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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
51
Zedd
| NEW ENTRY

Despite his huge prominence on the US EDM scene this year, Zedd is actually Anton Zaslavski, a German DJ and producer from Kasierslauten. It's his polished big room electro house sound that has won him many fans across the pond, though, including Porter Robinson with whom he is heading out on tour in late 2012.

This year has seen the 23-year-old breakthrough onto a whole new level having been involved in the music game since 2002. Branching out from his early sound, Zedd is now at home referencing dubstep, prog and even complextro in his latest releases. Evidence came in the form of the massive 'Spectrum' this year, his first release since signing to Interscope Records, whilst Zedd has also produced pop songs for Eva Simons (namely 'I Don't Like You').

It's no surprise he has continued to collaborate with some of the biggest names in pop, having first remixed Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' and 'Marry The Night' tracks to great acclaim back in 2011. As such, 2012 has seen him work in the studio with Max Martin on productions for tween sensation Justin Beiber's third album, 'Believe'. A classically-trained musician, Zedd spent his formative years playing in a German band, Dioramic, with some success, but was converted to dance music upon hearing French punksters Justice.

It's proved a wise move, as 2012 saw him play every big event in the dance calendar from Dream Valley in Brazil to Creamfields in the UK and Electric Zoo Festival in New York. So, too, has this year been monumental in production terms, because October saw the release of the German's debut LP, 'Clarity'. Full of foot stomping beats, vocals from the likes of Ellie Goulding and dubstep-like breaks, it has proved a resounding success with his legion of fans.