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Zeds Dead
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Zeds Dead
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Zeds Dead is a Canadian electronic music duo from Toronto consisting of Dylan Mamid, also known as DC, and Zachary Rapp-Rovan, also known as Hooks. The duo rose to prominence releasing original music and remixes from 2009 to 2010 before becoming a staple on the international touring circuit thereafter. They explore a diverse variety of genres that combine aspects of dubstep, UK garage, house, electro house, hip-hop, glitch, drum and bass, and more.

Key Information

Spring Awakening Music Festival, Chicago in 2015

Career

[edit]

Both born and raised in Toronto, Canada, the duo were introduced through mutual friends in 2004 when DC asked Hooks to paint a graffiti mural in his garage. They quickly discovered a mutual love for hip-hop and simultaneously were both starting to produce music. Initially collaborating under the moniker "Mass Productions",[1] the duo came up with their current name from a line spoken by Bruce Willis's character Butch Coolidge to his girlfriend Fabienne (played by Maria de Medeiros) in the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction.[2]

Group name

[edit]

The "Who's Zed?" line from Pulp Fiction opens most of their live shows, either via spoken word or visual movie clip:

  • "Butch, whose motorcycle is this?"
  • "It's a chopper, baby."
  • "Whose chopper is this?"
  • "It's Zed's."
  • "Who's Zed?"
  • "Zed's dead, baby. Zed’s dead."[2]

Mass Productions (2006–2007)

[edit]

In the summer of 2007, Mass Productions independently released their first and only official release, which was heavily influenced by 1990s hip hop.[3] However, Mass Productions did not garner much attention outside of the local scene.

Formation of Zeds Dead (2009–2010)

[edit]

DC and Hooks both began to take an interest in electronic music and began producing dance music under the name, Zeds Dead. The group initially found a niche audience on Myspace.

Zeds Dead self-released their first track together, "Journey of a Lifetime", for free.[4] They played their first live set at The Social in Toronto on June 11, 2009.

Bassmentality (2009–2013)

[edit]

In 2009, Zeds Dead founded a weekly party called Bassmentality in the basement of the Toronto bar, 751. The party was intended as a venue for new DJs to play, unrestricted by concert promoters. In the summer of 2010, Bassmentality moved from the basement of 751 and into Toronto's Wrongbar.[3][5]

Bassmentality featured weekly performances from its founders, Zeds Dead and The Killabits, as well as rotating slots of local and international acts. Over the four years that the event existed, it hosted early performances from several now-acclaimed artists such as Skrillex,[6] Borgore,[7] Nero, Camo & Krooked,[8] Bare Noize,[9] and Bar 9, among others.

In 2011, Zeds Dead released the track "Bassmentality" with The Killabits, named after the event.

Early touring (2009–2010)

[edit]

Zeds Dead began their first official North American tour in December 2010, playing over 40 shows in Canada and the United States.[10] They made their European debut in June 2010 in the UK, playing a string of dates around the electronic music festival Gottwood in Wales.[11] The Graveyard Tour in 2011 was the first tour of its scale for Zeds Dead. From September to December, the duo played over 50 dates across North America.[12]

International touring and releases (since 2011)

[edit]

Victor EP

[edit]

The Victor EP was released in March 2012 on Mad Decent's Jeffree's label.[13] The album was a collaboration between Zeds Dead and Toronto-based artist Omar LinX. It featured Omar's rap vocals over seven Zeds Dead tracks. DatPiff called the album "[a fusion between] nostalgic 90s sample-based hip hop [and] futuristic bass [with] cinematic soundscapes."[14]

The music video for the single "You and I" was shot throughout North America during the Living Dead Tour and received over 21 million plays on YouTube.[15]

The Living Dead EP

[edit]

The Living Dead EP was released in July 2012 on Ultra Records and was the second collaborative album with Omar LinX released that year. A music video was released for the title track on July 12. The video featured actor Peter Greene, who played the character Zed in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, the film that inspired the duo's name.[16]

Hot Sauce EP

[edit]

The Hot Sauce EP was released in January 2013 on Diplo's Mad Decent label.[17] The EP was noted as a breakout album for the group.[18][19] The first single, "Demons", had a music video made directed by Benjamin Millepied, the dancer who choreographed Darren Aronofsky's 2010 film, Black Swan.[20] The video reinterprets Michael Jackson's "Thriller". The single was also featured in the video game Saints Row IV,[21] and the film Step Up: All In.

Zeds Dead received a cease and desist order from the hot sauce manufacturer Tabasco regarding the album's original artwork. Tabasco believed the artwork to be overly similar to their branding. Zeds Dead was subsequently forced to remove all original art and promotional videos for the album.

Somewhere Else EP

[edit]

Zeds Dead released the Somewhere Else EP in July 2014 on Mad Decent. The album contains collaborations and features with Twin Shadow, D'Angelo Lacy, Omar LinX, Big Gigantic, Bright Lights, Sean Price, Perry Farrell, and Dirtyphonics.[22] Somewhere Else charted on several Billboard charts upon release, including the Billboard 200.[23]

Prior to its release, the single "Lost You" featuring Twin Shadow & D'Angelo Lacy was intentionally leaked online by Zeds Dead through a Craigslist missed connections ad in which users were sent a short clip of the video upon responding.[24] In May 2015, the video for "Lost You" received an MMVA nomination for best EDM/Dance video and won the award for Best Post-Production.[25]

2 Night Stand Tour

[edit]

In 2015, Billboard exclusively announced Zeds Dead's 2 Night Stand Tour, and plans for a new album in 2016. The tour aimed to take the duo off the festival circuit and place them in historically significant venues in major North American cities for two nights each.[26]

A portion of the proceeds from the 2 Night Stand tour went to benefit the Florida rehab clinic Recovery Unplugged.[27]

On the Austin stop of the 2 Night Stand tour, Zeds Dead attached heart rate monitors to four fans during their set and analyzed the results. The test concluded that there was a clear rise in heart rate during the performance and a correlation of heart rate peaks during key points in the set.[28]

Record label and debut album (2016)

[edit]

Deadbeats

[edit]

On March 1, 2016, Zeds Dead announced they had launched their own record label, Deadbeats, alongside the release of a new track "Back Home" featuring Freddie Gibbs.[29]

Northern Lights

[edit]

On October 14, 2016, Zeds Dead released their debut full-length album Northern Lights through their label Deadbeats, and subsequently embarked on a tour of the same name.[30] The album has a wide variety of features including Rivers Cuomo and Pusha T on "Too Young", and Diplo and Elliphant on "Blame".[31]

Record label and debut album (since 2021)

[edit]

Altered States

[edit]

In March 2021, Zeds Dead announced the debut of their new label, Altered States, along with a new logo. The first release was an original Zeds Dead mixtape called Catching Z's.[32]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
CAN
[33] 		US Heat
[34] 		US Dance
[35]
Northern Lights 30 5 6
We Are Deadbeats Vol.4
  • Release date: January 14, 2020
  • Label: Deadbeats
  • Format: Digital download, vinyl
 — — —
Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness
  • Release date: March 7, 2025
  • Label: Deadbeats
  • Format: Digital download
 — — —

