Anton Zaslavski, professionally known as Zedd, is a Russian-German electronic music producer and DJ recognized for melodic electro house and cross-genre collaborations. This profile outlines his verified career path, release chronology, production roles, and industry influence to provide a durable reference for his identity and work.
Full Name and Professional Identity
Legal Name and Stage Name
Zedd’s full legal name is Anton Zaslavski. He was born on 2 September 1989 in Saratov, Russia, and moved with his family to Germany at age one, growing up in Kaiserslautern. He adopted the stage name Zedd as a simplified, branding-friendly version of his surname. The public-facing artist identity emphasizes his genre-agnostic productions, high-profile vocal features, and polished electro-pop sound rather than his background or personal life.
Career Origins and Breakthrough
Zedd first gained online recognition in the late 2000s by releasing progressive house and electro house tracks through platforms like SoundCloud. His breakout moment arrived with the 2012 single Clarity, which featured Foxes and became a defining anthem of the festival-friendly electronic era. The track’s success laid the foundation for a series of multi-platinum singles and collaborations that positioned him at the forefront of mainstream electronic music.
Verified Career Milestones and Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2011 | Early SoundCloud releases and remixes | Built a fanbase and credibility in online electronic communities |
| 2012 | Release of Clarity (feat. Foxes) | Mainstream breakthrough; certified multi-platinum in multiple regions |
| 2014 | First studio album, Clarity | Established his signature sound and broadened his audience |
| 2015 | Release of True Colors album and lead single I Want You To Know (feat. Selena Gomez) | Shift toward pop-oriented electronic production and high-profile features |
| 2018 | Release of album Zenith | Maturation of production style, reflection of touring and industry experience |
| 2020–present | Continued singles, festival performances, and production work | Sustained relevance across streaming, live events, and brand partnerships |
Production Style and Musical Contributions
Zedd is most often described as a melodic and progressive house and electro house artist who blends digital synths with pop sensibilities. Over time, his palette expanded to include vocal-driven tracks, orchestral elements, and cross-genre experimentation in collaborations. He frequently co-writes and produces for other artists, contributing instrumentation, structure, and mixing expertise. His productions typically feature clean arrangements, strong lead synths, and carefully controlled dynamics suited for both festival stages and streaming playlists.
Key Collaborations and Features
- Clarity (feat. Foxes) — signature song that defined his mainstream trajectory
- I Want You To Know (feat. Selena Gomez) — high-profile pop crossover
- The Middle (feat. Maren Morris and Grey) — country-electronic collaboration
- Experience (feat. Miracle) — festival-ready progressive house track
- Good Thing (with Slander) — early venture into the DJ duo format
Industry Recognition and Awards
Zedd has received multiple Grammy nominations, MTV Video Music Awards, and EDM-focused honors. He has performed at major festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival. His remixes for established pop artists and his ability to move between radio-friendly singles and live-focused festival sets have cemented his status as a consistent, high-caliber producer in the electronic music landscape.
Current Activity and Public Presence
Zedd remains active through new single releases, festival bookings, and vocal feature announcements. He balances studio work with touring and maintains a curated presence on streaming and social platforms, focusing on music and direct artist-fan connection. His career illustrates a transition from underground producer to globally recognized electronic headliner, with a catalog that continues to influence contemporary pop and dance production.
Name Profile Summary
- Full legal name: Anton Zaslavski
- Professional name: Zedd
- Origin: Russian-born, German-raised electronic music producer and DJ
- Key genres: Electro house, progressive house, melodic house, pop crossover
- Typical role: Producer, DJ, songwriter, remixer
- Notable traits: Melodic emphasis, festival-oriented productions, cross-genre collaborations
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Zedd a stage name or legal name?
Zedd is primarily a stage name derived from his surname Zaslavski. Anton Zaslavski remains his legal name for official and contractual purposes.
Where was Zedd born and raised?
He was born in Saratov, Russia, and relocated to Kaiserslautern, Germany, in early childhood.