Skrillex Biography
Dubstep hasn’t been the same since Skrillex burst onto the scene. With his iconic haircut and pulsating beats, he’s…
Dubstep hasn’t been the same since Skrillex burst onto the scene. With his iconic haircut and pulsating beats, he’s not only redefined a genre, but also captured the hearts of millions worldwide. We’re about to delve into the life and career of this groundbreaking artist, revealing how a boy named Sonny Moore became Skrillex, the Grammy-winning superstar.
From his humble beginnings to the dizzying heights of global stardom, we’ll explore the journey that’s shaped his sound and style. If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the electrifying rhythms of his music, you’ll want to know more about the man behind the decks. So, buckle up, as we take you on a rollercoaster ride through the life of Skrillex.
Early Life & Background
Skrillex, originally named Sonny John Moore, was born on January 15, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. From an early age, his passion for music was evident. Maximizing his eclectic taste in music ranging from electronica to rock, he cultivated a diverse sound. Homeschooled due to health issues, his education was non-traditional. This unusual upbringing fostered his independence, creativity, and knack for divergent thinking. Falling in love with electronic music through local clubs, he was 16 when he joined the band “From First to Last” as the lead vocalist, marking his initial foray into the professional music world. This was just the beginning; the beats of Skrillex were yet to resonate across the globe.
Breakthrough in the EDM Scene
After parting ways with “From First to Last,” Skrillex ventured into Electronic Dance Music (EDM) as his sonic playground. His budding interest in the genre culminated in the release of his groundbreaking EP, “My Name is Skrillex,” in 2010. The EP served as a testament to Skrillex’s ingenuity, carving a unique niche in the crowded EDM scene. Giving rise to captivating beats, Skrillex’s sound intrigued and captivated listeners around the globe. As users scrambled to streaming platforms, his popularity skyrocketed, cementing his status as a global EDM sensation. Meanwhile, his 2011 EP ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ bagged him three Grammy Awards, making Skrillex a household name in the pulsating world of EDM.
Signature Sound & Production Techniques
Delving deeper, Skrillex’s signature sound and unique production techniques set him apart in the electronic music ecosystem.
What Type of EDM is Skrillex?
Categorizing an innovator like Skrillex into a single genre can be challenging, given his trailblazing and genre-blurring sound palette. The sonic wizardry of Skrillex revolves around several sub-genres of electronic music. The majority associate his sound with Dubstep, a genre characterized by heavy bass, syncopated rhythms, and a tempo of roughly 140 beats per minute. Notwithstanding, Skrillex incorporates elements from other sub-genres, including Trap, Brostep, and Electro House, blending them seamlessly to forge his unique sonic identity.
Let’s demystify the production techniques that are the bedrock of Skrillex’s audial artistry.
Skrillex’s Production Techniques
Skrillex’s production techniques attest to his knack for innovation and affinity for embracing cutting-edge technology. He often leverages the power of software synthesizers, particularly “Massive” and “FM8”, names synonymous among electronic music producers. These tools are pivotal in creating his distinctive bass-heavy drops and wobble bass sounds, trademarks of his emblematic Dubstep flavor.
- Layering sounds: Skrillex often layers multiple synths or sound sources to achieve his unique, rich, and full-bodied sound. He meticulously balances the volume, pan, and frequencies to prevent clashing and maintain clarity.
- Complex modulation: Skrillex employs complex modulation techniques, such as LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) on cutoff filters and wavetable position, which gives his synths the signature “wobble effect.”
- Fragmented vocal samples: He’s known for using fragmented vocal samples, not just as fillers, but an integral element to construct rhythmic patterns, melodic hooks, and even as sources to generate his signature bass sounds.
This peak behind the production curtain reveals how Skrillex marries creativity with technology to create his electrifying compositions. His relentless experimentation continues to push electronic music’s boundaries and lay the groundwork for future innovators.