Remix albums

[edit]
Title Details
Somewhere Else Remixes
  • Release date: May 12, 2015[36]
  • Label: Mad Decent
  • Format: Digital download
Northern Lights Remixes
  • Release date: June 9, 2017[37]
  • Label: Deadbeats
  • Format: Digital download
We Are Deadbeats Vol.4 – Deluxe
  • Release date: July 24, 2020
  • Label: Deadbeats
  • Format: Digital download

Mixtapes

[edit]
Title Details
Catching Z's[38]
  • Release date: March 26, 2021
  • Label: Altered States
  • Format: Digital download, vinyl

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
US Dance
[35] 		US Indie
[39] 		US Heat
[34] 		US 200
[40]
Rudeboy
  • Release date: December 6, 2010
  • Label: San City High
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —
Rumble in the Jungle EP
  • Release date: October 4, 2011
  • Label: Mad Decent
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —
Adrenaline
  • Release date: January 23, 2012
  • Label: Inspected
  • Format: Digital download
 11 — 15 —
Victor
(with Omar Linx)
  • Release date: March 20, 2012
  • Label: Mad Decent / Jeffrees
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —
The Living Dead
(with Omar Linx)
  • Release date: July 24, 2012
  • Label: Ultra
  • Format: Digital download
 — — 42 —
Hot Sauce
  • Release date: January 29, 2013
  • Label: Mad Decent
  • Format: Digital download
 13 34 6 —
Somewhere Else
  • Release date: July 1, 2014
  • Label: Mad Decent
  • Format: Digital download, vinyl
 4 18 2 136
Catching Z's (Remixes)
  • Release date: August 20, 2021
  • Label: Altered States
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —

Singles

[edit]
2009
  • "Journey of a Lifetime" [Deadbeats][41]
  • "Dark Side Dub" [Self-released]
  • "Pulp Fiction" [Big In Ibiza]
2010
  • "Wake Up" (with Omar LinX) [Self-released]
  • "Here Comes the Boom" [Self-released]
  • "White Satin" [Self-released]
  • "Out for Blood" (featuring Omar LinX) [Self-released] (Victor)
  • "Rude Boy" [San City High] (Rude Boy) / (Victor)
2011
  • "1975" [Self-released]
  • "The Twilight Zone" [Self-released]
  • "Coffee Break" [Self-released]
  • "Bassmentality" (with The Killabits) [Zeds Dead Inc]
  • "Ruckus the Jam" [Dim Mak]
2012
  • "The Living Dead" (with Omar LinX) [Ultra Records] (The Living Dead)
2013
  • "Cowboy" (with Omar LinX) [Ultra Records] (The Living Dead)
  • "Ratchet" [Self-released]
  • "By Your Side" [Self-released]
  • "Jericho" (featuring Memorecks) [Self-released]
  • "Shut Up and Sing" (featuring Greta Svabo Bech) [Greta Svabo Bech Records][42]
  • "Turn Around" (with Major Lazer featuring Elephant Man) [Self-released][43]
2014
  • "Hadouken" [Mad Decent] (Somewhere Else)
  • "Loud" (with Hunter Siegel) [Self-released]
  • "Lost You" (featuring Twin Shadow and D'Angelo Lacy) [Ultra Music][44] (Somewhere Else) MC platinum certified[45]
2015
  • "You Know" (with Oliver Heldens) [Spinnin' Records]
  • "Collapse 2.0" (featuring Memorecks) [Mad Decent] (Somewhere Else - Remixes)
  • "Wit Me Dub" (with Megalodon) [Zeds Dead Inc]
  • "Flies" (with LOUDPVCK) [Mad Decent]
  • "One Time" (featuring Murs) [Zeds Dead Inc]
2016
2017
  • "Where the Wild Things Are" (with Illenium) [Deadbeats]
  • "Blood Brother" (with Diskord and Reija Lee) [Deadbeats]
  • "Way with You" (with Omar LinX) [Jackie Boy]
  • "Lights Go Down" (with Jauz) [Bite This and Deadbeats]
2018
  • "Samurai" (with Ganja White Night) [Deadbeats and SubCarbon Records]
  • "Kill Em" (featuring 1000Volts) [Deadbeats][50]
  • "We Could Be Kings" (with DNMO featuring Tzar) [Deadbeats][51]
  • "Magnets" (with Snails featuring Akylla) [Deadbeats][52]
2019
  • "Lift You Up" (with Delta Heavy) [Deadbeats and RAM Records][53] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
  • "Rescue" (with Dion Timmer featuring Delaney Jane) [Deadbeats] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
  • "Stars Tonight" (with DROELOE) [Deadbeats][54] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
  • "Shake" (with Jauz) [Bite This / Deadbeats][55] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
  • "Feel So" (with Funkin Matt featuring Fiora) [Spinnin' Records][56]
  • "Sound of the Underground" (with Urbandawn) [Deadbeats][57] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
  • "Bumpy Teeth" (with Subtronics) [Deadbeats][58] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
2020
  • "Dead of Night" (with Ganja White Night) [Deadbeats] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4)
  • "Into the Abyss" (with Rezz) [Deadbeats][59] (We Are Deadbeats Vol.4 - Deluxe)
  • "POWA" (with PEEKABOO) [Deadbeats]
2021
  • "late night drive" [Altered States][60] (Catching Z's)
  • "Alive" (featuring MKLA) [Deadbeats][61]
  • "No Prayers" (with Omar LinX) [Warner Music][62] (Victor)
2022
  • "Gassed Up" (with Subtronics featuring Flowdan) [Deadbeats and Cyclops Music][63] (FRACTALS)
  • "Mr. Blue" (with Omar LinX) [Warner Music] (Victor)
  • "Think Of You" (with Blunts & Blondes) [Deadbeats]
  • "I Took A Ride" [Deadbeats]
  • "In My Head" (featuring MKLA) [Deadbeats]
  • "The Machines" (with Blanke) [Deadbeats]
  • "Ecstasy Of Soul" (with GRiZ) [Deadbeats]
2023
  • "One Three Nine" (featuring Scrufizzer) [Night Bass][64]
  • "Aftertaste" (with HNTR featuring AIDN) [Altered States]
  • "Criminal" (with Hamdi featuring Warrior Queen) [Deadbeats]
  • "Levitate" (with Funkin Matt featuring Soul Edge) [Altered States]
2024
  • "Back Bus" (with REAPER) [Deadbeats]
  • "Waves" (with Flux Pavilion and DeathbyRomy) [Deadbeats]
  • "Mad Ting" (with Moody Good and Killa P) [Deadbeats]
  • "Tomb of the Scorpion" (with Chee) [Deadbeats]
  • "Channel Flipping" [Deadbeats]
  • "Sweet Memories" [Deadbeats]
  • "Heartbeat" (featuring Minke) [Deadbeats]
  • "One Of These Mornings" [Deadbeats]

Production credits

[edit]
2014
  • Omar Linx - "Dosey Doe" (produced by Pro Logic and Zeds Dead) [Jackie Boy]

