Zedd: I DON’T Like What TikTok is Doing to the Music Industry (“It’s DEPRESSING to See!”)

Key Concepts

• Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success: Balancing personal artistic expression with the need for commercial viability and social media presence.
• Algorithm's Influence: The impact of social media algorithms on music creation and artist exposure.
• Human Connection in Music: The importance of emotional connection and personal experiences in music creation and consumption, contrasting with AI-generated content.
• Self-Doubt and Relevance: Navigating self-doubt and maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing industry.
• The Power of Live Performance: The unique energy and spiritual experience of live performances and the connection between artists and audiences.
• Health and Well-being: The importance of physical and mental health for artists, including managing stress, alcohol consumption, and building a supportive team.
• Personal Growth and Transformation: The continuous journey of self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence in one's craft.

The Artist's Purpose and Creative Process

Zed emphasizes that his primary purpose in creating music is personal expression and therapy, not fame or healing others. He describes his creative process as "Mindless," where he zones out and allows his hands to move on the piano without conscious thought. This often leads to discovering unexpected and exciting musical ideas.

• Example: He mentions that many songs on his album "Telos" started as improvisations from as far back as 2015.
• Process: He records these improvisations and sends them to his manager for storage, revisiting them later for potential development into songs, TV show themes, or collaborations.
• Quote: "That's how my brain functions when I write music. I don't think at all, my hands just move themselves."

Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Pressure

Zed acknowledges the pressure artists face to chase trends and create content for social media platforms like TikTok. He finds it "depressing" to see talented musicians prioritizing algorithm-driven content over genuine artistic expression.

• Argument: He argues that the current social media landscape forces artists to prioritize short-form content and platform acceptance over creative exploration.
• Example: He mentions the difficulty of getting listeners to engage with full albums, as most people only know snippets from viral clips.
• Perspective: While understanding the need for artists to make a living, he laments the shift towards music becoming background noise for videos.

Navigating Self-Doubt and Maintaining Relevance

Zed admits to experiencing self-doubt when his social media engagement numbers declined. He recognizes the impact of algorithmic changes on visibility and the pressure to conform to trends.

• Experience: He describes seeing his post engagement drop by half overnight, leading to questions about his relevance and artistic choices.
• Insight: He realized that social media numbers don't always reflect real-world interest, as evidenced by his successful tour despite lower online engagement.
• Quote: "Those social media numbers, they just don't represent the real world, and they don't represent how people feel."

The Power of Live Performance and Human Connection

Zed highlights the unique energy and spiritual experience of live performances. He describes witnessing audiences connect with his music and each other, creating a sense of unity and shared emotion.

• Observation: He notes how strangers in a venue gradually form connections through music, eventually creating a unified and energetic crowd.
• Analogy: He compares this phenomenon to the coordinated behavior of ants, highlighting the amazing capacity of humans to connect and share energy.
• Contrast: He contrasts this with the isolation and division fostered by personalized internet feeds, where people see different versions of reality.

AI in Music Production: Benefits and Concerns

Zed discusses the potential benefits and risks of AI in music production. He acknowledges that AI tools can streamline time-consuming tasks and enhance creativity.

• Benefits: AI can assist with tasks like finding specific sounds, cleaning up audio, and resynthesizing sounds.
• Example: He mentions using AI-powered equalizers and the ability to resynthesize any sound, opening up new creative possibilities.
• Concerns: He expresses concern about AI's ability to generate songs that mimic his style, potentially diminishing the value of human creativity and emotional connection.
• Argument: He believes that the human element, including personal choices and emotional expression, is crucial to creating meaningful and impactful music.
• Analogy: He compares AI-generated music to mass-produced furniture (Ikea) versus handmade furniture, emphasizing the value of human craftsmanship and personality.

Health, Well-being, and Personal Transformation

Zed shares his journey towards prioritizing his health and well-being. He discusses his decision to reduce alcohol consumption and the positive impact it has had on his physical and mental state.

• Realization: He realized that the feeling of excitement and connection he attributed to alcohol was actually due to adrenaline and his passion for music.
• Process: He started tracking his calorie intake and noticed the significant impact of alcohol on his overall health and fitness goals.
• Impact: He found that he was a better DJ sober, more present, and able to deliver a better experience for his audience.
• Advice: He emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team and surrounding oneself with people who care about one's well-being.

Lessons for the World

If he could leave behind three lessons for the world, they would be:

1. Good People, Good Times: Prioritize relationships and shared experiences with loved ones.
2. Human Potential: Believe in the limitless capacity of humans to achieve anything with dedication and effort, regardless of age.
3. Prioritize Sleep: Recognize the crucial role of sleep in overall health and well-being, and invest in quality sleep products.

Definition of Greatness

Zed's definition of greatness is to follow one's dreams and follow your guide and not letting anyone else tell you what to do or how to do but really do it the way you want to do it because you're one of a kind and nobody's you and you have your own unique talents and energy and completely follow the guide.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Zed's interview provides a multifaceted perspective on the music industry, balancing artistic integrity with commercial realities, exploring the impact of technology, and emphasizing the importance of human connection and personal well-being. His journey highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career while staying true to oneself and prioritizing meaningful relationships. His insights offer valuable lessons for artists and individuals alike, encouraging them to embrace their unique talents, prioritize their health, and strive for genuine connection in a rapidly changing world.