Skrillex
Biography
Sonny John Moore, known professionally as Skrillex, is an American DJ, record producer, and musician born on January 15, 1988. Raised in Northeast Los Angeles and Northern California, his musical journey began in the early 2000s. Before becoming a global electronic music icon, Moore was the lead vocalist for the post-hardcore band From First to Last, which he joined in 2004. He recorded two studio albums with the band, "Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount" (2004) and "Heroine" (2006), before leaving in 2007 to pursue a solo career.
Transition to Skrillex
In 2008, Moore began producing and performing under the alias Skrillex in Los Angeles clubs. He released his debut EP, "My Name Is Skrillex," as a free download in 2010. This was followed by the "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" EP later that year, which catapulted him to fame. The EP earned him three Grammy Awards in 2011, solidifying his place in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. His unique sound, often labeled as "brostep," was characterized by heavy bass drops and aggressive synth-lines.
Key Releases and Achievements
Skrillex's discography includes several successful EPs like "More Monsters and Sprites" (2011) and "Bangarang" (2011). His debut studio album, "Recess," was released in 2014 and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200. In 2023, he released two albums back-to-back, "Quest for Fire" and "Don't Get Too Close". Throughout his career, Skrillex has won nine Grammy Awards, the most for any electronic dance music artist.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Jack Ü
In 2013, Skrillex formed the duo Jack Ü with fellow DJ and producer Diplo. They released their debut album, "Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü," in 2015. The album featured the hit single "Where Are Ü Now" with Justin Bieber, which achieved multi-platinum status.
Other Collaborations and Reunions
Skrillex has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Korn, A$AP Rocky, and FKA Twigs. He also produced and mixed the eighth studio album for the rock band Incubus in 2017. In a notable return to his roots, Skrillex reunited with From First to Last in 2017 to release a new single, "Make War," and has performed with them on several occasions since.
Recent Work
In February 2024, Skrillex won his ninth Grammy Award for the collaborative single "Rumble". He continues to release new music and collaborate with various artists. In April 2025, Skrillex surprise-released his fourth album, "Fuck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3". This release marked his transition to an independent artist after a long relationship with Atlantic Records.