Remixes

[edit]
2009
2010
2011
  • Jason Falkner – "Only You" (Zeds Dead Remix)
  • DJ Vadim and The Electric – "Toot Toot" (Zeds Dead Remix)
  • Blue Foundation – "Heads on Fire" (Zeds Dead Remix)
  • Sabi – "Wild Heart" (Zeds Dead Remix)
2012
2013
2014
2015
  • Martin Solveig and GTA – "Intoxicated" (Zeds Dead Remix)
  • Tazer and Tink – "Wet Dollars" (Zeds Dead Remix)
2016
  • Omar Linx – "Red Light Green Light" (Zeds Dead Remix)
  • Zeds Dead – "Slow Down" (Zeds Dead Remix)
2018
  • 3lau featuring Carly Paige – "Touch" (Zeds Dead Remix)[69]
  • Gorgon City with Kamille and Ghosted – "Go Deep" (Zeds Dead Remix)[70]
2019

2020

Awards

[edit]

Much Music Video Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 Lost You (featuring Twin Shadow and D'Angelo Lacy) Best EDM/Dance Video[77] Nominated
Lost You (featuring Twin Shadow and D'Angelo Lacy) Best Post-Production[78] Won
2017 "Too Young" (featuring Rivers Cuomo and Pusha T) Fan Fave Video[79] Nominated

Juno Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 Lost You featuring Twin Shadow and D'Angelo Lacy Video Of The Year[80] Nominated
Zeds Dead Breakthrough Group Of The Year[80] Nominated
2017 Northern Lights Dance Recording of the Year[81] Nominated

Canadian Independent Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017 Zeds Dead Electronic/Dance Artist/Group of the Year[82] Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zeds Dead

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Zeds Dead is a Canadian electronic music duo from , consisting of producers and DJs Dylan "DC" Mamid and Zachary "Hooks" Rapp-Rovan, known for blending genres such as , , trap, hip-hop, and into innovative . Formed in the late 2000s as teenagers bonding over classic hip-hop and production in a Toronto garage, the pair initially operated under the name Mass Productions before adopting Zeds Dead in 2009, inspired by a line from the film Pulp Fiction. The duo first released music as Mass Productions, including the instrumental hip-hop LP Fresh Beets (2008) on their own MP Records imprint, before debuting as Zeds Dead in 2009 with the track "Journey of a Lifetime". They quickly gained traction through remixes, EPs on labels like , and early shows in underground venues starting in 2009. By 2013, Zeds Dead had built a massive online following with hundreds of millions of streams, extensive North American tours exceeding 70 dates annually, and collaborations with major artists, establishing them as trailblazers in the modern bass scene. In 2016, they launched their influential Deadbeats label, which has become a cornerstone of independent bass music, releasing works from both themselves and rising talents while emphasizing creative freedom and community. Their discography includes genre-defying albums like Northern Lights (2016), which charted on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums and earned a Juno Award nomination for Dance Recording of the Year, and the experimental Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness (2025), submitted for Grammy consideration in Best Dance/Electronic Album, as well as the mixtape Catching Z's (2021), another Juno nominee for Electronic Album of the Year. Zeds Dead's career highlights encompass headline performances at major festivals worldwide, such as and , chart-topping singles, and recognition as one of the most successful independent electronic acts of the past decade, with ongoing innovations through sub-labels like for explorations.

Background and formation

Members and early influences

Zeds Dead consists of two Toronto natives: Dylan Mamid, professionally known as DC, and Zachary Rapp-Rovan, known as Hooks. Both members grew up in the city's dynamic cultural environment, where music played a central role in their formative years. Mamid, who developed an early passion for production, began experimenting with hip-hop beats as a teenager, drawing from the genre's rhythmic foundations and sampling techniques. Rapp-Rovan shared a similar fervor for music creation, particularly in digging for rare records and crafting original sounds. The duo first connected in 2004 when Mamid commissioned Rapp-Rovan to paint a graffiti mural on his garage wall, sparking their friendship and eventual musical collaboration. Their friendship deepened through shared activities like vinyl collecting and late-night production sessions, fostering a collaborative spirit that would define their partnership. From the outset, Mamid and Rapp-Rovan were shaped by classic hip-hop artists, whose innovative sampling and groove-oriented approaches profoundly influenced their initial forays into music. The mid-2000s scene, alive with underground hip-hop events and emerging electronic experimentation, further fueled their inspirations, exposing them to a blend of local and international sounds. This period of mutual exploration culminated in the formation of their inaugural joint project, Mass Productions, as a outlet for their '90s hip-hop-infused creations.

Mass Productions era (2006–2007)

Dylan Mamid (DC) and Zachary Rapp-Rovan (Hooks) formed their first collaborative project, Mass Productions, while attending high school in , bonding over a mutual interest in music production introduced through a shared friend. As teenagers, they began experimenting with hip-hop beats in Mamid's garage, drawing from '90s influences like and , and occasionally incorporating elements in their sample-heavy tracks. Their initial efforts focused on crafting instrumental hip-hop productions, reflecting the crate-digging ethos of classic rap, with early demos circulated among local Toronto scenes. In the summer of 2007, Mass Productions independently released their debut and only album, Fresh Beets, a collection of 18 tracks emphasizing clean, well-produced hip-hop beats. Shared primarily through local networks and platforms like , the album received limited exposure beyond Toronto's underground hip-hop community, hindering broader reach despite its polished sound. The duo experimented with genre blending during this period, but found the static nature of hip-hop production constraining compared to more dynamic styles. By late 2007, dissatisfaction with the project's sound and name grew, as sought greater energy and innovation in their work. Exposure to music, including and garage, inspired a pivot toward electronic production, leading to the dissolution of Mass Productions and laying the groundwork for their evolution. This shift marked the end of their brief hip-hop phase, driven by a desire to align with emerging global electronic trends.

Transition to Zeds Dead (2008–2009)

Following the release of their hip-hop instrumental album Fresh Beets as Mass Productions in 2007, the duo dissolved the project to pursue a new direction in electronic music. In late 2008, they began experimenting under the name Zeds Dead, inspired by the line "Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead" from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction, selected for its gritty, memorable edge that aligned with their evolving aesthetic. This rebranding marked their official establishment as a production duo in Toronto, where they converted Dylan Mamid's (DC) garage into a dedicated home studio for full-time electronic music creation. The transition involved a deliberate shift from hip-hop beats to and broader electronic , drawing on influences from pioneers and Toronto's scene to craft tracks that emphasized dancefloor energy over head-nodding rhythms. They blended elements of house's uplifting drive, drum and bass's intensity, ambient textures, and electro's weight, aiming for a genre-fusing sound that captured the era's burgeoning bass movement. By early 2009, Zeds Dead focused on independent track production, releasing initial remixes and originals online via platforms like to cultivate a following among electronic music enthusiasts. This period of self-directed experimentation laid the groundwork for their emergence, with their first live performance at Toronto's The Social on , 2009, solidifying the duo's commitment to the electronic realm.

