meanwhile, amidst this host of artificial production, Zedd wants “Telos” to be an authentic record and a real journey that audiences listen to from front to back—hence why multiple songs flow together from one’s end to another’s beginning. He chose the name Telos, which, by definition, refers to the completion of human art, the end or accomplishment, all reflective of how far Zedd has come.

Perhaps Zedd’s urge to present honest records comes from his deep and profound love for music itself. Born in Russia and raised in Germany by parents who both came from musical backgrounds, Zedd is a classically trained musician proficient in both the piano and the drums. This training is still prevalent in the music he releases today. Zedd spoke on how almost all of the tracks he releases are surprisingly playable on a drum kit. His roots shone even further as he spoke about how he continues to take inspiration from the metal hardcore genre after being a drummer for the German metal band DIORAMIC nine years prior. He actually takes inspiration from a host of different genres—classical, funk, and jazz—and although he is best known for EDM, he has a deep appreciation for all sorts of music.

When the DJ was asked if he would change anything about “Telos,” he said he simply wouldn’t. He has never been prouder of a piece of work he has made before. And rightfully so. Not only is this album a masterpiece, but the visuals to pair with it on his current U.S. “Telos” tour are nothing short of spectacular. 

The “Telos” tour started in early September in sunny Los Angeles, California, at his very own festival, Zedd In the Park, and has since covered New York, D.C., and our very own MGM Music Hall Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts. Zedd is immensely proud of this concert, detailing it as “quite obviously, the best show I’ve put together.” The visuals of the tour videos replicate the album cover: a vibrant stained glass mosaic of a sunset overlooking the ocean—only, of course, with blinding lights and intense flashing. This show played with wider lighting genres, according to Zedd, who was able to watch the show develop in a theater and witness firsthand the amount of work that went into the visuals. Proper visuals are such an important part of live EDM shows as they pull different feelings out with the various colors and scenes, and the “Telos” tour has been able to capture that perfectly.

Live EDM music is oftentimes found at festivals or raves that are famous for their supportive community. One example of this is the iconic Kandi—beaded bracelets that ravers will make to hand out or exchange with others at these shows. As Zedd says, “The world could use a lot of what the EDM scene stands for.” He talks about the support that the EDM community shows for one another rather than the spiteful competition and hate that plague the pop industry scene. He finds what the community has to be beautiful and unique. Despite all his success, Zedd continues to uplift this positive energy and create a safe space for music lovers.

So how exactly is Zedd able to balance his great success with such humility and grace and not experience burnout? He explained that he has had his fair share of burnout, and in the end, it’s just not worth overworking yourself. Taking a day off is not only more refreshing but also more productive in avoiding the anxiety and stress of burnout. He spoke about the very real fear of trying so hard and still not producing your best work, which many other artists of all types can relate to. 

Overall, the best word to describe Zedd’s “Telos” is authentic. He has poured his heart and soul into this album for nobody but himself and so generously allowed us to have a listen. His honest personality and love for music shine throughout, and for that, I think it’s worth giving “Telos” a listen here if you haven’t already. 

You can follow Zedd on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify, as well as purchase tickets for his current tour here.