Sonny John Moore, born on January 15, 1988, is globally recognized as Skrillex, a name synonymous with groundbreaking electronic music. This American record producer, DJ, singer, songwriter, and musician has carved a unique path in the music industry, transitioning from the frontman of a post-hardcore band to an internationally acclaimed electronic music icon. His journey is marked by constant evolution, genre-bending experimentation, and an undeniable impact on contemporary music.
Moore’s early life was split between Northeast Los Angeles and Northern California. Music became a significant part of his life early on. In 2004, his career took a pivotal turn when he joined From First to Last, an American post-hardcore band, as their lead vocalist. This marked his initial foray into the professional music scene. During his time with From First to Last, he contributed to two studio albums that helped define the band’s sound: “Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count” (2004) and “Heroine” (2006). These albums showcased his vocal talents and the band’s energetic post-hardcore style, earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical attention within the genre.
However, by 2007, Sonny John Moore decided to embark on a different musical trajectory, leaving From First to Last to pursue a solo career. This transition signaled a significant shift in his artistic direction. He launched his solo endeavors with a tour in late 2007, quickly assembling a new band to support his performances. His burgeoning solo project gained momentum, leading to his inclusion in the prestigious Alternative Press Tour. This tour, featuring bands like All Time Low and The Rocket Summer, provided a platform for Moore to reach a wider audience and solidify his presence in the alternative music landscape. Further recognition came when he graced the cover of Alternative Press’s influential “100 Bands You Need to Know” issue, highlighting him as an artist to watch.
In 2009, Moore released the “Gypsyhook EP,” a project intended to precede his debut studio album, “Bells,” which was planned in collaboration with producer Noah Shain. However, “Bells” was never released. Instead, Moore pivoted towards electronic music, adopting the moniker Skrillex. This marked the genesis of his transformation into the electronic music figure he is known as today. He started distributing the “My Name Is Skrillex EP” for free via his MySpace page, a strategic move that allowed him to build an online following and introduce his new sound to the world.
The breakthrough moment for Skrillex arrived with the release of the “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites EP” in late 2010, followed by “More Monsters and Sprites EP” in mid-2011. These EPs were not just moderate successes; they became pivotal in popularizing dubstep and electronic dance music on a global scale. His innovative sound, characterized by heavy bass drops and intricate sound design, resonated with audiences worldwide. This widespread acclaim culminated in five Grammy Award nominations at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2011. Notably, these nominations included the coveted Best New Artist award, highlighting his rapid ascent in the music industry. He ultimately won three Grammys that night: “Best Dance/Electronica Album” for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” “Best Dance Recording” for “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” and “Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical” for “Cinema (Skrillex Remix).” This Grammy sweep cemented his status as a major force in electronic music.
Further accolades followed, including a nomination for the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll and being named MTV’s Electronic Dance Music Artist of the Year in 2011. Skrillex’s continued success has led to a total of eight Grammy Awards, a record for an Electronic Dance Music artist, underscoring his consistent innovation and impact on the genre.
Beyond his solo work as Skrillex, Sonny John Moore has engaged in several notable collaborations and side projects. He formed Jack Ü with Diplo, a duo that produced the Grammy-winning album “Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü” featuring the hit single “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber. He also collaborated with Boys Noize to create Dog Blood, exploring a different facet of electronic music. His collaborative spirit extends to a diverse range of artists across genres, including producing and mixing Incubus’s eighth studio album, “8,” in 2017, and working with K-pop group 4Minute on their track “Hate.”
In a surprising turn for long-time fans, on his 29th birthday, Sonny John Moore reunited with From First to Last, releasing a new single titled “Make War,” signaling a return to his post-hardcore roots while continuing to push boundaries in electronic music. His more recent work includes collaborations with Poo Bear, Missy Elliott, XXXTentacion, Lil Pump, Maluma, and Swae Lee, showcasing his versatility and appeal across different musical styles. He also contributed to the soundtrack of the popular video game Kingdom Hearts III, collaborating with Poo Bear and Hikaru Utada on the opening song “Face My Fears,” further demonstrating his reach into diverse creative domains.
Sonny John Moore’s journey as Skrillex is a testament to his adaptability, creative vision, and relentless pursuit of musical innovation. From his beginnings in post-hardcore to his reign as an electronic music pioneer, Sonny John Moore continues to shape the sound of contemporary music, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.