Musical career

Early releases and Bassmentality (2009–2013)

In 2009, following their transition from the Mass Productions moniker, Zeds Dead launched Bassmentality, a weekly party series held in the basement of Toronto's 751 bar in collaboration with local group The Killabits. The event emphasized bass-heavy electronic genres including , , and , providing a platform for emerging artists and helping the duo refine their DJing while cultivating a dedicated local audience. That same year, they debuted with the track "Journey of a Lifetime," a free downloadable release on that sampled and marked their initial foray into independent distribution. The duo's breakthrough came in 2010 with "," an instrumental track that went viral on , amassing widespread plays and drawing attention from audiences in the UK and for its aggressive drops and heavy basslines. Released independently on November 22, 2010, this single solidified their presence in the burgeoning scene and became a staple in their live sets. A vocal version featuring Toronto rapper Omar LinX followed in March 2011, expanding their sound with hip-hop elements and further boosting online traction. Zeds Dead maintained an independent release strategy through self-produced EPs distributed primarily via , exemplified by the Victor EP with Omar LinX in 2012, which blended nostalgic '90s samples with electronic production across seven tracks. Their fanbase grew through early performances, including their debut live set at 's The Social on June 11, 2009, and subsequent appearances at local venues tied to the Bassmentality events. Collaborations with producers like Omar LinX and The Killabits during this period underscored their roots in the city's electronic underground, fostering organic growth without major label support.

International expansion and EPs (2011–2015)

In 2011, Zeds Dead began expanding their presence beyond with their first European performances, including shows in the UK as part of the Ergh 1st Birthday event in alongside artists like N-Type and Coki. This marked an early step in their international touring, building on the foundational style established in their Bassmentality mixtape series. Their debut at the in in March 2012 further solidified their growing U.S. profile, where they performed a high-energy set featuring collaborations with rapper Omar LinX and remixes of tracks like Blue Foundation's "Eyes on Fire," which had gained significant traction since its 2009 release and feature in the Twilight film . The duo's international momentum accelerated through a series of EPs on Mad Decent's Jeffree's imprint, starting with the Victor EP in March 2012, a seven-track collaboration with Omar LinX that blended '90s hip-hop samples with futuristic bass and cinematic elements. Tracks like "No Prayers" and "You and I" showcased their evolving production, fusing nostalgic rhymes over heavy drops to appeal to a broadening audience. Later that year, the July 2012 release of The Living Dead EP continued this partnership with LinX, delivering four dubstep-infused tracks such as "Crank" and the title track, characterized by powerful builds and intense drops that highlighted their command of bass-heavy electronic sounds. By 2013, Zeds Dead experimented further with the EP, released in January on , which introduced midtempo bass influences across five tracks including "Demons" and "Rave." "Demons" featured a haunting, off-kilter melody leading to a menacing midtempo drop, while "Trouble" explored slower, tribal rhythms, reflecting their genre versatility amid rising global demand. The 2014 Somewhere Else EP, dropped in July, emphasized collaborations, with standout "Stoned Capone" uniting LinX and for a smooth hip-hop-infused vibe laced with jazzy percussion. Other cuts like "Collapse" (feat. Memorecks) and "Lost You" (with ) demonstrated their shift toward uplifting, versatile electronic production. Touring milestones underscored this expansion, culminating in the 2 Night Stand Tour announced in September 2015, a series of back-to-back performances at intimate U.S. venues in cities like and New York, designed to foster deeper fan connections away from festival circuits. These efforts, paired with consistent EP releases, helped Zeds Dead transition from regional pioneers to international electronic staples by mid-decade.

Deadbeats launch and Northern Lights (2016)

In early 2016, Zeds Dead launched Deadbeats, an based in dedicated to supporting innovative artists and providing a platform for boundary-pushing electronic producers. The label was officially introduced on March 1, 2016, as a means for the duo to connect directly with their fanbase and highlight emerging talent they admired, marking a shift toward greater creative control in their career. Early signings included , a fellow Toronto-based artist whose dark, hypnotic sound aligned with the label's vision, as evidenced by her inclusion in Deadbeats' inaugural events and subsequent releases. Deadbeats' first major release came with Zeds Dead's debut studio album, Northern Lights, issued on October 14, 2016. The 15-track project blended dubstep's heavy drops with melodic electronic elements, , and hip-hop influences, creating a genre-fluid exploration that built on the duo's prior EPs while expanding their sonic palette. Key singles included "Stardust" featuring , which opened the album with ethereal synths and introspective lyrics; "," a collaboration with and that fused trap-infused beats with vocal hooks; and "Too Young" with and , merging pop sensibilities and rap verses over pulsating basslines. The album's production spanned an extended period of collaboration, touring, and experimentation, drawing inspiration from the duo's festival experiences that exposed them to diverse global sounds and energies. Northern Lights received positive critical reception for its ambitious genre fusion and cohesive journey through electronic subgenres, with reviewers praising its fresh, original production that balanced high-energy drops and atmospheric builds. Commercially, it peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, underscoring its impact within the scene and affirming Deadbeats' early viability as a label.

Altered States and mid-career evolution (2017–2020)

Following the success of their 2016 album Northern Lights, Zeds Dead entered a phase of stylistic experimentation and label expansion from 2017 to 2020, blending their signature bass-heavy sound with elements of , trap, and to adapt to shifting trends in the EDM landscape. This period saw the duo release a series of high-profile singles that showcased their versatility, such as the future bass-infused "Frontlines" with in 2016, which fused melodic drops with heavy sub-bass to appeal to broader festival audiences. Similarly, their 2018 collaboration "Magnets" with SNAILS incorporated trap rhythms and aggressive synths, reflecting a response to the rising popularity of hybrid bass genres amid the era. These tracks, released via their Deadbeats label, highlighted Zeds Dead's evolution toward more accessible, cross-genre productions while maintaining experimental edges. In 2019 and 2020, Zeds Dead deepened their exploration of midtempo bass and collaborative dynamics, with releases like "" alongside Ganja White Night in 2020, which emphasized psychedelic atmospheres and slower, immersive grooves that foreshadowed their later work. A key collaboration during this time was "Bumpy Teeth" with on the 2020 compilation We Are Deadbeats (Vol. 4), blending influences with trap percussion to push the boundaries of innovation. The duo's production techniques increasingly incorporated layered synths and vocal manipulations, as seen in their remix of Atmosphere's "GodLovesUgly" with , which debuted in live sets in early 2020 and demonstrated their ability to reimagine hip-hop tracks through electronic lenses. This mid-career shift was driven by the duo's desire to innovate amid a diversifying EDM market, where and trap hybrids dominated charts and festivals. The growth of Deadbeats as a platform enabled these releases, fostering a roster that supported Zeds Dead's experimental output through annual compilations and tours that amplified their evolving sound. However, the onset of the in 2020 severely disrupted their live performances, canceling major events like Dead Rocks at and forcing a pivot to virtual formats. Zeds Dead adapted by participating in high-profile online events, including sets at Insomniac's EDC Las Vegas Virtual Rave-A-Thon in May 2020 and Nocturnal Wonderland Virtual Rave-A-Thon in April 2020, where they previewed unreleased material amid global lockdowns. This period of isolation accelerated their focus on studio work, laying the groundwork for psychedelic and experimental bass explorations that would define their subsequent projects.

