Skrillex’s 10 Tips For Success
“The first time I went to the Grammys people were still like ‘Why is this guy at the Grammys? He’s not even making music. He’s on a computer.’”
— Skrillex
After going on a hiatus for nine long years, then returning with not one but two new albums, Skrillex has shown any of those that doubted him just how loved, admired and hard working he continues to be. From his early days in screamo bands, to becoming the poster boy for the Dubstep movement, this ever evolving artist could easily have walked away from the spotlight indefinitely — leaving a legacy of great significance and big shoes to fill for those that followed.
But Skrillex is an artist, and artists need to create.
Throughout his long career, the expansive producer has left a trail of wisdom in his wake. This piece is the culmination of dozens of various interviews, documentaries and previous articles; compiling the wisdom of Skrillex into this:
Skrillex’s Top 10 Tips For Success
1. Cultivate your own thing
Whether it’s your sound, your community, your style or anything in between: make it your thing. Ignore what’s happening around you and create whatever your heart desires. Do it earnestly. Be sincere. By working hard to cultivate your own thing, you’re ensuring that it’ll be unique and true to you and your artistic journey.
For Skrillex, his own thing was all encompasing. It was his aesthetic of dark clothes and glasses. His positive, almost shy persona, and of course his hard hitting style of music.
2. Don’t be afraid to fail
As creators, we shouldn’t be afraid to fail, because failure is an essential part of the creative process. Making mistakes and experiencing setbacks is a natural part of artistic development and can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs and new creative directions. The fear of failure can actually hold you back from taking creative risks and experimenting with new ideas.
Embracing failure as a learning opportunity and a necessary step towards success.
3. Push the boundaries
Pushing boundaries is crucial for musicians because it allows them to break free from conventional ideas and explore new territories in music. When musicians push the boundaries, they challenge themselves to take risks and create something truly unique and original. This experimentation not only leads to personal growth but also contributes to the evolution of music as an art form. By exploring uncharted musical territories, musicians can break down barriers, challenge norms, and inspire new trends in the industry. Ultimately, pushing boundaries can lead to a more dynamic and exciting musical landscape, where creativity is celebrated and innovation thrives.
4. Take a Leap
Or put another way, do something bold! This could be applied to just about any aspect of your creative process or journey. Make a statement in your style or your sound. Do something that surprises even you! If you were the bravest version of yourself, what would you do?
5. Ignore Haters
Criticism is inevitable in any creative field, and not everyone will appreciate or understand your art. Time spent focussing on negative is time wasted. If creating is making you happy, you’re doing the right thing. Remain confident in your talents and trust your instincts; know that your music will resonate with the right audience.
As the old saying goes, “haters are gonna hate”.
6. Be Focused
This is easier said than done, but once you have a goal in mind, stick to it! Remember why you got started in music in the first place and keep creating. In todays world, losing focus is incredibly easy to do.
7. Be An Enabler
This means to make things happen! It’s very easy to think that as long as you’re making good music, the opportunities, the audience and the accolades will all come your way — landing in your lap. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case. You need to be the person to make things happen.
Not getting any gig opportunities? Book your own!
8. Work Hard
Does this one really need explaining?
Work. Hard. Nothing will fall into your lap. The good news is that if you’re doing something that you really love, it won’t seem that much like actual work. Well, not always.
9. Have Fun With Your Mistakes
Mistakes aren’t something to fear. If you’re making mistakes, you’re pushing yourself and your work in a direction you haven’t travelled before. But when you come face to face with a mistake, have fun with it.
What if you meant to play that note? What if you meant to bump that dial?
Have fun with your mistakes and give yourself the freedom to explore the possibilities that they propose.
10. Express Energy
Be the person that people want to have in the room. Make yourself an asset to a recording session. Bring positivity, invite friendliness, and spread good vibes through your work and your presence. Be energetic in your actions and your work will shine all the brighter for it.
