Skrillex

Over 7.7M+ followers on spotify, Popular for dubstep, edm, electro, electronic music genre.

Sonny John Moore, known worldwide as Skrillex, was born on January 15, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, Moore was always surrounded by music, primarily thanks to his parents' eclectic tastes, which ranged from David Bowie to The Doors. This rich musical environment set the stage for Moore's early fascination with sound and rhythm, predestining his future in music. Raised in the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of Highland Park, Moore experienced a childhood filled with movement. At the age of nine, his family relocated to San Francisco's Forest Hill, where he enrolled in a private academy specializing in arts and sciences. His education continued at online schooling as his interest shifted more toward punk rock and electronic music. By the age of 12, Moore had begun experimenting with his musical abilities, taking his queue from iconic bands such as Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy. He joined a local band named The Riots in 2004, where he started as a guitarist and vocalist. A transformative moment came when he discovered the electric energy of electronic dance music, leading him to experiment with digital audio workstations. These experiences planted the seeds for his future explorations into the dubstep genre, a style he would redefine in the coming years.

Skrillex's official musical career began in the mid-2000s with the post-hardcore band From First to Last, where he served as the lead vocalist. However, a yearning for creative control and health issues led Moore to depart the band in 2007 to pursue a solo career. The start of Skrillex's solo career marked a noticeable shift from post-hardcore to electronic music, embracing the vastness and flexibility the genre offered. In 2009, Moore adopted the alias Skrillex, an evolution that corresponded with his deeper dive into the electronic music realm. Skrillex’s style underwent significant transformation when he began crafting compositions that combined pulsating rhythms, intense basslines, and high-energy drops—elements that became hallmark features of his music. 2010 saw the release of "My Name Is Skrillex," a free digital EP that set the tone for his rising fame in the EDM community. The breakthrough moment for Skrillex came in 2010 with his second EP, "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites." Released under Deadmau5's mau5trap label, the EP catapulted Skrillex into the limelight, fueled by its high-energy tracks like "Kill EVERYBODY" and the Grammy-winning "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," signaling to the world that Skrillex had arrived. Skrillex's musical evolution continued to evolve, expanding through collaborations with big names such as Diplo in the duo Jack Ü, which further demonstrated his versatility across genres and cemented his place in the musical landscape.

Skrillex's discography is a testament to his evolution and influence on the electronic dance music scene. Following his initial EP "My Name Is Skrillex" (2010), he released the ground-breaking "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" EP later that same year. The release was pivotal, selling over two million copies in the US alone and becoming a defining project in the dubstep genre. In 2011, Skrillex released "More Monsters and Sprites," an extension of his second EP. This included the hit single "First of the Year (Equinox)," which further solidified his place in the EDM scene. That year also saw the release of "Bangarang," which became one of his most commercially successful projects, featuring tracks like "Bangarang" and "Breakn' a Sweat," showcasing collaborations with The Doors. Skrillex continued his momentum into 2014 with his first studio album "Recess." The album further showcased his skills as a versatile producer, transcending the dubstep genre to include elements of hip-hop and trap. Tracks like "All Is Fair in Love and Brostep" and "Dirty Vibe" featuring G-Dragon and CL underlined his global influence and broad appeal. Subsequent years saw Skrillex collaborate with fellow EDM producer Diplo as part of the duo Jack Ü, releasing the Grammy-winning album "Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü" in 2015. This release featured "Where Are Ü Now," featuring Justin Bieber, a track that received global acclaim and showcased Skrillex's ability to blend genres seamlessly.

Skrillex has produced a plethora of hits, each characterized by his signature style that blends elements of dubstep, electro-house, and glitch hop. One of his earliest hits, "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," not only achieved global recognition but also secured Skrillex his first Grammy Award. This track peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs Chart, setting the precedent for his future releases. 2011's "Bangarang," the title track from the EP of the same name, became another iconic hit for Skrillex, reaching number 1 on the UK Dance Chart and peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Chart. Its undeniable energy and catchy hooks made it a festival favorite and earned him significant radio play. "Where Are Ü Now," a collaboration with Diplo and Justin Bieber, represented a major crossover hit, blending the worlds of EDM and pop flawlessly. The track achieved immense success, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving numerous platinum certifications worldwide. It highlighted Skrillex’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and reach broader audiences. Additional notable mentions in Skrillex's hit collection include "First of the Year (Equinox)," "Cinema" (a remix recognized by fans and critics alike), and "To Ü" – a track that continued his trend of successful collaborations.

