Skrillex performing live with intense bass music lighting and massive crowd energy
Heat Index: 93

Skrillex

Sonny John Moore · Born January 15, 1988 · Los Angeles, California

Dubstep EDM Trap Bass Music 8x Grammy Winner
93
Heat Index
8
Grammys
OWSLA
Own Label
LA
Based In

🎧 Biography

From post-hardcore vocalist to the king of dubstep

Skrillex, born Sonny John Moore on January 15, 1988 in Los Angeles, California, is one of the most influential electronic music artists of all time. Before his meteoric rise in electronic music, he served as the vocalist for the post-hardcore band From First to Last, where he gained a dedicated following in the alternative music scene.

His transition to electronic music production revolutionized the genre entirely. The "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" EP, released in 2010, single-handedly brought dubstep into the mainstream consciousness. The title track's aggressive bass drops and innovative sound design became a cultural phenomenon, redefining what electronic music could sound like and inspiring an entire generation of producers.

Skrillex has won an astonishing 8 Grammy Awards — more than any other electronic music artist in history. In 2012, he won 3 Grammy Awards in a single night, cementing his status as the face of modern electronic music. He later co-created the supergroup Jack Ü with Diplo, producing the worldwide smash "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber.

His label OWSLA, founded in 2013, has been instrumental in nurturing new talent and pushing the boundaries of electronic music. From bass music to experimental sounds, OWSLA has become a home for forward-thinking artists across the electronic spectrum.

Real Name
Sonny John Moore
Born
January 15, 1988
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
Based In
Los Angeles, USA
Genres
Dubstep, EDM, Trap, Bass Music
Labels
OWSLA (own label), Atlantic Records, Big Beat
Known Tracks
Bangarang, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, Cinema Remix, Where Are Ü Now (Jack Ü ft Bieber)
Heat Index

🎶 Best Sets & Videos

Iconic performances and music videos from the dubstep king

Bangarang (Official Music Video)

The iconic music video that became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most-watched EDM videos of all time.

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

The track that changed everything. Grammy-winning single that brought dubstep to the mainstream.

Where Are Ü Now — Jack Ü ft. Justin Bieber

Grammy-winning collaboration with Diplo as Jack Ü, featuring Justin Bieber. A crossover mega-hit.

Skrillex at Fuji Rock 2023

A triumphant live performance at Japan's legendary Fuji Rock Festival during his 2023 comeback era.

📅 Career Timeline

From post-hardcore vocalist to electronic music legend

2004

Joined From First to Last

At just 16 years old, Sonny Moore joined the post-hardcore band From First to Last as their lead vocalist, recording the album "Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count."

2008

Left Band to Go Solo Electronic

Moore departed From First to Last to pursue solo electronic music production, beginning his transformation into Skrillex and experimenting with dubstep and bass-heavy sounds.

2010

"Scary Monsters" EP Drops — Changes Everything

The "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" EP was released and immediately sent shockwaves through the music industry. The title track's aggressive drops and innovative production became the anthem of a new era in electronic music.

2012

Won 3 Grammys in One Night

Skrillex dominated the 54th Grammy Awards, winning Best Dance/Electronica Album, Best Dance Recording for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," and Best Remixed Recording for "Cinema."

2013

Founded OWSLA

Launched the OWSLA record label to nurture emerging talent and push the boundaries of electronic music. The label has since become one of the most respected imprints in the scene.

2015

Jack Ü with Diplo — "Where Are Ü Now" with Bieber

Co-created the supergroup Jack Ü with Diplo. Their track "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber became a massive global hit and won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

2023

Surprise Comeback Albums

After years away from the spotlight, Skrillex made a triumphant return with not one but two surprise albums: "Quest for Fire" and "Don't Get Too Close," showcasing his evolution while staying true to his bass-heavy roots.

🌎 Lifestyle & Off-Stage

The private world of one of electronic music's most enigmatic figures

🏙

Home Base

Lives in Los Angeles, the city where he was born and raised. Despite his global fame, Skrillex has remained rooted in the LA music scene, drawing inspiration from the city's diverse underground culture.

🕵

Private & Reclusive

Known for being one of the most private figures in electronic music. Rarely does interviews and keeps his personal life away from the public eye. Prefers underground LA venues over high-profile celebrity events.

👥

Inner Circle

Friends with everyone in music — from Elrah to Boys Noize to Fred Again. His collaborative spirit has resulted in genre-bending music that defies categorization.

  • 🎧 Diplo (Jack Ü partner)
  • 🎧 Boys Noize (Dog Blood partner)
  • 🎧 Fred Again (frequent collaborator)
  • 🎧 Four Tet (live trio member)
👕

Signature Style

Famous for his ever-evolving look. Originally known for his long side-swept hair (now short), streetwear aesthetic, and signature glasses. His visual identity is as iconic as his sound.

🎷

Underground Parties

Frequents underground LA venues where he can connect with the raw energy of the dance floor. Known for surprise DJ sets at intimate clubs, bringing his arena-level energy to small rooms.

❤

Relationships

Previously dated singer Ellie Goulding. Keeps his romantic life extremely private, consistent with his overall approach to fame and celebrity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about Skrillex

Skrillex has won 8 Grammy Awards, making him the most awarded electronic music artist in Grammy history. He famously won 3 Grammys in a single night at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012, including Best Dance/Electronica Album for "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" and Best Dance Recording. He later added to his collection with wins for his work with Jack Ü and Diplo.
Before becoming Skrillex, Sonny John Moore was the lead vocalist of From First to Last, a post-hardcore band. He joined the group in 2004 at age 16 and recorded two albums with them before departing in 2008 to pursue solo electronic music production. His transition from screaming vocals to bass-heavy dubstep remains one of the most remarkable career pivots in music history.
OWSLA is Skrillex's independent record label, founded in 2013. Named after a concept from the novel "Watership Down," the label is dedicated to discovering and nurturing emerging electronic music talent. OWSLA has released music from a diverse roster of artists and is known for its forward-thinking approach to electronic music across genres including bass music, future bass, trap, and experimental electronic.
Skrillex's biggest and most iconic songs include: "Bangarang" featuring Sirah, which became a worldwide anthem; "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," the Grammy-winning track that brought dubstep to the mainstream; his remix of "Cinema" by Benny Benassi, which won a Grammy for Best Remixed Recording; and "Where Are Ü Now" as Jack Ü (with Diplo) featuring Justin Bieber, which became one of the biggest crossover hits in electronic music history.
Skrillex lives in Los Angeles, California — the same city where he was born on January 15, 1988. LA has been his home base throughout his entire career, from his early days as the vocalist of From First to Last through his meteoric rise as one of electronic music's biggest names. He's deeply connected to the LA underground music scene and frequently plays surprise sets at intimate local venues.