Yesterday marked the 7th anniversary of “Spectrum” from Zedd and Matthew Koma, the song that arguably launched Zedd’s now illustrious career. For many, this song carries with it a beautiful memory of times gone by when dance music was perhaps more wholesome; or at least, progressive house was more prevalent.
For Koma, however, the song carries with it a darker history of ego, toxic behavior, and a spectacular working relationship that could have been. In a series of slides, Koma describes the working environment with Zedd over the years, how Zedd allegedly took credit for his work, excluded him from events, and put on airs of professionalism when those behind the scenes apparently knew better.
“I want to finally be transparent about this,” Koma begins. “It’s a really sad truth because I’m extremely proud of the work he and I did together… unfortunately my good feelings toward those songs have all but disappeared as they were experienced alongside someone so toxic and self serving that it occupied the space where any happiness could exist.”
Koma describes Zedd as someone who had an inferiority complex at first. Then he describes how Zedd slowly and systematically “removed” him from the equation by taking credit for lyrics that Koma says he wrote alone, nor being paid for singing on “Spectrum” for 2 or 3 years. Koma even suggests Zedd is no longer involved in his own productions.
Other stories of little toxic actions here and there spell out a longer history of this behavior, and paint a much different pciture of the man most of the dance music community believes to be wholesome.
“For years I thought maybe it was me,” Koma reflected, “but over time, I’d run into other people who worked with him […] and the sentiment was shared. He’s the worst.”
We’ve reached out to Zedd’s team for comment but have not heard back at time of publishing. We’ll update this article with any additional information provided.
Photo via Rukes.com