Recent releases and Return to the Spectrum tour (2021–2025)

In 2021, Zeds Dead released the Juno-nominated mixtape Catching Z's on their new sub-label , launched in March to focus on and experimental electronic music, showcasing their versatility across 13 tracks of chill and immersive soundscapes. Following this, they issued several singles that bridged their mid-career sound with a renewed focus on and experimental electronic elements. That year, they dropped "Alive," a high-energy track emphasizing vocal-driven builds and heavy drops, marking an early pivot toward more immersive production styles. This was followed by "Heartbeat" in 2024, featuring Minke, which incorporated soulful melodies over pulsating basslines, and "Sweet Memories" later that year, a nostalgic cut sampling ' "" to evoke emotional depth and retro vibes. The duo's creative momentum culminated in their second studio album, Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, released on March 7, 2025, via their Deadbeats label. Spanning 14 tracks and clocking in at 52 minutes, the LP revives their roots with psychedelic and intergalactic themes, blending cinematic soundscapes, sampled old records and films, and explorations of , self-expression, and . Standout tracks like "Light," "Hold My Hand," and "Fall Away" showcase layered synths, wobbling bass, and euphoric breakdowns, while the album's visual companion—a trippy, immersive video series—enhances its otherworldly narrative. praised its maturity and innovation, positioning it as a high-impact return to form in electronic music. To support the album, Zeds Dead launched the Return to the Spectrum Tour in spring 2025, extending into 2026 with headline performances across . The tour kicked off on March 7 at in , followed by dates in , , and beyond, emphasizing immersive live sets with custom visuals and guest appearances. Key stops included a two-night residency at on November 14–15, 2025, under the Second Contact banner with support from acts like and Caspa, and a festival slot at in October 2025, where they delivered a full-set performance blending album cuts with classics. The tour has drawn praise for its production scale and fan engagement, solidifying Zeds Dead's status in the live electronic scene. In late 2025, Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness became the subject of a Grammy campaign for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 2026 awards, with Deadbeats submitting it in October amid high expectations from critics and fans. Despite acclaim for its cohesive sound and cultural resonance, the album was overlooked in nominations announced on November 8, 2025, sparking discussions about electronic music's underrepresentation in major categories. Complementing the album's rollout, Zeds Dead expanded merchandise with a limited-edition 'Lava Sunrise' vinyl pressing, announced on November 5, 2025, and available from November 7. This 180-gram, double-gatefold 2-LP set offers audiophile-quality playback at 45 RPM, featuring the full and exclusive packaging to appeal to collectors and underscore the project's tangible, nostalgic appeal.

Musical style and influences

Genre evolution

Zeds Dead's early work from 2009 to 2012 was firmly rooted in , characterized by heavy basslines and wobbles influenced by the scene, as seen in their debut releases like the Adrenaline EP, which captured the gritty, underground energy of the genre's North American adoption. This period established them as pioneers in , drawing from artists while infusing hip-hop elements from their roots, creating dense, aggressive tracks suited for intimate club settings. By the mid-2010s, particularly from 2013 to 2018, Zeds Dead began diversifying beyond pure , incorporating , , and melodic structures to broaden their appeal. Their 2016 album Northern Lights exemplified this shift, blending genres such as , breaks, , rap, and even jazz-inflected elements across tracks like "DNA" featuring and , and "Too Young" with , moving away from repetitive wobbles toward more acoustic and lyrical depth. This evolution reflected a response to the globalizing EDM landscape, where regional styles merged, allowing them to experiment with crossover collaborations and ambient for festival stages. In their recent phase from 2019 to 2025, Zeds Dead embraced experimental sounds, including psychedelic bass, electronics, and hybrids, notably through their label launched in 2021, which focuses on chilled, ethereal tracks distinct from traditional . Their 2025 album Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness further advanced this, channel-surfing through eras with orchestral builds, heavy drops, haunting vocals, and deep electronic textures blending hip-hop and melodic mayhem, creating a mature, genre-defying sound that prioritizes artistic innovation over strict categorization. Overall, Zeds Dead's arc traces a progression from underground dubstep's raw intensity to festival-ready anthems that adapt to evolving EDM trends, consistently refusing to be confined to one genre while pushing bass music's boundaries.

Production techniques and collaborations

Zeds Dead primarily utilize as their for production, allowing for flexible arrangement and real-time manipulation of audio clips during both studio sessions and live performances. In their studio workflow, the duo experiments with a variety of plugins and hardware synthesizers tailored to individual tracks, often incorporating diverse sound sources to achieve a dynamic, evolving sonic palette that aligns with their bass-centric electronic style. A hallmark of their production techniques involves extensive sampling from across musical eras and genres, which they layer into bass-heavy compositions to create immersive, narrative-driven tracks—as seen in their 2025 album Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, where samples from historical recordings like Duke Ellington's spoken interview inform the rhythmic and melodic foundation. Their approach emphasizes reimagining indie and pop originals through dubstep-infused transformations, exemplified by their 2009 of Blue Foundation's "Eyes on Fire," which amplified the track's ethereal vocals with aggressive sub-bass drops and wobbling synths to bridge underground electronic scenes with mainstream appeal. Key collaborations have significantly shaped Zeds Dead's sound, blending their midtempo bass expertise with complementary artists. Notable partnerships include their 2022 track "Gassed Up" with featuring , which fuses high-energy elements with gritty vocal delivery for a high-impact hybrid. Similarly, their 2017 collaboration with on "" merges melodic progressions with Zeds Dead's signature low-end rumble, resulting in a festival-ready that highlights emotional depth alongside heavy drops. Earlier, they delivered a remix of Skrillex and Diplo's "Take Ü There" featuring in 2016, infusing the original vibe with deeper bass modulation and atmospheric builds. Through their Deadbeats label, founded in 2016, Zeds Dead actively foster collaborations with signed artists, curating joint releases that expand their sonic explorations. For instance, their 2019 single "" with label artist Dion Timmer featuring Delaney Jane integrates Timmer's aggressive style with Zeds Dead's melodic layering, creating a track that exemplifies the label's role in nurturing interconnected producer networks. This approach continues in compilation series like We Are Deadbeats Vol. 4 (2020, deluxe 2020), where guest features from Deadbeats roster members contribute to cohesive, bass-forward projects that reflect the duo's emphasis on communal creativity.

Deadbeats record label

Founding and operations

Deadbeats was founded in 2016 by electronic music duo Zeds Dead, consisting of Dylan Mamid (DC) and Zachary Rapp-Rovan (Hooks), in their hometown of . The label emerged as a response to the duo's desire to create a dedicated platform for artists and sounds they believed were underrepresented in the broader electronic scene, prioritizing -driven decisions over commercial pressures. Initially self-funded and serving as an outlet for Zeds Dead's own work, the label launched with the duo's album Northern Lights as its inaugural release, marking a shift toward independent control after years of navigating external label partnerships. In terms of operations, Deadbeats emphasizes artist development through one-off release agreements rather than long-term exclusive contracts, allowing flexibility for creators while providing support in areas like vocal toplines, collaborations, and promotional strategies. Distribution is handled digitally worldwide, enabling broad accessibility for releases across streaming platforms. The label also organizes signature events, such as the annual Deadbeats parties, which feature label artists and foster community engagement through multi-night takeovers in cities like and , often culminating in high-energy performances at venues including and . Guided by a DIY , Deadbeats focuses on nurturing underground talent by scouting emerging producers via online platforms and artist networks, without imposing mainstream compromises that could dilute creative visions. This philosophy has driven steady growth, evolving from a primary vehicle for Zeds Dead to a roster exceeding 20 artists by 2025, including forward-thinking innovators who align with the label's "future sounds" curation—essentially, music the founders themselves would perform.

