Zedd Live: A Glimpse into the Future of EDM

Zedd’s Fenway performance blended his nostalgic classic hits with bold experimentation, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to push the boundaries of EDM.

by Nina Pierce 

Photo by Nina Pierce 

On September 20th at Fenway MGM Music Hall, German-Russian DJ and producer “Zedd” electrified Boston’s young adults with his upbeat live set. He proved the timelessness of his more dated work, like collaborations with Ariana Grande and Marren Morris, while amplifying the innovative sounds from his recent album Telos, highlighted by well-planned beat drops and an astounding light show. 

The first time I heard "Clarity" was at some cheesy fifth-grade dance. It's funny how songs that were once considered childhood classics become vessels of nostalgia. I bought tickets to see Zedd just 24 hours before the show, knowing only his songs that feature other artists. However, when he built up to “Clarity,” it unleashed an incredible wave of energy and nostalgia. It felt like an explosion of euphoric energy, leaving me wanting more. 

A great way to connect with an artist is to wonder what inspirations fueled their most moving pieces. To create the restless energy circulating the venue that Friday night, Zedd draws from his background in a diverse collection of genres and artists. In a January 5th Discord Q&A about creating Telos, Zedd reflects on his experience as a jazz musician and classical pianist, and how those are some of the first interactions he had with music.  

He aims to "block out all outside pressure," acknowledging the expectations that concert-goers bring based on his most popular hits. Zedd seeks to experiment across genres, incorporating a remixed song from Jeff Buckley’s Grace and collaborating with American folk singer-songwriter John Mayer. Zedd is inspired by SIOMHA’s album Infinite Space, which blends EDM elements with classical and folk influences, crafting musical pieces that defy traditional formats. 

While Zedd continues to perform crowd-pleaser songs like his remix of “One More Time” by Daft Punk, “The Middle” with Grey/Marren Morris, and “Break Free” by Ariana Grande, his true passion lies in experimentation rooted in jazz. This genre thrives on distinctive structures, improvisation, and extended, eclectic solos that introduce something fresh with every performance. He’s not just looking to please the mainstream listener; he wants to create music that he’s proud of. 

By observing his work through this lens, audiences can embrace the gradual shift in his music and remain open to the experimental qualities of EDM. This evolution encourages us listeners to understand him as an artist, moving beyond the stagnant beats heard in a frat basement. If Zedd is steering his EDM in this cosmic, genre-repurposing direction, I’m all ears.