It has been almost a decade since Zedd, the Grammy-winning producer and DJ, released his sophomore album, “True Colors.” A lot has happened since then. The German dance-pop maverick needed to push himself to create an album that would truly stand out and tell a compelling story beyond his previous successes with albums like “Clarity.”

After years of anticipation, Zedd has finally dropped his long-awaited third album, “Telos.” In an interview with The Associated Press, Zedd shared his thoughts on the creative process behind the album and the journey he took to bring it to life.

“‘Telos’ is an album that for many years I doubted I could create,” Zedd said. “I wanted something timeless, something that I would be proud of forever, and something that is very detailed and cohesive, where every song leads into the next.”

The album features an array of collaborations, from established artists like Muse and John Mayer to up-and-coming talents like Remi Wolf and Bea Miller. Zedd aimed to create a musical experience that was both personal and expansive, drawing on a wide range of influences and emotions.

In the interview, Zedd discusses his inspirations for “Telos,” his creative process, and his thoughts on the current state of EDM. The album reflects his commitment to staying true to his artistic vision and creating music that resonates on a deeper level.

“I kind of just made that decision early on in my career that I’m going to create my own path, and I’m going to walk my path the way I want to,” Zedd said. “My goal has never been to satisfy everybody’s opinions. If you’re genuine about what you do, there are going to be people out there who will feel the same way.”

With “Telos,” Zedd has delivered a compelling and introspective album that showcases his growth as an artist and his willingness to take risks and push boundaries. It’s a testament to his dedication to his craft and his commitment to creating music that is both meaningful and impactful.

Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed to this report from New York.