From: Born in Russia, raised in Germany, based in the US
DJ style: Dance-pop

A mainstay in the Top 100 since 2012, the Russian-born, German-raised, US-based artist Anton Zaslavski — best known as Zedd — continues to dominate big billings. He’s been commanding a fair old chunk of airwaves too, as this year has been characterised by some of his most significant and highest charting hits since his commercial breakthrough ‘Stay The Night’ in 2014.

Kicking 2018 off the way he intended, his track ‘The Middle’ with super-producer Grey and country singer Maren Morris became a global hit, scoring a cool No. 7 in the UK Top 40 and a record-breaking 28 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Dance Electronic Songs. Zedd then followed this up with another sparkly, poppy airwave charmer this summer in the form of ‘Happy Now’ with singer Elley Duhe. Another heavily emotive singalong piece that continues to compound Zedd’s skills as a versatile musician and songwriter, it’s been on radio rotation ever since its August release.

Speaking of things in rotation; Zedd’s DJ performances still remain a big drawer as the 29-year-old is resident at Omnia, one of Las Vegas’ most illustrious venues, and continues to play select shows around the world. He also headlined a number of key summer festivals such as Germany’s Airbeat and Poland’s Music Power Explosion, and even hosted his own al fresco sesh — Zedd In The Park was the first electronic music event in LA’s State Historic Park in five years. Naturally for a man of his command, it sold out quicker than you can recite your A to Zedd.

Words: DAVE JENKINS