Jia Lissa
Sonny Moore, globally recognized as the pioneering electronic music artist Skrillex, has provided a rare and expansive look into his philosophy on artificial intelligence in art, the formative years of his career, the profound essence of the rave community, and the ongoing evolution of live music, marking his first in-depth interview in over a decade. Published in the latest issue of Berlin-based culture magazine 032c, the extensive conversation sees Moore engaging with British-Swedish artist Ecco2K, delving into critical industry topics and personal reflections that underscore his enduring impact on contemporary music.
The Indispensable Human Element: Skrillex on AI in Art
At the core of the discussion, Moore articulated a nuanced yet firm stance on the burgeoning role of AI-generated music, emphasizing the irreplaceable human connection in artistic consumption. "I was thinking about AI the other other day when something hit me really deeply," he shared. "I think the value of art can almost be measured by its ability to make someone feel seen. Or at least that’s true for me, as a listener." This sentiment resonates deeply within a music industry grappling with the rapid advancements of generative AI, which promises unprecedented creative tools but simultaneously raises questions about authenticity, intellectual property, and the very definition of artistry.
Moore elaborated on this perspective by drawing parallels to foundational artists and genres that shaped his own listening experience. "When I go back to Justice or Daft Punk or Metallica, it hits so hard because there’s something familiar that hadn’t been done before. It makes you think: ‘They get me. They’re on my wavelength. They’re speaking to me.’" This profound sense of recognition, he posits, is intrinsically linked to human authorship. "Maybe there are some AI songs that can go viral, but you can’t have that feeling of being seen if there isn’t a human on the other side." His viewpoint aligns with a significant portion of the artistic community that views AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, advocating for the preservation of emotional depth and intentionality that only a human creator can imbue. The debate around AI’s place in music continues to intensify, with some artists embracing its experimental potential while others, like Skrillex, underscore the irreplaceable emotional resonance derived from human-to-human artistic communication. The implications for copyright, fair compensation, and the very definition of "original work" remain central to ongoing industry discussions.
A Trajectory of Transformation: From First to Last to Skrillex
The interview also provided a rare glimpse into Skrillex’s storied career trajectory, highlighting his consistent willingness to embrace creative risks and navigate criticism—a theme evident from his earliest days. Before becoming a global electronic music icon, Moore fronted the MySpace-era post-hardcore band From First to Last (FFTL). He recounted the challenges of fitting into prescribed genre boxes during this period. "[Resistance] is something I prepared myself for, even in From First to Last," Moore revealed. "We weren’t hardcore enough for the tough hardcore crowd, but we were more aggressive than Fall Out Boy." This early experience with genre fluidity and external judgment foreshadowed his later success in transcending conventional musical boundaries.
Moore vividly recalled his distinct aesthetic during his FFTL tenure: "I had pink eye shadow and got called all sorts of things. I can’t tell if it was intentional or if I was just so self-unaware, but I would always just go for it. I would open up the Legos and just start building." This anecdote not only illustrates his innate desire for creative freedom but also his resilience in the face of nonconformity. His departure from FFTL in 2007, citing vocal cord issues, marked a pivotal moment, catalyzing his full immersion into electronic music production.
The period between his rock band roots and the explosive emergence of Skrillex was a fertile ground for experimentation. Moore detailed his early production journey, including collaborations with esteemed artists like Atticus Ross and experimental electronic trio Noisia, while simultaneously honing his solo projects. He reminisced about crafting the 2009 track ‘Mora’ from his "Sonny" project using GarageBand, a testament to his resourcefulness and foundational embrace of accessible technology. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to more advanced production tools such as Pro Tools and Ableton, illustrating a DIY ethos that characterized much of his early electronic output.
Remarkably, some of his most iconic tracks were born from similarly unassuming circumstances. "’Songs like ‘Bangarang’ were made on Snowball mics or laptop mics," he shared, highlighting a philosophy of extracting maximum potential from minimal resources. "Hearing it first in this dull, lo-fi version and then pushing the character out of it, is what gets you somewhere interesting. Starting from something imperfect forces you to end up somewhere you’d never expect." This iterative process, embracing imperfection as a catalyst for innovation, became a hallmark of his genre-defining sound, which blended elements of dubstep, electro, and rock into a distinctive, aggressive, yet melodically rich sonic palette. The global impact of tracks like ‘Bangarang’ and ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ not only propelled Skrillex to superstardom but also significantly influenced the broader electronic music landscape, introducing dubstep to a mainstream audience and paving the way for a new generation of bass music artists.
The Power of Presence: Revitalizing Live Music Experiences
Beyond his reflections on AI and his personal journey, Skrillex passionately discussed the importance of live, immersive experiences, particularly in the context of his then-upcoming two-day event, CONTRA, held at Kraftwerk Berlin. The event, which took place at the end of May, featured a curated lineup including Ecco2K, Bladee, Blawan, Knock2, and Skrillex himself, embodying his vision for unique, community-driven gatherings.
Kraftwerk Berlin, a former power plant repurposed into an industrial arts venue, provided a fitting backdrop for CONTRA’s experimental ethos. Its raw, cavernous spaces are renowned for fostering unparalleled auditory and visual experiences, aligning perfectly with Moore’s desire to break conventional molds. "’This idea came from one of those ‘f*ck it, victory lap’ moments," Moore candidly stated. "I wanted to create something genuinely unique. I wanted to reverse-engineer some of the best experiences I ever had." This ambition reflects a broader industry trend towards more bespoke, artist-curated events that prioritize artistic integrity and audience engagement over commercial spectacle.
Moore’s vision for CONTRA was deeply intertwined with a critique of contemporary digital culture. "I really feel like, in this era of AI and smartphones, it’s more important than ever to create spaces where people can just be present together and feel something the way it’s meant to be felt. How do we break the mold?" This sentiment underscores a growing desire among artists and audiences alike for authentic, unmediated interactions, a counter-narrative to the pervasive digital distractions of modern life. The event was conceived as an antidote to the passive consumption of music, aiming to foster a collective, sensory experience that resonates on a deeper level.
He further elaborated on the necessity of authenticity in live performance, drawing a parallel to legendary acts: "You can’t fake it, no matter how hot something is. That’s why Daft Punk don’t play shows anymore. I feel the same; I’d rather hang up the boots. I have to find an authentic place [that excites me] first." This statement speaks volumes about his commitment to artistic integrity and his refusal to simply tour for the sake of it. For Skrillex, each live appearance must stem from a genuine creative impulse and offer something truly special. "With CONTRA, the question became: how do we rethink what production even means and build something fresh with a line-up that reflects that?" This proactive approach to redefining live event aesthetics and curation positions Skrillex not just as a performer, but as a visionary curator of cultural experiences.
The Genesis of a Global Phenomenon: "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites"
The interview also revisited the surprising origins of Skrillex’s breakout 2010 EP, ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’. Moore revealed that the now-iconic release, which garnered two Grammy Awards and cemented his status as a global phenomenon, was launched with an astonishingly modest marketing budget of just $2,000.
"People thought it was part of some massive machine that people were dumping heaps of money into, but it was just good timing and natural virality," he recounted. This revelation offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of organic reach and genuine artistic appeal in the early digital age. At a time when major labels still wielded immense power through extensive marketing campaigns, ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ defied conventional wisdom, spreading like wildfire through online communities, blogs, and word-of-mouth. Its success underscored the burgeoning influence of platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, which enabled artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with audiences.
Moore’s motivation behind the EP was refreshingly simple and unpretentious: "With Skrillex, I wanted to make music I liked to DJ. That’s it. I just wanted people to come see me live, jump around in a room, and create a real, shared space – that is all I want my music to do." This unadulterated passion for creating impactful, dancefloor-ready music, coupled with a desire for communal experience, resonated deeply with a generation hungry for fresh sounds and authentic connections. The EP’s innovative sound design, characterized by its aggressive basslines, intricate melodies, and unique vocal samples, captivated a global audience and catalyzed the mainstream explosion of dubstep, forever altering the landscape of electronic dance music.
Embracing Independence: A New Chapter
The interview provided timely context for Skrillex’s recent career developments, particularly his transition into an "independent" chapter following his departure from Atlantic Records. This move signifies a significant shift in his artistic control and business model, echoing a broader trend among established artists seeking greater autonomy.
Following June’s surprise album, ‘SOMA’, Skrillex continued to demonstrate his prolific output with the collaborative single ‘Rumpta’ alongside Solomun. These releases follow 2025’s provocatively titled LP, ‘F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3’, which itself hinted at a period of artistic introspection and redefinition. The string of releases under his own terms underscores his commitment to exploring new sonic territories and collaborating with diverse artists without the traditional constraints of a major label. This independent path allows him to maintain full creative ownership, experiment freely, and directly connect with his fanbase, reflecting a growing movement within the music industry where artists prioritize artistic freedom and direct-to-fan engagement over conventional record deals. The shift to independence is not merely a business decision but a philosophical statement about artistic control and the future of music creation and distribution.
Broader Implications for the Music Industry
Skrillex’s candid reflections in 032c offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the music industry. His emphasis on the human element in art, particularly in the age of AI, serves as a crucial reminder of the emotional depth and connection that underpins genuine artistic expression. His career trajectory, marked by a consistent pursuit of authenticity and a willingness to defy categorization, provides a blueprint for artistic longevity in a rapidly changing environment.
Furthermore, his vision for live experiences, as exemplified by CONTRA, speaks to a broader craving for genuine human interaction and communal presence in an increasingly digitized world. As technology continues to advance, artists like Skrillex are poised to lead the conversation on how to harness innovation while preserving the fundamental human values that make art meaningful. His journey from an aspiring punk rocker to a global electronic music innovator, now charting an independent course, exemplifies a career built on conviction, experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to his unique artistic voice.
Readers interested in the full scope of Skrillex’s insights can find his comprehensive interview in the Summer 2026 issue of 032c, available now via the magazine’s official website. His statements are not just personal reflections but a significant contribution to ongoing dialogues about the future of music, technology, and the enduring power of human creativity.
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