Russian-born songwriter, producer, DJ, and musician Zedd opened up about his latest album, Telos, in a press conferenced hosted by 1824. He got candid about what it meant to collaborate with these artists, how the creative process differed from his previous projects, and the experience touring these news songs
Zedd explained his complex relationship with collaboration, addressing a question about working with other artists and their styles. He loves collaborating when a partnership feels organic and elevates the music beyond what he could achieve alone. With Telos, Zedd recognized that these collaborations, from Bea Miller to Remi Wolf, were essential to realizing the album’s vision.
One of the central themes Zedd emphasized during the discussion was the importance of restraint and intentionality. “Less is more,” he noted, explaining how focusing on quality over quantity shaped the album. This approach extended to his personal philosophy as well. “If there isn’t a real reason for you to overwork yourself, don’t,” he said. Mental health is incredibly important when creating art.
The cinematic quality of Telos was another key element Zedd explored. From its electro-pop soundscapes to a grand orchestral finale, every track is filled with a sense of storytelling. Zedd imagined his collaboration with Muse as a space movie, the track serving as a soundtrack for someone floating. The quality in this collaboration, he explained, brought a sense of grandeur and timelessness that he aimed to infuse throughout the album.
When asked about crafting something timeless rather than chasing trends, Zedd pointed to his inspiration from vinyl records. He reminisced on the feeling of a hidden track back in the day, how vinyl allowed you to hide surprises. These are the moments that influenced the way he approached this album. He intentionally made the tracks flow into the next, focusing on creating a project that felt like more of a journey than playlist.
Ultimately, Telos is a testament to Zedd’s growth as an artist, balancing innovation with authenticity. He’s created an album that transcends the moment. Rather than focusing on crafting easy, radio-friendly singles that will stream and chart, he has made his personal magnum opus, an album that is truly for those who love and appreciate music.
Listen to Telos on Spotify: