Clarity ft. Foxes (Official Video)
The Grammy-winning smash that launched Zedd into global stardom in 2012
Zedd
Anton Zaslavski
93
Heat Score
Grammy
Best Dance Rec.
2010
Active Since
DE/RU
Los Angeles
🎧 Biography
The classically trained prodigy who redefined pop-electronic music
Zedd, born Anton Zaslavski on January 2, 1989, in Saratov, Russia, is a Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has become one of the most successful crossover artists in electronic dance music history. Raised in Kaiserslautern, Germany, after his family relocated from Russia during his childhood, Zedd grew up in an intensely musical household. He began playing piano at the age of four and took up drums by twelve, immersing himself in classical music training that would later become the defining characteristic of his production style. His father was a guitarist and his mother a piano teacher, creating an environment where music was not just a hobby but a way of life. This classical foundation — rare among electronic producers — gave Zedd an intuitive understanding of melody, harmony, and composition that set him apart from his peers from the very beginning.
Zedd's breakthrough into the electronic music world came in the early 2010s, when his productions caught the attention of Skrillex, who signed one of his early tracks. But it was the release of "Clarity" featuring British singer Foxes in 2012 that catapulted Zedd to international stardom. The track became a global phenomenon, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning Zedd the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014. "Clarity" was more than just a hit single; it was a statement of artistic intent, blending soaring pop vocals with intricate electronic production in a way that felt both emotionally resonant and sonically innovative. The success of "Clarity" established the template for Zedd's career: pristine production, memorable vocal performances, and an uncanny ability to create songs that work equally well on festival mainstages and pop radio.
Following the monumental success of "Clarity," Zedd released his debut album of the same name, followed by "True Colors" in 2015 and "Telos" in 2023. Each album showcased his evolution as an artist, moving from the electro house sounds of his early career toward a more refined pop-electronic hybrid that drew on his classical training. Hit singles like "Stay the Night" featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, "Beautiful Now" featuring Jon Bellion, "Stay" with Alessia Cara, and "The Middle" with Maren Morris and Grey became defining tracks of the 2010s pop-EDM era. "The Middle" in particular was a massive commercial success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning multiple Grammy nominations, and becoming one of the most-streamed songs of 2018. Today, Zedd continues to push creative boundaries from his base in Los Angeles, holding a residency at Zouk Las Vegas (following previous stints at OMNIA and Hakkasan) and headlining the world's biggest festivals including Ultra, EDC, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. His live shows are renowned for their spectacular visual production, custom-designed stage elements, and seamless integration of pop songcraft with electronic energy.
🎶 Best Sets
The most iconic Zedd live performances and music videos
The Middle ft. Maren Morris & Grey
Massive 2018 pop-EDM crossover that reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Stay ft. Alessia Cara (Official Video)
Global hit collaboration showcasing Zedd's pop songwriting mastery
Coachella 2023 Live Set
Electrifying festival performance at Coachella featuring stunning visual production
Beautiful Now ft. Jon Bellion
Anthemic single from the "True Colors" album era with euphoric energy
Stay the Night ft. Hayley Williams
Powerful collaboration with Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams
🎪 Concert Timeline
Key milestones in Zedd's live performance career
2010–2011
Early Career & Skrillex Connection
Zedd began gaining recognition in the electronic music community through his early productions and remixes. His work caught the attention of Skrillex, who released Zedd's track "Shave It Up" on his OWSLA label. These early club and festival bookings in Germany and the US laid the groundwork for what would become an extraordinary career, as Zedd honed his skills as a live performer while building his production catalog.
2012
"Clarity" Release & Breakthrough
The release of "Clarity" featuring Foxes marked a seismic shift in Zedd's career. The track became a worldwide hit, and suddenly Zedd was being booked for major festivals and headlining shows across the globe. His performances during this period were electrifying, as audiences heard "Clarity" live for the first time and the track became the anthem of the EDM generation.
2014
Grammy Win & Major Festival Circuit
Winning the Grammy for Best Dance Recording for "Clarity" at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards cemented Zedd's place among electronic music's elite. That year saw him headlining Ultra Music Festival in Miami, EDC Las Vegas, and Lollapalooza, delivering sets that blended his signature production with breathtaking live visual experiences. The Grammy recognition opened doors to even bigger pop collaborations.
2015
"True Colors" Album & World Tour
Zedd released his sophomore album "True Colors" and embarked on the accompanying True Colors Tour, which featured one of the most ambitious stage designs in electronic music history. The tour included custom-built LED installations, a color-themed visual narrative that evolved throughout each show, and intimate moments where Zedd performed on a grand piano. The True Colors Tour played sold-out venues across North America and Europe.
2017
Las Vegas Residency at OMNIA
Zedd launched his Las Vegas residency at OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace, joining the elite tier of DJs with permanent Vegas bookings. His OMNIA shows became legendary for their production quality, often featuring custom visuals and exclusive track debuts. The residency established Zedd as a top draw on the Las Vegas Strip and attracted audiences far beyond the typical nightclub demographic.
2018
"The Middle" Phenomenon
The release of "The Middle" with Maren Morris and Grey became a cultural moment, dominating radio, streaming, and festival playlists for over a year. Zedd's live sets during this period were euphoric, with "The Middle" serving as the centerpiece of headline performances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and EDC. The track's success proved that Zedd had mastered the art of creating songs that transcended genre boundaries.
