Episode Summary: Zedd Opens Up: Why He's A Better DJ Sober & How Music Became His Therapy
Podcast Information:
- Title: The School of Greatness
- Host: Lewis Howes
- Guest: Zedd (Anton Zaslavski)
- Release Date: December 30, 2024
In this compelling episode of The School of Greatness, host Lewis Howes engages in an in-depth conversation with Grammy Award-winning DJ and music producer Zedd. The discussion delves into Zedd's profound relationship with music, his journey towards sobriety, and his perspectives on authenticity in the modern music industry.
1. The Healing Power of Music
Lewis Howes begins the conversation by highlighting the inadvertent healing impact of Zedd's music on his listeners. He shares:
"You bring healing energy to the world every time you perform and make your music." (05:22)
Zedd responds humbly, explaining that his primary intention has always been to create music for himself rather than to heal others:
"I'm genuinely still doing the same thing I did when I was four years old. I sit at the piano and just play." (06:14)
Despite not consciously aiming to heal, Zedd acknowledges the unexpected positive effects his music has had on people's lives, including helping them through relationships and personal challenges.
2. Purpose and Authenticity in Music Creation
Host: Howes probes deeper into Zedd's motivations behind creating music despite his immense success.
Zedd articulates that his music serves as a medium to express emotions without words, likening it to a natural, almost subconscious process:
"I will sit behind a piano, and I will just play without a plan... It's like when you look at something and you zone off." (08:11)
He emphasizes creating music for the sake of creation, not catering to audience demands or commercial success.
3. Navigating Trends vs. Staying True to Art
Howes brings up the influence of social media and platforms like TikTok, which often push artists to chase trends for visibility rather than focusing on genuine artistic expression:
"Everything has changed for a lot of musicians... chasing trends or platform acceptance versus how am I truly feeling?" (11:00)
Zedd concurs, sharing his frustrations with how algorithms now prioritize repetition over creativity, leading many talented artists to mimic trends rather than innovate:
"It's a really difficult pill to swallow because I don't want music to go in the direction of being just the background to a video." (14:45)
He laments that this shift hampers true artistic expression and creativity within the industry.
4. The Impact of Social Media and Algorithms
The conversation shifts to the challenges posed by evolving social media algorithms. Zedd recounts experiences where engagement metrics don't align with actual audience turnout:
"They just don't represent the real world and how people feel." (24:51)
He explains how despite low online engagement, his tours remain successful, indicating a disconnect between digital metrics and real-world support.
5. Spiritual Experiences in Performances
Howes explores the notion of spirituality in live performances, asking Zedd if he experiences such moments on stage.
Zedd shares awe-inspiring observations of audience interactions, describing how collective energy during performances fosters a sense of unity and spiritual connection:
"It's like almost when you look at ants and you see them do something super coordinated... humans in a room slowly start spreading energy." (40:49)
He finds profound meaning in witnessing the audience's synchronized movements and emotional responses, reinforcing his belief in music's unifying power.
6. Managing Success, Burnout, and Mental Health
Addressing the pressures of fame and success, Howes inquires about Zedd's strategies for navigating self-doubt and burnout.
Zedd emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive and genuine team:
"Building a good team that's there for you and not there for you to make money, for them to make money... having trust in people is really important." (61:00)
He also highlights the necessity of checking in on peers struggling with mental health, advocating for open conversations and support without judgment.
7. Sobriety and Enhanced Performance
A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around Zedd's journey to reducing alcohol consumption and its impact on his performances.
Zedd recounts realizing that sobriety could enhance his DJ skills without compromising his ability to connect with the audience:
"The moment I played a sober show, I realized... what I thought the alcohol was giving me, it wasn't the alcohol. It was the adrenaline, the excitement." (66:00)
He describes how maintaining sobriety has led to better health, improved performance quality, and a more authentic connection with his fans.
8. Lessons and Definition of Greatness
As the episode concludes, Zedd imparts three core lessons he wishes to leave behind:
- Good People, Good Times: Importance of sharing experiences with loved ones.
- Human Potential: Belief that dedication can help achieve any goal.
- Value of Sleep: Emphasizing the critical role of rest in overall well-being.
When defining greatness, Zedd echoes the host's sentiments, focusing on pursuing unique talents and positively impacting others:
"Surrounding yourself with people that you love... following your dreams and following your guide... you have your own unique talents and energy." (84:32)
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity Over Trends: Staying true to one's artistic vision is paramount, even in the face of industry pressures to conform.
- Health and Sobriety Enhance Creativity: Reducing alcohol intake can lead to better performance and personal well-being.
- The Unifying Power of Music: Live performances foster a unique sense of community and spiritual connection among attendees.
- Supportive Networks are Crucial: Building a trustworthy and caring team is essential for navigating the challenges of fame and maintaining mental health.
Notable Quotes:
- "I'm more of the person that people see as Anton. I never see myself as Zed." — Zedd (43:35)
- "If you remove bad influences and surround yourself with people that keep you in check, it’s a good thing no matter who you are." — Zedd (60:25)
- "When you bring the energy, you're also going to feel that as well." — Zedd (73:44)
Conclusion:
This episode offers a deep dive into Zedd's philosophy on music, authenticity, and personal growth. Listeners gain valuable insights into balancing success with personal well-being, the significance of genuine connections, and the enduring power of creating art for oneself. Zedd's candid reflections serve as an inspiring testament to pursuing greatness while maintaining integrity and health.
For more episodes that inspire and empower, subscribe to The School of Greatness on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
This summary is based on the transcript provided and captures the essence of the conversation between Lewis Howes and Zedd on December 30, 2024.