GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum artist Zedd releases Telos, his first album in nearly a decade—a 10-track LP that merges his classical training with the unique dance-pop sound that has defined his remarkable career. Telos features a diverse array of collaborators, including rock icons John Mayer and Muse, alt-pop talents Remi Wolf, Dora Jar, and Bea Miller, Irish folk virtuosos the olllam, and the legendary voice of the late Jeff Buckley on a new interpretation of ‘Dream Brother’.
Following a series of globally successful singles, Zedd’s third studio album is a music lover’s journey—complex and innovative at every turn, while still delivering the vibrant melodies and catchy hooks familiar to fans of ‘The Middle’ and ‘Stay.’ Each track explores different moods, genres, and ideas—fusing world music, jazzy interludes, psychedelic soundscapes, powerful bass, orchestral strings, and a rich tapestry of sonic textures. Telos offers a profound listening experience, seamlessly transitioning from the brooding yet uplifting opener ‘Out of Time’ featuring Miller, to the 6-minute, Bach-inspired finale ‘1685,’ featuring the full ensemble of Muse.
“Telos has multiple meanings, one of them being ‘accomplishment’ or ‘completion of human art,’” says Zedd of his new album’s Greek title. “I’ve always dreamed of creating an album that, 30 years on, I can look back and be incredibly proud of. That will be just as amazing then as it is right now, because it’s not based on trends or sound design that might fall off — it’s based on music, just like the albums that shaped me growing up that I still adore to this day. With Telos, I created something I didn’t think I was capable of — it just took a bit of time to get there.”
Fans have certainly waited for this album, which would only grow their expectations. Zedd incorporates some very interesting sounds, something that whilst a risk, is very welcomed and makes for a unique experience that will certainly stand the test of time. The album is full of special collaborations, which make for a wild time – a Zedd and John Mayer team-up was certainly not on anyone bingo card this year. Linking with young guns ellis and Mesto results in some explosive drops and showcases Zedd’s eye for talent.
Zedd fans will definitely relish this 10-track album. As for the general public however, Telos may not pack the chart toppers that have appeared from Zedd previously – which to many fans and especially the electronic music community, is welcomed.