Skrillex's career has been significantly defined by his numerous collaborations with artists across various genres, which not only increased his exposure but also showcased his versatility as a producer and artist. One such collaboration was with rapper A$AP Rocky on the track "Wild for the Night," illustrating Skrillex's effortless blend of hip-hop and electronic music. Among his most successful collaborative efforts is his partnership with Diplo, forming Jack Ü, which released a self-titled album in 2015. The album spawned the international hit "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber, which became a dance anthem and won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. Skrillex's partnership with rock band Korn on their album "The Path of Totality" further demonstrated his cross-genre appeal. He contributed to the tracks "Get Up!" and "Narcissistic Cannibal," fusing the band's nu-metal sound with his electronic prowess. His work with pop icons includes co-producing "Sorry" for Justin Bieber's "Purpose" album, which topped charts worldwide. Skrillex has also collaborated with artists like Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding, and Rihanna, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt his sound to complement diverse artists across the music spectrum.

Skrillex's music enjoys enormous popularity on streaming platforms, illustrating his global influence and appeal. On Spotify, Skrillex boasts over 20 million monthly listeners, placing him among the most-listened-to electronic artists. His track "Where Are Ü Now," from his collaboration with Diplo and Justin Bieber, has surpassed one billion streams, epitomizing his widespread reach and enduring popularity. On YouTube, the official video for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" has accumulated over 248 million views, highlighting its status as a landmark track in the dubstep genre. This success is mirrored on Apple Music and other streaming platforms, where his tracks consistently appear on electronic music playlists and compilations. Skrillex's social media presence is equally impressive, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he engages with fans and shares glimpses into his life and works. This digital connectivity ensures that Skrillex remains a household name in the EDM community and beyond.

Skrillex's contribution to music has been acknowledged globally through numerous awards and accolades. He is a multiple Grammy Award winner, having received eight Grammys, which recognize his impact on the EDM scene and his contributions to collaborations that have resonated worldwide. His first Grammy win came in 2012, where he took home awards for Best Dance/Electronica Album for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" and Best Dance Recording for the title track. This remarkable achievement was just the beginning, as he went on to win additional Grammys for his works including "Bangarang" and "Where Are Ü Now." Apart from Grammys, Skrillex has been honored with international awards, including MTV Video Music Awards for Best Visual Effects and Annie Awards for his contribution to the "Wreck-It Ralph" soundtrack. His persistent industry influence is reflected in his consistently high ranking on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list. Skrillex's influence is not just limited to awards. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern dubstep, reshaping how the genre is perceived and embraced by mainstream audiences.

Skrillex's music is synonymous with innovation. At the core of his sound is a blend of dubstep, electro-house, and electronic rock, each reflecting his background and the diverse influences that have shaped his career. His ability to blend these elements into a coherent, energetic sound is central to his success. Skrillex's tracks are characterized by complex structures, unpredictable drops, and heavy basslines. Influenced initially by punk rock and emo bands, his style has been shaped significantly by electronic influences, particularly artists such as Aphex Twin and the French duo Justice. This fusion results in a dynamic sound that resonates with listeners across various music scenes. Beyond the technical aspects of his music, Skrillex's approach is deeply rooted in experimentation. He is unafraid to incorporate elements from multiple genres, as seen in his collaborative projects, which often include elements of pop, hip-hop, and even jazz. What sets Skrillex apart is not only his innovative sound design but also his ability to create music that speaks to and energizes listeners, making his shows and festival performances highly sought after worldwide.

Skrillex's impact on the music industry extends beyond his chart-topping hits and Grammy wins. He is largely credited with bringing the dubstep genre into the mainstream, transforming it from an underground scene into a global phenomenon. This transition has opened doors for numerous electronic artists, expanding the genre's audience and acceptance. His innovative approach to production and sound design has influenced countless producers and musicians, encouraging them to explore new sonic landscapes. Skrillex's success has demonstrated that electronic music can hold the same respect and recognition as traditional music genres, making him an integral figure in the evolution of contemporary music. Furthermore, Skrillex's cultural impact is reflected in his ability to bridge genres and audiences. By collaborating with artists from various backgrounds, he has created a platform where EDM and mainstream music coexist, fostering creative exchanges and diversifying audiences. Skrillex continues to inspire a new generation of artists, reminding them that creativity knows no boundaries. His legacy in music is as much about innovation and genre-breaking as it is about perseverance and passion, ensuring that his influence will endure for years to come.