It’s been almost 10 years since Zedd dropped a full album, and now he’s back with Telos—but let me tell you, this isn’t just any album. No, Telos is personal, ambitious, and a huge step forward for Zedd as an artist. If you’re expecting the usual catchy EDM bangers, you’re in for a surprise. This time, Zedd is taking us on a journey—one filled with maturity, introspection, and some seriously impressive musical craftsmanship.
The Story Behind 'Telos'
So, what’s the deal with Telos? Well, first off, the title itself is pretty deep. Telos comes from a Greek word meaning “completion” or “goal,” and honestly, it fits perfectly. Zedd poured a lot of himself into this album, and it feels like the culmination of everything he’s learned over the years. During the press conference, he even admitted that, back in the day, he wasn’t super confident about working on lyrics and vocals. English wasn’t his first language, so he left a lot of that to the singers he worked with.
But with Telos, it’s a whole different story. Zedd was hands-on with both the lyrics and melodies, collaborating closely with vocalists to make sure everything felt just right. It’s clear that this album is much more personal, and he’s not afraid to let his creative vision shine through.
A More Mature Sound
If you’re wondering how Telos stacks up against his earlier work, the answer is simple: this album is on another level. Zedd described it as “more mature” and less focused on flashy, show-off moments. He’s not here to impress with big drops or over-the-top production; instead, he’s crafted something cinematic, intricate, and cohesive.
You know how some albums feel like a playlist slapped together, with songs that don’t really connect? Not Telos. Zedd made sure everything flows seamlessly, with transitions that make you feel like you’re being guided through a story. He even talked about how he worked to transpose the music between keys so that it all feels musically connected, without being obvious about it. It’s the kind of detail that shows just how much Zedd has grown as an artist—and it makes Telos a real experience, not just a collection of tracks.
Why 'Telos' Took So Long
So, if Telos is this amazing, why did it take so long? Zedd opened up about that too. Turns out, as he’s gotten better at producing, things actually take more time because he’s more meticulous, “I want things to be better, and I try out more,” he explained. It’s like when you learn a new skill—at first, you’re just happy to get it done, but as you improve, you start nitpicking the details to make it perfect.
On top of that, Zedd faced the challenge of finding the time to create something this big. He compared it to a flight: “The takeoff takes so much fuel, and once you’re up there, making an album like this takes more energy than you’d want to spend.” He didn’t just want to make another commercially successful album; he wanted to make something that would stand the test of time, a body of work that listeners would return to again and again.
And honestly, that’s what makes Telos so special. Zedd wasn’t worried about topping the charts—he was focused on creating something that he could be proud of. Something that, 20 years from now, will still sound fresh and relevant.
What 'Telos' Means to Zedd
Finishing Telos wasn’t just about wrapping up an album for Zedd—it was a huge personal accomplishment. He admitted that for years, he wasn’t sure he could pull this off. But once he decided to stop chasing commercial success and just focus on making the kind of music he wanted to make, everything clicked. “This is all I wanted, and I can’t believe I finally did it,” he said.
And you can hear that sense of accomplishment in every track. Telos is the product of years of growth, both as an artist and as a person. It’s a work of art, plain and simple. Zedd has created something timeless, and while it might take some listeners a while to fully appreciate everything Telos has to offer, it’s clear that he’s reached a new level with this album.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Telos and see for yourself. It’s more than worth the wait.
