Skrillex is preparing to take the next step in his career: going independent. The celebrated DJ and producer shared the news with his fans on November 18, revealing that his upcoming album will be his final release with Atlantic Records.
In a heartfelt post on X/Twitter, Skrillex opened up about the existential nature of this shift. “As I’m nearing completion of my next work and my final project for Atlantic Records, I can’t help but feel very existential about it all,” he wrote, adding that he’s never felt more aligned with his intentions as an artist.
While Skrillex expressed excitement about embracing his independence, he acknowledged the complexity of the term, saying, “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.” He emphasized that this new chapter is about rethinking the music industry’s structures and simplifying the process of distributing art.
Skrillex also took the opportunity to reflect on the music business, describing it as a “dangerous job” for young artists. “The industry is like politics, it’s designed to be almost impossible to understand,” he shared. He also mentioned how artists often get lost in the illusions of the industry and how, despite the challenges, he feels “blessed and lucky” to have made it this far.
Known for his groundbreaking sound and massive collaborations, Skrillex has been a force in the electronic scene since his early days with Atlantic, where he signed in 2009 and released his debut EP, Gypsyhook. His albums Recess (2014), Quest For Fire (2023), and Don’t Get Too Close marked key milestones in his career. Now, as he wraps up his work with the label, Skrillex is looking forward to what comes next as an independent artist.
Details about his forthcoming album remain under wraps, but fans are eager to see what he has in store.
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
