12 years ago on the 4th of June, 2012, the breakout single ´Spectrum´ by Zedd featuring Matthew Koma, was released and established as a major force in electronic dance music (EDM). A song that became a worldwide anthem, blending powerful lyrics with an unforgettable melody, and today has been listened to almost 138 million times on Spotify alone.
While the Russian-German DJ Anton Zaslavski, AKA Zedd, has been building a strong reputation within the EDM community with remixes and original tracks, ‘Spectrum’ was the track that catapulted him into mainstream success. With a little bit of aid from a tweet by Lady Gaga, ‘Spectrum’ got supercharged and went from nr.23 on Billboards Dance Club Chart, to nr.10, overnight.
The songs structure, combining a melodic buildup and explosive chorus, with Mattew Koma´s lyrics that speak of love and longing, created an infectious energy and emotional depth that made the track both danceable and heartfelt. Its elements of lush synths, driving beats and euphoric drops, have since also become staples in Zedd’s production style.
‘Spectrum’ has been credited with helping shape the sound of modern EDM and bridging the gap between electronic music and pop. It paved the way for future collaborations between DJs and mainstream vocalist, and led to a series of high-profile remixes by artists such as Armin van Buuren, Arty and Congrock.
For Zedd, ´Spectrum’ was just the beginning of his remarkable music journey. Later during 2012, his position in the music industry got truly solidified when he won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for the song ´Clarity´that was released on his debut album with the same name.
12 years later and ´Spectrum´ remains a milestone in the EDM genre, that can still be felt in the music of many contemporary artist who draw inspiration from its elements. A true testament to the Zedd´s musical talent and ability create a track that moves feet, hearts and souls.