2022–2023
Zouk Las Vegas & "Telos" Era
Zedd transitioned his Las Vegas residency to Zouk at Resorts World, one of the newest and most technologically advanced nightclubs on the Strip. He also released his third studio album "Telos" in 2023, showcasing a matured sound that incorporated more organic instrumentation alongside his electronic production. Festival headline slots at Ultra, Coachella, and EDC continued to draw massive crowds.
2024–2025
Global Touring & New Collaborations
Zedd continued his global touring schedule with headline performances across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. New collaborations with emerging pop and electronic artists kept his sound fresh and relevant, while his Zouk Las Vegas residency remained one of the hottest tickets in the city. His live shows incorporated increasingly sophisticated visual technology, including holographic elements and real-time generative visuals.
🌎 Lifestyle
Where Zedd lives, parties, travels, eats, and more
Where He Lives
Zedd resides in a stunning modern mansion in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles, California. The home, which he purchased in 2018, features a state-of-the-art recording studio, a Skittles-filled candy wall that went viral on social media, and panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline. The property reflects Zedd's creative personality and serves as both his primary residence and creative workspace.
Where He Parties
As a performer and music lover, Zedd frequents the world's premier venues and festivals.
- Zouk Las Vegas — Residency at Resorts World
- Coachella, Indio CA — Regular headliner
- Ultra Music Festival, Miami — Annual appearances
- EDC Las Vegas — Festival favorite
- Lollapalooza — Multi-year headliner
Where He Travels
Zedd's touring schedule spans the globe with a focus on major festival markets.
- Las Vegas, USA — Zouk residency
- Miami, USA — Ultra / WMC
- Indio, CA — Coachella
- Chicago, USA — Lollapalooza
- Tokyo, Japan — Regular touring
- Seoul, South Korea — Festival appearances
- Berlin, Germany — European touring
What He Eats
Zedd is known for being a foodie with a particular love for Korean cuisine, ramen, and fine dining. Living in Los Angeles gives him access to some of the world's best restaurants, and he frequently shares food photos on social media. He has spoken about his love for cooking at home in his Beverly Hills kitchen and often explores local food scenes while touring internationally, with a notable fondness for Japanese and Korean street food.
What He Wears
Zedd's style is clean, modern, and understated, reflecting his meticulous approach to everything he does. He favors simple, well-fitting pieces — often black or neutral tones — that let his music and stage production take center stage. On tour, he typically wears comfortable but stylish streetwear. He has been spotted wearing brands like Saint Laurent, Off-White, and Common Projects, maintaining a low-key luxury aesthetic that matches his refined musical sensibility.
Personal Life
Zedd keeps his personal life relatively private, though he has been linked to several high-profile relationships over the years. He was previously in a relationship with singer and actress Selena Gomez in 2015. Beyond romance, Zedd is known for his love of gaming, particularly League of Legends and Valorant, and has participated in charity gaming events. His interests outside music include technology, visual art, and design.
🎬 Behind the Scenes
Studio sessions, production breakdowns, and the artistry behind Zedd's music
Zedd: True Colors Documentary
Full-length documentary following Zedd's creative process, classical music roots, and the making of the "True Colors" album
Making of "The Middle"
Behind-the-scenes look at how Zedd crafted one of the biggest pop songs of 2018 with Maren Morris and Grey
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Everything fans want to know about Zedd
Zedd was born Anton Zaslavski on January 2, 1989, in Saratov, Russia. His family emigrated to Germany when he was a child, and he was raised in Kaiserslautern, a city in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of western Germany. He grew up in a deeply musical household — his father was a guitarist and his mother a piano teacher. After building his early career in Europe, Zedd relocated to the United States to pursue electronic music and currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he has lived for over a decade.
Yes, Zedd is classically trained and has one of the most extensive musical educations of any major electronic producer. He began playing piano at the age of four and took up drums at twelve. Growing up in a musical family in Kaiserslautern, Germany, he received formal classical music training that instilled a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, and composition. This classical background profoundly influences his production style, which is celebrated for its intricate melodies, sophisticated chord progressions, and meticulous arrangement. Many critics and fellow producers have noted that his classical training is what gives his music its distinctive emotional depth and compositional sophistication.
Yes, Zedd won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in January 2014 for "Clarity" featuring British singer Foxes. The track was originally released in 2012 as part of his debut album, also titled "Clarity." The song became a massive global hit, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and becoming one of the defining tracks of the early 2010s EDM era. The Grammy win was a landmark moment in Zedd's career, establishing him as a world-class producer and opening the door to a string of pop-EDM crossover successes that would follow.
"The Middle" is a collaboration between Zedd, country-pop artist Maren Morris, and production duo Grey. Released in January 2018, the track became one of the biggest songs of the year, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending over 60 weeks on the chart. Maren Morris provided the instantly recognizable vocals, while Grey (a duo consisting of Kyle Trewartha and Michael Trewartha) co-produced the track with Zedd. The song earned three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and was one of the most-streamed songs globally in 2018. It remains one of Zedd's biggest commercial successes.
Yes, Zedd currently holds a residency at Zouk Las Vegas, located inside Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip. Before Zouk, he held highly successful residencies at OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace and Hakkasan at the MGM Grand. His Las Vegas shows are renowned for their spectacular visual production, with custom-designed stage elements and immersive lighting that transform the club into a concert-like experience. The residency attracts music fans from around the world and is consistently ranked among the best nightclub experiences in Las Vegas. Zedd's ability to create an intimate yet epic atmosphere in the club setting has made his Vegas shows a must-see experience.