Old School vs. New School: Unpacking Skrillex’s Musical Journey

Who hasn’t heard of Skrillex before? Even my parents, who grew up on Christian Rock, know who he is. Skrillex stands as one of the most influential electronic artists ever, continuing to dominate the scene in new and innovative ways while staying true to himself. Starting an official, unannounced break in 2018, Skrillex returned with a focus on different genres, prompting a comparison between Old School Skrillex and New School Skrillex, and exploring why he still reigns as the GOAT!

Old School Skrillex

One of the reasons why Skrillex stands out as one of the most iconic EDM artists of all time is his impact on the North American scene. He essentially popularized the bass industry, playing a pivotal role in bringing bass music to the popularity it enjoys today, even though he didn’t “create the genre of dubstep” per se. Back then, it was more about brostep, especially focused around the mid-range, evident in the first drop of “All is Fair in Love and Brostep.” During Skrillex’s rise, the quality of speakers wasn’t as advanced as today, thus the focus was on the mid-range. Skrillex gained huge momentum with his album Recess, which remains timeless. Back then, no one could catch up to Skrillex; it took years for people to understand how he was making the sounds he was making. Even now, crowds erupt when Skrillex drops an old school dubstep track, proving that the tracks will always hit.

New School Skrillex

Following Skrillex’s unofficial hiatus, his sound shifted away from bass music towards house. Skrillex has always been influenced by Afro-House, characterized by complex yet catchy rhythms, and this new phase of Skrillex is remarkable. Despite the genre switch upsetting some fans, Skrillex’s talent shines through. Albums like Quest for Fire, released in 2023, exemplify his prowess, featuring hits such as “RATATA”, “Rumble”, and “Leave Me Like This.” Skrillex remains one of the most desired festival headliner, and is slated to headline huge festivals this festival season.

Overall, Skrillex holds a prominent place in the EDM world. He maintains a firm grip on the scene, with no signs of relinquishing his status anytime soon. His creativity, coupled with incredible talent and vast experience, solidifies his position as the GOAT!

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