Few artists have reshaped electronic music the way Skrillex has. From underground obscurity to festival dominance, his explosive sound changed the trajectory of dubstep and modern bass music. Skrillex, often referred to as the Godfather of Dubstep, has influence that runs deep. He carved out an entirely new lane for producers and reshaped expectations of what electronic dance music (EDM) can be.

A Visionary Enters the Scene

Before he was Skrillex, Sonny Moore was fronting the post-hardcore band From First to Last. The transition from screamo frontman to electronic innovator wasn’t conventional. However, it was seamless. His early EPs, My Name Is Skrillex and Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, became instant game-changers. They introduced a new wave of aggressive, high-energy bass music to mainstream audiences.

Redefining Dubstep

At the time of Skrillex’s arrival, dubstep was a deeper, more subdued genre originating from the UK. He took the foundation and injected it with razor-sharp synths, machine-gun bass drops, and cinematic energy. Thus, creating what became known as brostep. Skrillex, the Godfather of Dubstep, brought a sound that resonated worldwide. This made dubstep a dominant force at festivals and in clubs.

Cultural and Industry Impact

Skrillex didn’t just influence listeners—he rewrote the rulebook for producers. His intricate sound design set a new standard for EDM production. His collaborations span from hip-hop and rock to pop and K-pop. This proves that bass music can be as versatile as it is powerful. The contributions of Skrillex, the Godfather of Dubstep, have inspired artists like Zomboy, Excision, and Virtual Riot. Meanwhile, mainstream acts like Justin Bieber (Where Are Ü Now) and Kanye West (Yeezus) have drawn from his sound palette.

The Legacy Continues

Skrillex remains an ever-evolving artist. Whether pushing boundaries with Jack Ü, Dog Blood, or solo productions, his music continues to shape the electronic landscape. His latest works introduce new textures while maintaining the raw energy that first set him apart as the Godfather of Dubstep.

More on the Evolution of Dubstep

For a deeper dive into the history of dubstep and how Skrillex’s influence continues today, check out this article on the origins of bass music.

Final Thought

Skrillex redefined dubstep. He took it global. Skrillex truly embodies the title of Godfather of Dubstep. He made it a movement. And he’s still far from done.

Outbound Link: Skrillex Official Website
Internal Link: The Evolution of Bass Music

The State of EDM