Skrillex Speaks Out Against Music Industry, Plans to Ditch Label

The Grammy-Winning Los Angeles producer Sonny Moore, also known as Skrillex, announced his upcoming departure from his partnership with Industry Giant Atlantic Records to focus on independent releases, after one final project with the label. The artist widely known for being of the pioneers of Dubstep and 2010s EDM shared his thoughts on a thread of posts on X (formerly Twitter).

Skrillex Goes Independent

The artist explains that his inspiration is taking him on the right tracks for his artistry, and that means parting ways with the label

I’ve never felt more inspired and in lockstep with my intentions as an artist. As im nearing completion of my next work and my final project for Atlantic records I can’t help but feel very existential about it all
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) November 18, 2024

Moreover, the DJ explains how existential he feels about it, given the political game he feels the industry plays consistently, this confuses him. Even though he uses the term ‘independent”, he still gives due credit to his production team and other creators that will continue this journey with Skrillex into 2025.

Im thrilled to get this out and focus on more release in 25 as an “independent” artist. But “independent” is such a strange term because I still depend on my team as well as all the other creatives and executors to do what I do
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) November 18, 2024

The producer continued the thread trying to explain the dangers of the industry and he alludes to seeing many young artists in consistent panic. However, he bases his focus on keeping his objectives simple, in a way that he can continue to make music, which speaks to emotion and beauty.

But now I’m able to rethink / relook at how the structures are designed . I want to find ways to simplify decimating music and art. I see lots of artist in a constant panic.
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) November 18, 2024

The industry is like politics , it’s designed to be almost impossible for I understand. I’ve seen so man artist get caught up in the illusion and delusion of the business. It’s a dangerous job to be a young artist.
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) November 18, 2024

I’m blessed and lucky to have lived through what I’ve lived through and will continue to do my best as an artist and just make things that provoke beauty and emotion
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) November 18, 2024

Skrillex

Sonny had a huge comeback releasing his second and third albums consecutively in 2023, nine years after his debut release. Furthermore, he launched a massive campaign with creatives Fred Again.. and Four Tet. The trio took over Coachella, Times Square, and our hearts. In effect, the project awarded them a Grammy for their track ‘Rumble’, alongside Flowdan.

Skrillex still has one more project under Atlantic until he is able to have full control of his creative juice to deliver what he does best: A high quality auditory buffet.