Last night, Russian-German dance music producer Zedd, along with co-producer Alvin Risk (on backing vocals) did what few in the genre have been able to do; translate an otherwise niche electro-house track to a melodic work that a far wider audience will enjoy. In other words, Zedd turned his hit single “Clarity” into a sing-along bound for your mother’s iPod.

Considering Letterman’s audience is made up largely of tourists, Zedd took the Ed Sullivan Theater by surprise. Watch the video here.

A classically trained musician, Zedd has proven himself a more orchestral version of Calvin Harris, who spent much of 2012 on the top of the dance charts. After reaching to the top of the Beatport’s Electro House Top Ten chart with his remix of Skrillex‘s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, he produced remixes for household names including The Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga. The young producer can also tout having co-produced the track “Beauty and a Beat” for Justin Bieber’s latest studio album, Believe.

Zedd’s latest album Clarity is available now. Check out the original version of “Clarity” below.

– Jay Tilles, Radio.com