Zedd, the chart-topping DJ and producer, recently dropped his much-anticipated album Telos on August 30. For fans, this release was a long time coming—his first full album in nearly a decade. But what most people didn’t know was that Telos almost marked the end of Zedd’s music career.
In a candid interview with People, Zedd opened up about how close he came to stepping away from the music industry altogether. The 35-year-old producer revealed that the album’s title, Telos, which translates to “the end,” wasn’t chosen lightly. “Another meaning of Telos is ‘the end,’ and I, for a minute, thought maybe this would be my last piece of music that I would ever release,” he confessed. The weight of that statement is palpable, especially when you consider the impact Zedd has had on the electronic music scene.
The reason behind his contemplation? Zedd admitted he was feeling completely burned out. “I was really overworked, I was burned out, and musically I felt like I had poured my entire soul into this album and have nothing left to say,” he said. The pressure of creating something perfect, combined with the exhaustion of constantly working, had taken its toll on the artist. It’s not uncommon for creatives to hit a wall, but hearing it from someone as successful as Zedd brings a new level of relatability to the struggles behind the scenes.
Zedd didn’t take the decision lightly. He knew that his fans had been waiting years for new music, and he wanted to deliver something extraordinary. “I really wanted this album to be perfect, and it required just a ton more work,” he explained. The perfectionist in him pushed to create an album that would resonate deeply with listeners, but the process drained him.
However, after wrapping up the intense work on Telos, Zedd took a much-needed break. This pause gave him a fresh perspective. “I had a little week to breathe,” he shared, and it was during this time off that something shifted. The creative juices started flowing again, and with renewed energy, Zedd found himself diving back into the music-making process. “I’ve already started writing new music, so I’m happy to say it’s not the end yet,” he revealed, much to the relief of his fans.
Telos itself is a testament to Zedd’s dedication to his craft. The album features an impressive lineup of collaborations, including Bea Miller, John Mayer, Remi Wolf, Grey, and even Muse. Each track showcases Zedd’s signature blend of infectious beats and emotional depth, making it clear that despite his struggles, he hasn’t lost his touch.
