Skrillex, born Sonny John Moore, first entered the musical landscape as the dynamic lead vocalist of the post-hardcore band **From First To Last** in 2004. With his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence, Moore helped the band gain traction, releasing two albums and making waves on the **Vans Warped Tour**. However, pursuing a solo career led him to explore the vast electronic music scene, where he would emerge as the groundbreaking dubstep artist we know today. By 2010, with the rise of dubstep, Skrillex was poised to revolutionize the EDM world and festival culture. Below are three tracks that showcase how Skrillex changed the trajectory of electronic music as we know it.
“SCARY MONSTERS AND NICE SPRITES”
Released in 2010, Skrillex’s EP **Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites** catapulted dubstep from the underground clubs of South London to the forefront of mainstream music. The title track, infused with tension and euphoric energy, showcased an innovative blend of abrasive noises and soaring drops, creating a soundscape that felt straight out of an epic action movie. This track resonated with his existing fan base from **From First To Last**, merging their love for heavy, dark themes with electronic elements.
One of the most memorable aspects of the song is the clever sampling of a girl’s voice from a viral cup-stacking video, shouting, “Yes, oh my God!” right before the drop. This approach became a hallmark of Skrillex’s style, sparking inspiration in numerous artists. A similar technique appeared in the opening of his debut album’s track **First Of The Year (Equinox)**, which samples a girl screaming, “Call 911 now!”—a clever precursor to a massive drop that left audiences gasping in excitement.
“Bangarang (feat. Sirah)”
With the 2011 release of **“Bangarang,”** featuring Sirah, Skrillex cemented dubstep’s position in the mainstream music scene. This track became an anthem for a generation, demonstrating that dubstep could dominate airwaves and nightclub dance floors alike. Following the **Bangarang** EP, Skrillex embarked on an intense tour schedule, headlining some of the largest festivals including **Electric Forest, Lollapalooza,** and **Ultra Music Festival**. The genre was no longer an underground phenomenon; it was now a centerpiece in the explosive world of EDM.
“where are Ü now (FEAT. JUSTIN BIeBER)”
In 2013, his collaboration with Diplo to form **Jack Ü** added an entirely new layer to Skrillex’s genre-defining palette. Their single **“where are Ü now,”** featuring Justin Bieber, showcased a departure from the traditional heavy drops that Skrillex was known for, favoring a more polished pop sound interlaced with playful, whimsical effects. The song topped charts worldwide, hitting No. 1 on the **US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart** and reaching No. 8 on the **Billboard 200**. The ensuing album, **Skrillex And Diplo Present Jack Ü,** not only captured the zeitgeist but also won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, signaling a significant shift in the musical landscape.
Skrillex’s ability to adapt and innovate has continually refreshed the EDM genre, paving the way for future artists and ensuring that electronic music remains a force to be reckoned with. With every track, he continues to explore the boundaries of sound, making him not just a pioneer, but a legend in the music world.
Photo by Bryan Steffy/WireImage
