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Skrillex

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Skrillex is the artist name of Sonny John Moore, born in Los Angeles in 1988. As a teenager he went to punk concerts and later to electronic club nights in the city. In 2004 he became the singer of the post-hardcore band From First to Last, with whom he made two albums. After vocal problems and an operation he chose a solo career. From 2008 he performed in clubs in Los Angeles as Skrillex, a name that according to him means nothing and comes from an old internet alias.

Music and breakthrough

In 2010 the EP My Name Is Skrillex was released as a free download. Later that same year came Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, released on Deadmau5's label, with whom he also toured. At the 2012 Grammy Awards he won three prizes, including for that track and that EP. Bangarang (2011), the album Recess (2014) and collaborations with Diplo as Jack Ü and with Boys Noize as Dog Blood followed. He also worked with rock bands such as Korn and set up a label of his own, Owsla. In 2023 Quest for Fire and Don't Get Too Close were released in quick succession.

Influence

Skrillex made dubstep known to a large audience, outside the clubs too. His version was harder and fiercer than the original: heavy, distorted basses that growl and squeal, sudden silences and releases that make the crowd jump. His background in punk and hardcore can be heard in it. He won more Grammys than any other act in electronic dance music.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and notice the moment when the build-up falls silent and the bass breaks loose. Hear how that distorted bass itself takes over the melody.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsEDMDubstep