Skrillex

Definition

Skrillex is the stage name of Sonny John Moore, an influential American electronic music producer and DJ known for his unique sound that blends elements of dubstep, electro-house, and various genres of electronic dance music. His innovative approach to music production has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of electronic music and club culture, making him a prominent figure in the global dance music scene.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Skrillex gained major recognition after the release of his EP 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites' in 2010, which included hit tracks that topped dance charts.
2. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Dance Recording for 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites' and Best Dance/Electronic Album.
3. Skrillex is known for his energetic live performances that often feature visuals and high-impact audio production techniques.
4. His collaboration with other artists, such as Damian Marley on 'Make It Bun Dem' and Justin Bieber on 'Where Are Ü Now', showcases his versatility across genres.
5. Skrillex has been instrumental in popularizing electronic music in mainstream culture, influencing a new generation of producers and DJs.

Review Questions

• How did Skrillex influence the evolution of electronic music and club culture during the early 2010s?
  • Skrillex's innovative sound and production techniques introduced a fresh approach to electronic music, particularly through his signature dubstep style that featured heavy bass drops and unique sampling. His breakout EP 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites' played a key role in bringing dubstep into mainstream awareness, energizing club culture and inspiring a wave of new producers. By combining diverse musical influences, Skrillex helped to broaden the appeal of electronic music beyond traditional EDM audiences.
• Discuss the impact of Skrillex's collaborations with other artists on the perception of electronic music in popular culture.
  • Skrillex's collaborations with mainstream artists like Justin Bieber and Damian Marley helped bridge the gap between electronic music and pop. These partnerships not only showcased his versatility but also elevated the presence of electronic elements in popular music. By working with artists from various genres, Skrillex demonstrated that electronic music could appeal to a wider audience, thereby changing how it was perceived culturally and solidifying its place in the broader music industry.
• Evaluate how Skrillex's career reflects broader trends in the development of electronic music from underground scenes to mainstream success.
  • Skrillex's career exemplifies the trajectory of electronic music as it transitioned from niche underground scenes to widespread mainstream success. Initially emerging from small venues and underground parties, his rise to fame marked a pivotal moment where electronic artists began to gain significant recognition within the larger music industry. This shift indicates a broader trend where festivals like Coachella and Ultra Music Festival became platforms for electronic acts, leading to an explosion in popularity for artists like Skrillex who embodied this new wave of sound. His influence illustrates not only changes in musical styles but also evolving audience demographics, highlighting how electronic music has permeated various cultural spaces.

Related terms

Dubstep: A genre of electronic dance music characterized by its heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and the use of samples and effects.

EDM (Electronic Dance Music): A broad range of percussive electronic music genres produced primarily for nightclubs, raves, and festivals.

Moombahton: A genre of electronic dance music that combines reggaeton rhythms with house music, gaining popularity alongside dubstep and trap.