Key releases and artists

Deadbeats has established itself as a cornerstone for bass-heavy electronic music through its flagship releases, beginning with Zeds Dead's debut album Northern Lights in 2016, which served as the label's inaugural project and showcased a blend of , midtempo, and experimental elements across 15 tracks. This release not only marked the label's launch but also set a template for artist-driven innovation in the genre. In 2021, Deadbeats expanded its scope with the introduction of the Altered States sub-label, dedicated to experimental electronic and sounds, exemplified by the Catching Z's mixtape featuring 13 original tracks that explored ambient and psychedelic influences. Building on this evolution, the label released Zeds Dead's sophomore album Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness in March 2025, a 14-track LP that revisited cosmic and bass-driven themes, reinforcing Deadbeats' role in sustaining high-impact electronic projects. Prominent signed artists have further amplified the label's influence, with Rezz emerging as an early standout through her contribution to the inaugural Deadbeats Compilation (Vol. 1) in 2017, featuring her track "Matrix" and marking a pivotal entry into bass music's atmospheric subgenre. This exposure contributed to Rezz's recognition as Dance's Breakout Artist of 2017, highlighting how Deadbeats nurtured her rise with subsequent releases that propelled her to mainstream electronic success. followed suit with key outputs like the collaborative track "Bumpy Teeth" with Zeds Dead on the We Are Deadbeats (Vol. 4) compilation in 2019, a heavy cut that exemplified the label's commitment to aggressive bass production and helped solidify ' profile in the scene. Slander, known for melodic , integrated into the Deadbeats ecosystem through joint ventures, including tracks on label-supported compilations that bridged midtempo and styles. The label's compilations, such as Deadbeats Compilation (Vol. 1) in 2017—a 9-track collection featuring emerging talents like Kid Froopy, , and Nebbra—have been instrumental in spotlighting diverse voices and fostering community within the genre. Impactful projects extend to label-curated tours, including the annual Deadbeats Arena of Intergalactic Happiness events, which in 2025 expanded to venues like in , providing platforms for signed acts to perform alongside remixes of external artists' work. Recent initiatives include vinyl reissues and limited-edition pressings, such as the "Lava Sunrise" variant for Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness in late 2025, alongside ongoing EP vinyls like CHEE's Polarities, enhancing collectibility and accessibility for fans. Success stories underscore Deadbeats' enabling role since its 2016 founding, with artists like achieving sustained chart presence—her EPs and singles regularly entering 's Dance/Electronic Albums chart—directly tied to label-backed debuts and promotions. Similarly, leveraged Deadbeats releases to secure Hot Dance/Electronic Songs placements, such as with collaborative singles that amplified their festival-headlining trajectory. These achievements reflect the label's strategy of prioritizing high-impact contributions over exhaustive outputs, focusing on seminal tracks and artist development.

Discography

Studio albums

Zeds Dead's debut studio album, Northern Lights, was released on October 14, 2016, via their Deadbeats label, marking their first full-length project after several EPs. The 15-track record features prominent collaborations, including "Stardust" with Twin Shadow, "Blame" alongside Diplo and Elliphant, "Too Young" with Rivers Cuomo and Pusha T, and "Neck and Neck" with Dragonette, blending dubstep, electro-pop, and mid-tempo bass elements. Critics praised its diverse soundscapes and polished production, with one review describing it as a "mixed bag of electro goodness" that showcases the duo's evolution from underground bass music roots. In 2021, Zeds Dead launched their experimental sub-label Altered States and released Catching Z's, a 13-track downtempo exploration of psychedelic bass and atmospheric sound design, on March 26. Drawing from their signature "Catching Z's" mixtape series, the album emphasizes tranquil vocals, layered synths, and subtle rhythmic pulses, produced entirely in-house without guest features to highlight introspective, chill vibes. It reflects its impact in niche electronic circles. Their third studio album, Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, arrived on March 7, 2025, through Deadbeats, comprising 14 tracks that delve into cosmic and intergalactic motifs with warped synths, nostalgic drops, and expansive sonic journeys. The lead single "Sweet Memories," released November 15, 2024, sets a soulful, vintage-inspired tone with its emotive basslines and hazy melodies, garnering millions of streams ahead of the full release. Zeds Dead actively campaigned the for a 2026 Grammy nomination in the Best Dance/Electronic category, underscoring its ambitious scope, though it ultimately did not receive a nod. Across their discography, Zeds Dead's studio albums show a progression in runtime—from Northern Lights' approximately 60 minutes to Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness' 52-minute duration—while guest features have decreased from extensive collaborations in their debut to more self-contained efforts in later works, allowing greater focus on thematic cohesion.

Extended plays

Zeds Dead's extended plays represent key milestones in their early career, often serving as platforms for experimentation with , midtempo bass, and collaborative productions before transitioning to full-length albums. The duo's debut EP, Adrenaline, was released on January 23, , via Inspected Records, featuring four high-energy tracks including the title track "Adrenaline," "In the Beginning," "Hit Me," and "Oh No." This release marked their first significant chart success, reaching the top five on Beatport's chart and establishing their aggressive, bass-heavy sound in the electronic scene. Later in 2012, Zeds Dead collaborated with rapper Omar LinX on the Victor EP, issued on March 19 via Mad Decent's Jeffree's imprint as a free digital with seven tracks such as "No Prayers," "," and "You and I." The EP fused with hip-hop elements and nostalgic '90s samples, showcasing their genre-blending approach and building momentum for international touring. The Living Dead EP, another collaboration with Omar LinX, followed on July 24, 2012, through , comprising four tracks: "Crank," "Take a Chance," "The Living Dead," and "Cowboy." Released amid rising popularity, it highlighted their production synergy with vocals and earned attention through the official video for the title track, contributing to their growing fanbase in . In 2013, the EP arrived on January 29 via , delivering six instrumental tracks like "Demons," "Trouble," and "Mr. Happy." Known for its dark, gritty aesthetic with horror-inspired samples, slow-paced drops, and midtempo innovations, the EP expanded their sonic palette beyond traditional while maintaining dancefloor intensity. Somewhere Else, released on July 1, 2014, by , featured eight collaborative tracks including "" with Memorecks, "Lost You" with and Lacy, and "Stoned Capone" with Omar LinX and . This EP emphasized vocal features and diverse influences, bridging their roots with broader electronic explorations during a period of label shifts and festival prominence. Following the 2016 album Northern Lights, Zeds Dead focused more on full-length releases and singles, with no major standalone EPs issued between 2018 and 2024; instead, they issued remix collections like Alive (Remixes) in 2021 and festival-tied tracks, reflecting a shift toward album formats and label compilations under Deadbeats.

