The brainchild of Sonny Moore, Skrillex is an electronic enigma. He’s broken down just about every musical barrier previously thought to exist, and collaborated with more artists than would fit on a movie credit. In fact, he’s still buzzing after recently winning the AMA’s Collaboration of The Year for his work with Diplo and Justin Bieber for “Where Are Ü Now.”
It seems as though Skrillex has been around forever, leading us all around by the collar to find the next biggest trend in dance music, fashion, or aesthetics. So it’s wild to think Sonny has only been in the spotlight as Skrillex for five years. But about four years ago, he did an interview with The Guardian which left quite an impression.
Titled “The Most Hated Man In Dubstep,” the interview exacerbated Skrillex’s status as a punching bag for his musical experimentation. Now, he’s given The Guardian another shot.
In a recent chat with The Guardian’s Peter Robinson, Sonny Moore opened up about his own insecurities, who to look out for in the future, and what he thinks of the role to be played by collaborations.
Below are a few highlights from the interview, and you can click here to read the entire discussion.
The Guardian: Hi Sonny, if I’d come up to you five years ago and told you that in 2015 you’ll have produced half a Justin Bieber album, how would you have reacted?
Skrillex: It’s funny you should ask that. I’m always transporting myself to five years ago and asking myself the same questions. I’d have been really excited! I’ve never had an ill thought about that guy, even when he got in trouble for egging someone’s house. I think we all grew up with way worse kids than that. It’s been a turning point for both our careers in that we both did something new together. All the best songs of all time are collaborative: the Beatles, Michael Jackson with Quincy Jones, Tupac and Dr Dre.
I mean some of my favourite music pieces of all time are by Aphex Twin, and they’re probably just him sitting in his room in his underwear, but in terms of things that impact on culture there’s almost always a team.
The Guardian: Who’s your big musical tip for 2016?
Skrillex: Dej Loaf is really talented, Goldlink is amazing. There’s an artist I just signed called Marshmello, he sounds like nothing else. He’s about to do his first tour and he’s sold out every show; he’s so viral but so organic. He’s just done a great remix of Adele’s Hello. It’s going to be a huge year for Marshmello.
The Guardian: Does Kanye have good manners?
Skrillex: Yeah! He was great with me. He’s a very passionate person, and he expresses it in a certain way. I’ve been in situations where, years ago … well, to be honest, I stopped doing interviews because of a Guardian interview I once did. It was the one with the headline “The most hated man in dubstep.” It was the beginning of my career and I was definitely a punching bag for purists, but I just wanted to make music.
The Guardian: Are you easily embarrassed?
Skrillex: Actually, when I was about eight, I did get pantsed in the schoolyard. I get the “naked at school” dream a lot. I used to have a dream where I’d be wearing a T-shirt that comes up past my belly button, and I’m walking around school with no pants or underwear, just trying to pull my shirt down enough to cover myself.
Published: Dec 11, 2015 01:59 pm