Zedd discusses his new album and 5-Gum collaboration

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Zedd discusses his new album and 5-Gum collaboration

As a devoted fan of Zedd, I must say that his recent collaboration with 5-Gum for a secret rave in New York City is nothing short of extraordinary! The intimacy and exclusivity of this event make it an unforgettable experience not only for him but also for his fans. It’s refreshing to see artists like Zedd prioritize the connection between themselves and their audience over grand spectacles.

Ever since his hit song “Clarity” in 2012, Zedd’s musical journey has been on an upward trajectory. Since then, he’s been part of some fantastic music collaborations, such as those with Selena Gomez, Jon Bellion, Hayley Williams, and Ariana Grande. Now, with his latest album “Telos” out, Zedd had another collaboration that provided a more personal concert experience for some of his die-hard fans in New York City. In partnership with 5-Gum, Zedd organized a secret rave, and he’s expressed how performing live is significant to him and the unique nature of this event compared to others.

Zedd: I constantly seek chances to craft an extraordinary moment for both my fans and myself. Honestly, I find it thrilling to execute something more exceptional than the ordinary. When the thought arose to essentially play at the smallest shows of my career, it sparked excitement within me because the close proximity to fans can sometimes get lost as shows grow in size. Therefore, being able to reach out and almost physically touch every individual attending will be amazing, and I haven’t had that chance for quite some time, so I’m really looking forward to this unique opportunity, and 5-Gum helped make it a reality.

Zedd: Generally, I feel profoundly grateful when I have the opportunity to perform live. As a child, my ultimate aspiration was simply to create music. When I take the stage and particularly witness fans singing along, smiling, or shedding tears of joy, it’s incredibly fulfilling and deeply emotional. It serves as a constant reminder that I am living out the dream I’ve always cherished.

Zedd: In my opinion, the entire album “Telos” represents a personal expression of who I am as an individual, as a musician, and as a producer. Essentially, it functions like a musical biography. I had the opportunity to collaborate with artists I’ve long admired, those who have inspired me, and without whom our conversation today might not be possible. Working with these influential figures is deeply significant and allows listeners to hear the most authentic version of me. This album reflects my diverse influences, tracing back to classical music. One track on my album is based on a classical piece that has been incredibly inspirational and formative in my life. There’s also a collaboration with a band whose cover I first performed on stage. Additionally, there are artists whose music I enjoy and have had the pleasure of working with. Overall, this project is a sincere expression of my desire to create an emotional experience reminiscent of how I felt as a child when listening to albums and eagerly anticipating new music. Perhaps it will inspire others to create their own music as well.

In my collaborative process, I approach it through various methods. One instance is when I compose a track and have a demo vocal, but I believe it could be improved upon by another singer. So, I’ll reach out to numerous vocalists, requesting short demos of their interpretation of the song so I can determine how well their voice fits the track. It’s not just about teaming up with anyone; it’s about finding the perfect match for each song. This distinction is crucial. For example, one way I collaborated was with John Mayer. I had a song that I wasn’t sure how to complete, and it almost didn’t make the album. But when he heard it, he suggested ideas that made it stand out, and we worked together to finish the song. Collaborations can also come about when I reach out to an artist I admire or seek a specific voice for the emotion I think a song requires.

Zedd: What sets this show apart is that there’s no production for me to hide behind, unlike other performances where I have a big stage setup with special effects. Here, it’s just me, the music, and my fans. This means the attention will primarily be on the music itself rather than the visual spectacle created by lights. Moreover, being so close to my audience allows me to witness their emotions as I play the songs, making for an incredibly intimate experience that I believe is going to be amazing.

Zedd: Choosing my favorite song from this album is like picking my favorite baby; it’s impossible because everyone has a different preference. However, I find myself drawn towards “Out of Time” for several reasons. Firstly, I started working on this track nine years ago, and it has always felt like my version of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” musically speaking. It combines all the elements I love in music such as chord progressions, song structure, and more. It gives me a sense of freedom because it isn’t confined by specific genres; while it is electronic music, it also incorporates classical and theatrical elements, with time changes that make it feel truly unique and liberating to create something so free-flowing.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share some personal insights from Zedd: A year ago, if you’d asked about my dream collaborations, I would’ve listed numerous artists who are now on my album! I am truly thankful for these incredible collaborations. Interestingly, for each collaboration I fulfill, three new ones emerge. So, my list of desired collaborations is ever-expanding. Artists like Radiohead, Silverchair, and Daniel Johns remain on my wishlist, as we haven’t worked together yet. I also find it enticing to work with artists outside my genre, such as Adele, who might not be familiar with electronic music. There are numerous amazing artists out there that I yearn to collaborate with, and the pool of talent never seems to run dry.

Zedd’s new album, “Telos,” is available for purchase now.

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2024-09-02 19:15