Singles and remixes

Zeds Dead's standalone singles have played a pivotal role in their evolution within the electronic music landscape, often serving as experimental platforms for their bass-heavy sound before integration into larger projects. Beginning in the early 2010s, the duo frequently released singles that blended dubstep, midtempo, and trap elements, many distributed through independent labels and later their own Deadbeats imprint starting in 2016. These releases helped build their international fanbase, with several achieving notable commercial success on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs chart, including Top 10 placements in 2016 amid the rollout of their debut album Northern Lights. Among their breakthrough tracks, the 2010 single "Rudeboy" featuring Omar LinX marked an early highlight, fusing gritty drops with hip-hop vocals and establishing Zeds Dead's signature aggressive style. Released initially as a digital single, it garnered attention in underground circuits and was later reissued in various formats. Following this, "Collapse 2.0" featuring Memorecks arrived in 2015 via , a reimagined version of their earlier collaboration that emphasized emotional synth lines and heavy bass, contributing to their rising chart momentum the subsequent year. In 2019, "Rescue" with Dion Timmer and vocals from Delaney Jane emerged as a melodic on Deadbeats, praised for its uplifting build-ups and emotional depth, solidifying their versatility in the genre. More recently, "Sweet Memories" dropped in November 2024 as the lead single from their Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, delivering psychedelic basslines and nostalgic vibes that previewed the project's intergalactic theme. As part of the 2025 rollout for Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, Zeds Dead issued additional singles like "One of These Mornings," which reentered the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart at No. 21, driven by its soaring melodies and ties to the album's cosmic narrative. This pattern of pre-album singles underscores their strategy of teasing broader releases with standalone tracks that often chart independently. In parallel with their original output, Zeds Dead have earned acclaim for their remix work, transforming tracks across genres into bass-driven reinterpretations. Their 2010 remix of Blue Foundation's "Eyes on Fire" stands out as a seminal contribution, infusing the original's ethereal indie vibe with rumbling dubstep wobbles and atmospheric builds; it has amassed over 198 million plays on YouTube Music, becoming a festival staple and influencing the mid-2010s bass scene. Other remix highlights include contributions for artists such as Nero and deadmau5, where Zeds Dead applied their production prowess to enhance progressive and electro elements in collaborative contexts, though specific official remixes remain tied to live mashups and joint projects like the 2022 "Lights Go Down / Strobe" with deadmau5 and Jauz. These efforts, often released via Deadbeats or partner labels, highlight their role in bridging underground bass music with mainstream electronic acts.

Tours and live performances

Early tours (2009–2015)

Zeds Dead began their live performance career in 's underground electronic scene in 2009, starting with their debut set at The Social on June 11 of that year. In 2010, the duo launched Bassmentality, a weekly event series hosted in the basement of the small bar 751, where they showcased emerging artists and built a local following through intimate, bass-heavy nights. These early club gigs, often drawing modest crowds in venues under 500 capacity, marked the duo's transition from studio production to live performances, with their initial releases—such as remixes of tracks like Radiohead's ""—helping generate buzz that fueled attendance growth via word-of-mouth among electronic music enthusiasts. By 2010, Zeds Dead had progressed to their first official North American tour, commencing in December and encompassing over 40 shows across Canada and the United States, shifting from Toronto basements to mid-sized clubs and theaters typically holding 1,000 to 2,000 attendees. This tour represented a significant step up, as they began supporting prominent bass music acts, including shared billing with Bassnectar at events like the 2011 Starscape Festival, which helped expose them to larger audiences and accelerate fan expansion through grassroots promotion. Their festival debuts further solidified this momentum: a main-stage performance at Shambhala Music Festival on August 5, 2011, in Salmo, British Columbia, where they delivered a high-energy dubstep set that captivated attendees; and a slot at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas on June 9, 2012, amid a diverse lineup of electronic artists, marking their entry into major U.S. festivals. Throughout this period, Zeds Dead navigated challenges inherent to building a touring presence, including inconsistent turnout at early shows and reliance on organic fan growth rather than heavy promotion, as initial gigs sometimes drew sparse crowds before word-of-mouth and appearances turned venues into sellouts. By , they capped this foundational era with the 2 Night Stand Tour, a series of back-to-back performances in eight U.S. cities from October to December, including two nights each at intimate venues like Austin's (capacity around 1,400) and Nashville's Exit/In (under 300), totaling over 16 headline dates that emphasized their in smaller, high-energy spaces while previewing new material. This tour, produced in partnership with Live Nation, highlighted their evolution from local club promoters to established touring acts, with each residency fostering deeper connections with growing fanbases in mid-sized markets.

Major headline tours (2016–2025)

Zeds Dead transitioned to major headline status in the mid-2010s, leveraging their growing fanbase and Deadbeats label to orchestrate large-scale tours that showcased their evolving sound and production capabilities. Their headline outings from 2016 onward emphasized immersive experiences, blending , midtempo, and elements with sophisticated visuals and support from label artists, marking a shift from festival circuits to dedicated arena and theater runs across . The Northern Lights Tour, launched in September 2016 to promote their debut album of the same name, spanned over 40 dates through early , hitting major venues in the U.S. and with a focus on high-energy, genre-spanning sets. With support acts and local openers, drawing dedicated crowds to sold-out shows at spots like The Electric Factory in and the Marquee Theatre in , where the duo's custom light shows and bass-heavy drops created a signature atmospheric vibe. This tour solidified their reputation for ambitious production, incorporating synchronized visuals that complemented tracks like "Collapse 2.0" and collaborations with artists such as . In , amid post-COVID recovery, Zeds Dead celebrated the fifth anniversary of their Deadbeats with the Deadbeats: The , a 13-date run of full-capacity shows that incorporated virtual streaming elements for broader . Kicking off in , the tour featured acts like Blunts & Blondes, , and Moore Kismet, delivering high-production spectacles at venues such as Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth and The Armory in . These performances highlighted the duo's resilience, with elaborate stage designs and live-mixed sets that bridged their pandemic-era online events to in-person euphoria. By the mid-2020s, Zeds Dead's headline tours had scaled to arena levels, exemplified by the Return to the Spectrum Tour announced in late 2024 for 2025–2026, which included multi-night stands at iconic venues like in (November 14–15, 2025, with sold-out shows featuring immersive visuals tied to their new album) and Masonic Temple Theatre in (November 28–29, 2025). Complementing these were festival headline slots, such as at (October 11, 2025) and Hulaween (November 1, 2025, at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park), where they integrated custom visuals and thematic elements tied to their upcoming album Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness. Productions evolved to include dynamic LED arrays and occasional live instrumentation accents, enhancing tracks like "Lights Out" for immersive, otherworldly experiences that drew thousands per show.

Awards and nominations

MuchMusic Video Awards

Zeds Dead has garnered attention at the MuchMusic Video Awards, primarily for their visually striking music videos that complement their electronic music singles. Their recognition highlights their growing prominence in the Canadian EDM scene through creative post-production and fan engagement. In 2015, Zeds Dead won the Best Post-Production award for the video of "Lost You," featuring Twin Shadow and D'Angelo Lacy, which showcased intricate visual effects tied to the track from their 2014 EP Somewhere Else. This victory marked their first and only win at the awards to date. The duo received a nomination in 2016 for Best Post-Production for "Collapse 2.0," featuring Memorecks, a remix video that emphasized dynamic editing and thematic depth aligned with the single's release. In 2017, Zeds Dead earned two nominations: Fan Fave Video and Best Post-Production for "Too Young," featuring and , reflecting strong audience support for the video's energetic visuals accompanying the single. These accolades, culminating in one win by 2025, enhanced Zeds Dead's visibility within , solidifying their status as innovative contributors to the electronic music landscape.

