Zed Dead
This electrifying duo—composed of Dylan Mamid (DC) and Zachary Rapp-Rovan (Hooks)—has carved out a unique space in the EDM…
This electrifying duo—composed of Dylan Mamid (DC) and Zachary Rapp-Rovan (Hooks)—has carved out a unique space in the EDM landscape. Renowned for their genre-defying tracks that seamlessly blend dubstep, drum and bass, electro house, and hip-hop, Zeds Dead has captured the hearts and minds of fans across the globe with their innovative sound and explosive live performances.
From their humble beginnings tinkering with diverse sounds to dominating the stages of major festivals like Coachella and EDC Las Vegas, Zeds Dead’s journey is a testament to their unyielding creativity and boundless passion for music.
Early Life & Background
Zeds Dead, the dynamic duo of Dylan Mamid (DC) and Zachary Rapp-Rovan (Hooks), hail from the lively city of Toronto, Canada. Before they transformed into the bass-dropping legends we know today, they were just two music-loving guys with a passion for experimenting with sounds.
Growing up, both Dylan and Zachary were immersed in a diverse musical landscape that spanned from hip-hop to punk rock, heavily influencing their future productions.
Their early days were marked by a constant hunger to explore and innovate.
Picture young Dylan and Zachary, surrounded by stacks of records, endlessly curious and eager to blend their eclectic tastes into something entirely new. They were the type of friends who could spend hours in a basement studio, tinkering with beats and riffs until they stumbled upon something magical.
It’s like they threw all their favorite genres into a musical blender and hit the “awesome” button. Influences from their teenage years listening to everything from the raw energy of punk rock bands to the smooth flows of hip-hop artists can be heard throughout their music.
This unique fusion gave birth to a sound that was not only fresh but also resonated deeply with fans across different musical communities. They didn’t just create tracks; they crafted experiences that make you want to dance, headbang, and maybe even start a mosh pit, all at the same time.
Their journey from local enthusiasts to international superstars was fueled by their unrelenting passion and innovative spirit. Each new track they released felt like an invitation to join them on an unpredictable musical adventure.
Their fearless approach to blending genres not only set them apart from their peers but also earned them a dedicated following that eagerly awaited each new release.
Breakthrough in the EDM Scene
Zeds Dead’s breakthrough in the EDM scene came with their explosive track “Eyes on Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)” in 2009. This remix wasn’t just another track; it was a game-changer that showcased their unique ability to blend heavy bass, intricate melodies, and powerful drops.
The track quickly gained traction in the underground scene, and it wasn’t long before they were headlining major festivals and earning a dedicated following. The “Eyes on Fire” remix was like a musical lightning bolt that electrified the EDM world.
It demonstrated their knack for creating tracks that were not just heard but felt—tracks that could make you dance, give you chills, and make your heart race all at once. The remix seamlessly wove together haunting vocals, throbbing basslines, and melodic highs, creating a soundscape that was both otherworldly and irresistibly danceable.
As the track spread through clubs and festivals, it became clear that Zeds Dead had tapped into something special. Their remix quickly became a staple in DJs’ sets around the globe, cementing their reputation as innovators in the bass music scene.
The success of “Eyes on Fire” opened the floodgates, leading to more high-profile remixes and original productions that continued to push the boundaries of EDM. With their newfound fame, Zeds Dead transitioned from underground heroes to festival mainstays.
Their live performances, filled with energy and unpredictability, drew massive crowds and turned casual listeners into die-hard fans. Each set was a journey through their evolving sound, showcasing their ability to blend genres and create a unique musical experience.
Signature Sound & Production Techniques
Zeds Dead’s signature sound is a thrilling mix of dubstep, drum and bass, electro house, and even a bit of hip-hop. Their tracks are characterized by bone-rattling basslines, intricate percussion, and melodic elements that create an immersive and dynamic listening experience.
What Type of EDM is Zed Dead?
Trying to pin down Zeds Dead to one specific EDM sub-genre is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Their ability to seamlessly blend dubstep, drum and bass, electro house, and hip-hop elements makes their sound incredibly versatile.
One minute you’re headbanging to a filthy drop, and the next you’re vibing to a melodic breakdown. This genre-fluid approach allows them to appeal to a wide audience, from bass heads to casual EDM fans.
Zeds Dead’s music is like a wild rollercoaster ride through the EDM universe. You never know exactly where they’ll take you next, but you can be sure it’s going to be an exhilarating journey. Their tracks have this magical way of combining intense energy with melodic beauty, making each listening experience unique and memorable.
Imagine starting off with a hard-hitting dubstep track that gets your adrenaline pumping, then transitioning smoothly into a drum and bass groove that keeps you on your toes, and finally winding down with an electro house anthem that leaves you feeling uplifted.
That’s the Zeds Dead experience in a nutshell. It’s this ability to traverse the electronic music spectrum so effortlessly that sets them apart from the rest.
Similar Artists to Zed Dead
If you’re a fan of Zeds Dead, you’ll likely enjoy the works of other genre-blending artists in the EDM scene. Here are a few who share a similar vibe and energy:
1. Skrillex: Known for his innovative production and genre-blending tracks, Skrillex’s music shares Zeds Dead’s bass-heavy and experimental edge. His ability to fuse dubstep, electro house, and hip-hop elements creates a sound that’s both cutting-edge and widely appealing.
