With the 2014 Billboard Music Awards rapidly approaching, we caught up with BBMA finalist Zedd to help recount the incredible high points, new discoveries and memorable moments that caught his ears during the past 12 months.
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Zedd’s excellent 2013 was highlighted by the success of his 2012 album, “Clarity” and its title track — which helped the DJ/producer become a finalist in three Billboard Music Awards categories this year: Top Dance/Electronic Artist, Top Dance/Electronic Album, Top Dance/Electronic Song.
Watch the 2014 Billboard Music Awards Sunday, May 18 at 8|7c on ABC live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as host Ludacris welcomes the biggest names in music to the stage.
What was the highlight of the past year for you?
Zedd: Winning a Grammy for “Clarity” was definitely one of the biggest moments for me. Even though the song was very successful I still couldn’t believe I got a nomination for it. Then going on to win the award was an unbelievable and unforgettable moment in my life.
What song from the past year do you wish you wrote?
There’s a million songs I wish I wrote, but if I had to pick one from the past year it would probably be Rihanna’s “Stay” featuring Mikky Ekko.
Was there a song you couldn’t get out of your head (even if you tried)?
“Latch” by Disclosure and Sam Smith was stuck in my head for months! I love that song.
Who was your favorite new or emerging artist?
I became a huge fan of Sam Smith. I don’t know how “new” or “emerging” he is but to me he’s new and I love everything his voice is on. Another artist is Miriam Bryant — I signed her to Interscope and she is one of the most talented singers and writers I have ever worked with.
Which artist that staged a comeback or finally get some overdue recognition really caught your attention?
Whether you like their new album or not, I think Daft Punk finally got the recognition they should have gotten many years ago — long overdue.
What was your favorite music-related meme or viral video?
The goat. Let’s be honest: The goat deserves a Grammy. The first song I saw the goat perform on was Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble,” but only a few days later it jumped on my own song “Clarity.” I loved it.
Was there a trend you were happy to see or hear?
As a [mainly] electronic music producer I was obviously happy to see the explosion of the genre. At the same time it pushed electronic music to a very dangerous comfort zone, and I hope that if you ask me this question one year from now, I will be able to answer that I’m happy to see electronic music going more musical and less sound-oriented.
Any trend you were unhappy to see or hear?
I have personally never been a fan of selfies, so I wasn’t very happy to see everyone suddenly preferring them over solid pictures taken by another photographer.
What are your favorite things to do in Vegas — high-roller or trashy (or both)?
Honestly, I’m not a big gambler, just for the simple reason that I always lose. I just love going for nice dinners and hanging out with friends. Luckily there’s always a DJ friend of mine in town.
Via Yahoo, this year’s Billboard Music Awards red carpet show will be live streamed. For additional information on the 2014 Billboard Music Awards visit billboardmusicawards.com or the Billboard hub at billboard.com/bbma.