Juno Awards and other recognitions

Zeds Dead has garnered recognition from the for their contributions to electronic and dance music in . In 2015, they received a nomination for Breakthrough Group of the Year. In 2017, their album Northern Lights received a nomination for Dance Recording of the Year, acknowledging the project's innovative blend of bass-heavy production and collaborations with artists like and . In 2022, Catching Z's earned a nomination for Electronic Album of the Year. Beyond the Junos, in 2017, Zeds Dead won Electronic/Dance Artist/Group of the Year at the Canadian Independent Music Awards, marking an early milestone in their rise within the independent electronic scene. Northern Lights peaked in the top 10 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums. These honors underscore their influence in the dubstep and bass genres during that formative period. By 2025, Zeds Dead had solidified their status in Canadian and international electronic music. In recent years, while achieving global streams and festival headlining spots, the duo has faced a notable snub from Grammy considerations, emphasizing their primary acclaim within Canadian award circuits.

Grammy considerations

Zeds Dead's engagement with the began with their 2017 submission of the debut album Northern Lights for Best Dance/Electronic Album, which ultimately did not receive a . This marked an early foray into Grammy recognition for the duo, reflecting their ambition to elevate their bass-heavy electronic sound on a major international stage. In 2022, Zeds Dead mounted a promotional push for tracks from their imprint in the Best Remixed Recording category, highlighting remixes that blended and experimental elements, though these efforts also fell short of nomination. The duo's most notable Grammy campaign to date centered on their 2025 Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, submitted for Best Dance/Electronic ahead of the 2026 ceremony. Despite a robust promotional effort, including announcements and industry outreach, the was overlooked in the nominations announced in November 2025. EDM.com praised the record as a "panoramic" of breaks, & bass, , and , underscoring its innovative scope and artistic depth. The snub ignited widespread fan discussions on , with many questioning the Recording Academy's selections and calling for greater representation of genres. This oversight has amplified broader conversations about genre biases within the Grammy process, particularly the underrepresentation of bass music acts compared to more mainstream electronic styles, echoing challenges faced by Canadian artists who have found domestic success through .

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  46. https://edm.com/news/zeds-dead-dead-rocks-2020/
  47. https://edm.com/events/edc-las-vegas-virtual-rave-a-thon-lineup/
  48. https://music.apple.com/in/album/return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/1798492567
  49. https://edm.com/music-releases/zeds-dead-sweet-memories/
  50. https://music.apple.com/us/album/return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/1798492567
  51. https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/zeds-dead-unveil-sophomore-album-return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/
  52. https://relentlessbeats.com/2025/03/zeds-dead-drop-trippy-visual-companion-for-new-album-return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/
  53. https://news.pollstar.com/2024/11/14/zeds-dead-announces-album-tour-return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/
  54. https://www.hamptoncoliseum.org/events/detail/zeds-dead-1
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f6xgbKsIdk
  56. https://exronmusic.com/2025/10/15/zeds-dead-2026-grammy-consideration/
  57. https://thedailyfrequency.com/2025/11/08/zeds-dead-2026-grammys/
  58. https://shop.deadbeats.com/products/zeds-dead-rsih-vinyl
  59. https://ukf.com/read/catching-up-with-zeds-dead/
  60. https://fuxwithit.com/2016/10/17/zeds-dead-northern-lights/
  61. https://edm.com/news/zeds-dead-announce-new-record-label-altered-states/
  62. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/zeds-dead-red-rocks-dead-rocks-interview-spectrum-happiness-1236012836/
  63. https://edm.com/music-releases/zeds-dead-new-album-return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/
  64. https://www.musicradar.com/news/zeds-deads-dc-on-producing-their-debut-album-and-striving-for-that-human-feel
  65. https://musictech.com/features/interviews/zeds-dead-interview-return-to-the-spectrum-of-intergalactic-happiness/
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiUdWyyvmpQ
  67. https://edm.com/music-releases/zeds-dead-illenium-where-the-wild-things-are/
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TdrpTa2osU
  69. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/zeds-dead-dion-timmer-delaney-jane-rescue-8511555/
  70. https://ukf.com/read/label-spotlight-deadbeats/
  71. https://festivalinsider.com/articles/deadbeats-brings-the-side-stage-to-the-world
  72. https://thedailyfrequency.com/2025/09/08/zeds-dead-deadbeats-chicago-2025/
  73. https://therooster.com/articles/zeds-dead-deadbeats-prepare-for-annual-3-day-colorado-takeover/
  74. https://deadbeatsofficial.com/artists
  75. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/zeds-dead-interview-northern-lights-tour-2016-7534082/
  76. https://www.djtimes.com/2021/03/zeds-dead-new-label-altered-states/
  77. https://www.youredm.com/2017/02/11/zeds-dead-releases-first-ever-deadbeats-compilation-album/
  78. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/breakout-artist-2017-rezz-kayzo-kid-8070962/
  79. https://deadbeatsofficial.com/tour
  80. https://shop.deadbeats.com/collections/music/vinyl
  81. https://open.spotify.com/album/2LZwWAjsqA2xIldp2c6kRX
  82. https://themusic.com.au/reviews/zeds-dead-northern-lights-carley-hall/-rTt7O_uERA/21-10-16
  83. https://open.spotify.com/album/2Tkn1vJF1Fb5fdw2pm4Fz1
  84. https://edm.com/music-releases/zeds-dead-catching-zs-altered-states/
  85. https://open.spotify.com/album/7nD3FgLtAjNqWb953Hjigu
  86. https://www.beatport.com/release/adrenaline-ep/852409
  87. https://edmcharts.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/edm-charts-official-review-zeds-dead-adrenaline-ep-review-inspected-records/
  88. https://www.discogs.com/release/13804497-Zeds-Dead-Omar-LinX-The-Living-Dead
  89. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-living-dead-ep/1712764309
  90. https://www.discogs.com/release/4243503-Zeds-Dead-Hot-Sauce
  91. https://thissongissick.com/post/zeds-dead-hot-sauce-ep-stream-premiere/
  92. https://www.discogs.com/master/790221-Zeds-Dead-Somewhere-Else
  93. https://open.spotify.com/artist/67qogtRNI0GjUr8PlaG6Zh
  94. https://open.spotify.com/track/29GsqxkjOq0mPdLnZ6Rd7p
  95. https://open.spotify.com/album/0Vo7lUuMjxxaTNO4dTNVdq
  96. https://music.apple.com/us/album/rescue-feat-delaney-jane-single/1462123972
  97. https://music.apple.com/am/album/sweet-memories-single/1777845870
  98. https://music.apple.com/ae/song/lights-go-down-strobe-dimension-remix-mixed/1630017845
  99. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2011/02/25/starscape-festival-announces-2011-lineup-steve-aoki-bassnectar-zeds-dead/
  100. https://www.loudmemories.com/concerts/zeds-dead-at-shambhala-music-festival-2011-festival-1820057
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  104. https://www.edmtunes.com/2016/10/zeds-dead-releases-15-track-northern-lights-album/
  105. https://relentlessbeats.com/events/zeds-dead-northern-lights-tour-marquee-theater-102716/
  106. https://dancingastronaut.com/2021/04/zeds-dead-hitting-the-road-on-13-stop-deadbeats-the-revival-tour/
  107. https://pantherislandpavilion.com/live-music/deadbeats-tour-the-revival/
  108. https://www.youredm.com/2021/03/01/zeds-dead-celebrates-5-years-of-deadbeats-announces-new-label-altered-states/
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  116. https://junoawards.ca/awards/past-winners-nominees/
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  118. https://edm.com/news/snubs-2026-grammy-nominations/
  119. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQzuZc5j6Wu/
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