2. Excision: Another heavyweight in the bass music scene, Excision’s tracks are known for their powerful drops and intricate sound design, resonating with Zeds Dead’s style. If you enjoy bone-rattling basslines and high-energy performances, Excision is a must-listen.
3. Bassnectar: With his eclectic mix of bass music, Bassnectar’s tracks offer a similar blend of heavy basslines and melodic elements. His music spans multiple genres, from dubstep to drum and bass, making him a perfect match for fans of Zeds Dead’s diverse sound.
4. NGHTMRE: Known for his blend of trap, bass, and dubstep, NGHTMRE’s music is sure to appeal to Zeds Dead enthusiasts. His high-energy tracks and innovative production techniques create an immersive listening experience that’s hard to beat.
5. Adventure Club: This duo’s melodic dubstep tracks are a perfect match for fans of Zeds Dead’s dynamic sound. Adventure Club combines emotive melodies with powerful drops, creating tracks that are both danceable and deeply resonant.
Discography
Zeds Dead’s discography is a testament to their versatility and innovative approach to music production. Here are some of their most notable releases:
Singles:
- “Eyes on Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)” (2009): The track that put them on the map, showcasing their ability to blend heavy bass with intricate melodies and powerful drops.
- “Rude Boy” (2010): A gritty, bass-heavy track that solidified their place in the EDM scene and became a favorite among fans.
- “Collapse” (feat. Memorecks) (2014): A track that combines haunting vocals with a deep, resonant bassline, highlighting their skill in creating emotive electronic music.
- “Blame” (with Diplo feat. Elliphant) (2016): A collaboration that brought together their signature bass-heavy sound with Diplo’s eclectic style and Elliphant’s unique vocal flair.
- “Too Young” (feat. Rivers Cuomo & Pusha T) (2016): A genre-blending anthem that features contributions from Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo and rapper Pusha T, showcasing their ability to merge different musical worlds.
Collaborations:
- “Frontlines” (with NGHTMRE feat. GG Magree): A high-energy track that combines NGHTMRE’s trap influences with Zeds Dead’s bass-driven sound, featuring powerful vocals from GG Magree.
- “Where Are You Now” (with Dirtyphonics feat. Bright Lights): A melodic yet bass-heavy track that highlights their collaborative prowess and ability to create catchy, danceable tunes.
- “Lights Out” (with Jauz): A track that fuses Jauz’s house influences with Zeds Dead’s signature bass sound, creating a dynamic and energetic anthem.
- “Lift You Up” (with Delta Heavy): A powerful collaboration that combines the strengths of both duos, resulting in a track that’s both heavy-hitting and uplifting.
- “Save My Grave” (with Ganja White Night): A bass-centric track that merges their innovative sound design with Ganja White Night’s unique approach to bass music.
EPs:
- Adrenaline (2012): An EP that showcases their early sound, filled with raw energy and heavy basslines that set the stage for their future work.
- Hot Sauce (2013): A collection of tracks that highlight their experimental side, blending various genres and pushing the boundaries of their sound.
- Somewhere Else (2014): An EP that features a mix of collaborations and solo tracks, showcasing their versatility and ability to create both hard-hitting bangers and melodic tunes.
- Northern Lights (2016): A full-length project that solidified their place in the EDM world, featuring a diverse range of tracks that highlight their growth as artists.
- We Are Deadbeats Vol. 4 (2020): The latest installment in their collaborative series, featuring tracks with some of the biggest names in the EDM scene and showcasing their continued innovation and influence.
Tours & Live Performances
Imagine standing in the middle of a sea of festival-goers at Coachella, the sun setting in the distance, as Zeds Dead takes the stage. The crowd erupts as the first bass drop hits, and you’re instantly swept up in a whirlwind of sound and lights.
Each track transitions seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous wave of energy that keeps you dancing non-stop. At EDC Las Vegas, their set is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The neon lights, the towering stage, and the booming speakers all come together to create an immersive experience.
Zeds Dead’s ability to read the crowd and drop the perfect track at the perfect moment turns their performance into an unforgettable party. Then there’s Tomorrowland, one of the biggest and most renowned festivals in the world.
Here, Zeds Dead’s performance is a highlight, drawing massive crowds and delivering a set that’s both high-energy and emotionally charged. Their mix of heavy bass drops and melodic interludes creates a rollercoaster of feelings, making the audience feel every beat deep in their bones.
But it’s not just the big festivals where Zeds Dead shine. They bring the same level of intensity and connection to their club shows. In a more intimate setting, their ability to interact with the crowd and create a personal, memorable experience is unparalleled.
Every beat, every drop, every transition is crafted to keep the energy high and the audience fully engaged.
Personal Life & Off-stage Persona
When they’re not shaking the walls of festival stages, Dylan and Zachary are likely brainstorming the next big thing in their music studio. Their relentless dedication to their craft goes far beyond just making tracks to fill up an album.
These guys are like mad scientists of sound, always tinkering with new beats, experimenting with unconventional rhythms, and exploring collaborations with artists from all corners of the music world.
Zeds Dead’s pursuit of innovation is almost a sport for them. Whether it’s incorporating unexpected elements into their tracks or finding new ways to engage with their fans, they’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic music.
Their ability to continuously reinvent themselves while staying true to their signature sound has earned them a reputation as two of the most exciting and forward-thinking artists in the industry.
Follow Zed Dead
To stay updated with Zeds Dead’s latest releases, tours, and personal updates, follow them on their official social media accounts: