Skrillex: From Screamo to EDM Superstar

Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, may have started his music career as the frontman for post-hardcore band From First to Last, but he’s now a household name in the electronic dance music (EDM) world, with six Grammy Awards under his belt and a legion of fans around the globe.

Growing up in Northeast Los Angeles, Skrillex had a passion for music from an early age. He played guitar and performed at local venues before joining From First to Last in 2004 at the age of 16. He lent his signature high-pitched and aggressive vocal style to the band’s first album, “Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count,” which quickly gained a cult following in the post-hardcore scene.

Skrillex’s time with From First to Last came to an end in 2007 when he left the band to pursue a solo career in a very different genre: EDM. He began producing music under the moniker Skrillex and quickly gained attention for his innovative, high-energy sound that merged elements of dubstep, electro, and more.

Skrillex’s popularity exploded in 2010 with the release of his third EP, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.” The title track featured Skrillex’s iconic, wobbling bass drops and became an instant hit, earning him his first Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. He continued to release critically acclaimed music, including his first full-length album “Recess” in 2014 and the single “Show Tracks” in 2020.

But Skrillex’s influence extends beyond his own music. In 2011, he launched his own record label, OWSLA, which has become a home for emerging EDM talent. The label’s roster includes artists pushing the boundaries of the genre, such as Porter Robinson and Joyryde. Skrillex’s label has also provided a platform for his own collaborations with fellow EDM heavyweights like Diplo and Boys Noize (a.k.a. Dog Blood).

Beyond his music career, Skrillex is also an activist. He has partnered with organizations such as EarthEcho International to raise awareness about issues like ocean health and plastic pollution. He’s also been vocal about mental health and personal struggles. In 2018, he opened up about his own battle with depression in an interview with Billboard.

Despite his massive success, Skrillex remains down-to-earth and dedicated to his craft. In interviews, he’s emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and being open to new ideas. As he continues to evolve and explore new sounds, Skrillex shows no signs of slowing down in his quest to keep electronic dance music fresh and exciting for fans around the world.

Questions? Comments? We want to know:@djfollower