Similar Artists to Skrillex
Building upon Skrillex’s innovative use of software and his genre-blurring style, several artists in the electronic music realm exhibit similar attributes. Among them are Deadmau5, Flux Pavilion, Zedd, and Knife Party. Deadmau5, a DJ and producer, for instance, is also known for fusing different genres, just as Skrillex does with his music. Knife Party, a duo consisting of Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, shares Skrillex’s preference for aggressive and eclectic sounds, making them often compared to him. Flux Pavilion is noted for his remarkable influence in the dubstep genre and hard-hitting bass, a signature style that parallels Skrillex’s. Finally, Zedd’s incorporation of classical music into his EDM tracks mirrors Skrillex’s fusion of disparate music styles. Like Skrillex, these artists, each in their own way,enrich the diverse landscape of electronic music.
Discography
Delving further into the essence of Skrillex’s artistic career, we consider his discography. It spans studio albums, EPs, and singles, each showcasing his genre-blending prowess and innovative production techniques. Skrillex’s first studio album, “Recess,” hit the stores in 2014, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200. Featuring collaborations with notable artists, including Diplo, Chance the Rapper, and Michael Angelakos, it emphasizes Skrillex’s ability to merge diverse musical talents. His EP list includes the Grammy-winning “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and “Bangarang,” exhibiting his knack for memorable beats and infectious rhythms. Additionally, Skrillex’s singles like “Purple Lamborghini” with Rick Ross, and “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber, present his competence at amplified, bass-centric electronic music. Each entry in his discography demonstrates a progression in Skrillex’s sound, reflecting his continuous evolution as an artist.
Tours & Live Performances
Each page in Skrillex’s biography beacons with energy, just like his tours and live performances. He’s accomplished over 500 gigs around the globe, setting stages ablaze with his dynamic range of sounds. A few notable instances include the “Mothership Tour” in 2011, where he performed in numerous locations across North America and Europe. Another instance, the “Full Flex Express Tour” in 2012, electrified eight cities in Canada. These immensely successful performances earned Skrillex a reputation for delivering heart-stopping, mind-numbing EDM experiences. It’s apparent that he connects with live audiences on a visceral level, orchestrating an electric symphony that resonates with each person at his shows.
Personal Life & Off-stage Persona
Skrillex’s, born Sonny John Moore, off-stage persona mirrors his open-mindedness as witnessed in his genre-blending music. His interests extend beyond the digital world of EDM; Skrillex exhibits fascination with organic sounds, particularly the artistic symmetry found in nature’s soundtrack.
As a passionate vegan, he contributes to animal rights activism and environmental awareness, showcasing an omnipresent consciousness mirrored in his music’s introspective undertones. Despite his celebrity status, privacy envelops his personal relationships, barring few relationships made public like his romantic involvement with artist and singer Ellie Goulding in 2012.
When out of the limelight, he dives into exploring other artistic realms, notably film scoring, yielding tracks for films such as ‘Divergent’ and ‘Spring Breakers’. Processing life’s complexities through music becomes his therapy, hinting at a remarkably contemplative nature away from high-octane performances. His authentic approach unfolds in every interaction, capturing echoes of an iconoclast’s journey, far removed from his electrifying EDM iterations.
Follow Skrillex
Here are the official social media accounts for Skrillex:
You can find more information on his official website (Skrillex)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Skrillex and how did he rise to fame?
Skrillex is a renowned EDM artist who started as the lead vocalist for “From First to Last”. He gained significant fame with his groundbreaking EPs “My Name is Skrillex” and “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” earning him three Grammy Awards.
What is Skrillex known for in his music production?
Skrillex is celebrated for his signature sound, innovative production techniques, and adept use of software synthesizers like ‘Massive’ and ‘FM8’.
What are some notable works in Skrillex’s discography?
Essential works in Skrillex’s discography include studio albums, EPs, and singles like “Recess,” “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” “Bangarang,” “Purple Lamborghini,” and his collaboration with Diplo and Justin Bieber, “Where Are Ü Now.”
Who are some artists similar to Skrillex?
Artists similar to Skrillex in the electronic music scene include Deadmau5, Flux Pavilion, Zedd, and Knife Party.
What are Skrillex’s off-stage interests and activities?
Beyond music, Skrillex has a deep appreciation for organic sounds and nature, is a vegan, and a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental awareness.
Has Skrillex ventured beyond EDM in his career?
Yes, Skrillex has explored film scoring, contributing to movies like ‘Divergent’ and ‘Spring Breakers’, showcasing his versatility and ability to craft music beyond high-energy EDM performances.
