Skrillex, American DJ and producer

Sonny John Moore, widely recognized by his professional moniker Skrillex, is an influential American DJ, record producer, musician, singer, and songwriter. Born on January 15, 1988, his groundbreaking work has profoundly shaped the electronic dance music (EDM) landscape, particularly in popularizing dubstep and fusing it with various genres.

Early Musical Beginnings and Transition to EDM

Skrillex's musical journey began far from the electronic stages. Growing up between Northeast Los Angeles and Northern California, he first gained prominence in the American post-hardcore scene. In 2004, at the age of 16, he joined the band From First to Last as their lead singer, quickly becoming a central figure in the burgeoning emo and post-hardcore movement. During his tenure with the band, he lent his distinctive vocals to two studio albums: Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count (released in 2004) and Heroine (released in 2006). These albums showcased his raw vocal talent and contributed to the band's growing fanbase.

However, by 2007, Moore chose to embark on a solo career, signaling a significant pivot in his artistic direction. He commenced his first solo tour in late 2007. Following this, he assembled a new band lineup and joined the highly regarded Alternative Press Tour, supporting prominent acts like All Time Low and The Rocket Summer. His growing visibility was further cemented when he graced the cover of Alternative Press' annual "100 Bands You Need to Know" issue, a significant accolade within the alternative music community, highlighting his potential even before his electronic music breakthrough.

The Birth of Skrillex and Breakthrough EPs

The pivotal transition to his Skrillex persona began to materialize around 2009. After releasing the Gypsyhook EP, Moore initially planned to record his debut studio album, tentatively titled Bells, with producer Noah Shain. However, he ultimately ceased production on this project, choosing instead to fully embrace his electronic sound and adopt the name Skrillex. This decision marked the beginning of a new era in electronic music.

In a bold move that leveraged the burgeoning digital landscape, he distributed his inaugural Skrillex release, the My Name Is Skrillex EP, as a free download directly from his official MySpace page. This grassroots distribution method was highly effective, quickly garnering attention and building a dedicated following. This was followed by two landmark EPs that would solidify his global presence: the Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites EP, released in late 2010, and the More Monsters and Sprites EP, released in mid-2011. These EPs were not merely commercial successes; they were genre-defining works that catapulted dubstep into mainstream consciousness worldwide, featuring iconic tracks like "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" and "Bangarang," which became anthems for a new generation of electronic music enthusiasts.

Accolades and Industry Recognition

The immense impact of Skrillex's music was swiftly recognized by the music industry's most prestigious institutions. On November 30, 2011, he received an impressive five Grammy Award nominations at the 54th Grammy Awards, including the coveted Best New Artist category. He ultimately triumphed in three categories, securing awards for "Best Dance/Electronica Album" (for Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites), "Best Dance Recording" (for the title track "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprices"), and "Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical" (for his remix of Benny Benassi's "Cinema" featuring Gary Go). These wins were particularly significant as they marked a watershed moment for electronic music at the Grammys, bringing the genre unprecedented mainstream recognition.

His influence continued to expand globally. On December 5, 2011, the BBC announced his nomination for their highly respected Sound of 2012 poll, an annual industry survey predicting breakout musical acts. Just a week later, on December 12, 2011, MTV further acknowledged his dominance by naming him their Electronic Dance Music Artist of the Year, affirming his status as a leading figure in the genre.

Collaborations, Reunions, and Continued Impact

Skrillex's innovative spirit extends beyond his solo work, marked by a series of highly successful collaborations. He holds the distinction of winning eight Grammy Awards, more than any other electronic dance music artist in history, a testament to his consistent impact and artistry.

He has formed two influential supergroups, showcasing his versatility and collaborative prowess:

• Jack Ü: A dynamic duo with renowned DJ and producer Diplo. Their collaboration resulted in commercially successful tracks that blended EDM with mainstream pop, most notably their hit "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber, which won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording and further bridged the gap between electronic music and global pop audiences.
• Dog Blood: An aggressive electro-house and techno project with German producer Boys Noize. This collaboration delved into darker, more experimental sounds, appealing to a different facet of the electronic music spectrum.

In a nostalgic reunion that delighted long-time fans, it was announced on Sonny Moore's 29th birthday (January 15, 2017) that he had officially reunited with his former band, From First to Last. The reunion was marked by the release of a new single titled "Make War," demonstrating his continued connection to his post-hardcore roots.

Skrillex's production acumen has also been sought after across genres. In 2017, he notably produced and mixed 8, the eighth studio album by the acclaimed rock band Incubus, showcasing his versatility as an engineer and producer. In July 2017, he released another single featuring the debuting solo artist Poo Bear, further highlighting his role in nurturing new talent and expanding his sonic collaborations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skrillex

What is Skrillex's real name?

Skrillex's real name is Sonny John Moore.

How many Grammy Awards has Skrillex won?

Skrillex has won eight Grammy Awards, making him the most awarded electronic dance music artist in Grammy history.

What notable bands or groups has Skrillex been a part of?

Before his solo career as Skrillex, he was the lead singer for the post-hardcore band From First to Last. He has also formed the electronic music supergroups Jack Ü (with Diplo) and Dog Blood (with Boys Noize).

What are some of Skrillex's most influential EPs?

His most influential EPs include My Name Is Skrillex (2010), Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (2010), and More Monsters and Sprites (2011), which were pivotal in popularizing dubstep globally.

Has Skrillex collaborated with mainstream pop artists?

Yes, as part of Jack Ü, he collaborated with Justin Bieber on the Grammy-winning track "Where Are Ü Now."