Zeds Dead
Electronic · CA · Active since 2009

Zeds Dead

Heavy, hip-hop-influenced bass music that balances bone-shaking sub-frequencies with cinematic melodies. The sound of a city that never sleeps.

Browse Catalog
Intro

Zeds Dead, the Toronto-based duo of DC and Hooks, are pivotal figures in the evolution of North American bass music. Emerging from a hip-hop production background as Mass Productions, they transitioned into the electronic space just as dubstep began its global ascent.

Their sound identity is built on a foundation of heavy sub-bass, syncopated hip-hop rhythms, and a diverse palette of samples ranging from vintage film dialogue to soulful vocal hooks. Unlike many of their peers who focused solely on aggressive 'tearout' styles, Zeds Dead maintained a connection to the UK roots of the genre while infusing it with a distinctly gritty, urban North American aesthetic. Their career arc saw them move from viral remixers to label heads of Deadbeats, a powerhouse imprint that has shaped the modern bass scene. They are critically respected for their versatility and their ability to headline major festivals while maintaining underground credibility. Their influence is seen in the 'freeform bass' movement, bridging the gap between melodic electronic music and heavy dubstep.

Our Catalog6 Albums · 2012 · 2025
The Sound · Center of GravityWeighted across the artist's discography. Tap a trait for examples.
Adjacent Artists
K
KillaGraham

Shares drum and bass, trap (subgenres); maximalist, sample_based, studio_polished (production style)

Chase & Status
Chase & Status

Shares maximalist, sample_based, studio_polished (production style); drum and bass, trap (subgenres)

AB
Axel Boy

Shares drum and bass, trap (subgenres); festival, urban_night, basement_show (atmosphere)

M
Ming

Shares trip-hop, trap, drum and bass (subgenres); maximalist, sample_based, studio_polished (production style)

T
TS7

Shares maximalist, sample_based, studio_polished (production style); processed, rap, ethereal (vocal style)

T
Torqux

Shares drum and bass, house, trap (subgenres); basement_show, urban_night, festival (atmosphere)

FD
Flava D

Shares drum and bass, house (subgenres); urban_night, festival, basement_show (atmosphere)

G
Gino

Shares drum and bass, trap (subgenres); festival, basement_show, urban_night (atmosphere)

Jack Beats
Jack Beats

Shares maximalist, sample_based, studio_polished (production style); festival, urban_night, late_night (atmosphere)

BS
Ben Snow

Shares festival, basement_show, urban_night (atmosphere); drum machine, keys/synth, sampler (instrumentation)

AB
Axel Boy

Shares drum and bass, trap, euphoric, maximalist (subgenre)

1P
12th Planet

Shares dubstep, drum and bass, trap, maximalist (signature)

Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →