Today, Skrillex bypassed the usual music distribution routes and delivered his new album FUS directly to his email subscribers. Fans woke up to a very unexpected message – an exclusive full-album download from the king himself, sent without warning. The release followed a private listening session after his set at Ultra Music Festival in Miami this past weekend, where the album was previewed in full for the very first time. In parallel to energy around the music itself, FUS represents the end of one era and the start of another.
Quickly recapping the massive impact Skrillex has had: He currently has over 18.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. His most-played tracks include the iconic “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber, which has surpassed 1.1 billion streams and seemingly found permanence in ‘classic hits’ radio station circuits. From “Bangarang” featuring Sirah, “In Da Ghetto,” and “Make It Bun Dem,” the solo electronic artist has been the largest inspiration and influence the United States in particular, it being impossible to measure to ripple effect he has had that has rapidly accelerated EDM culture domestically and globally in the last 15 years.
Yet, FUS will also mark an end of the 15-year relationship with Atlantic Records. The producer had shared late last year that his next album would be his last with the major, after which he would transition to operating as an independent artist.
Diving in, FUS expertly blends the bass-heavy nature of Skrillex’s early work with new stylistic detours he’s taken over the years, all of which will feel familiar to Skrillex fans who know he typically offers a palette of club / festival ready singles of different moods and tempos. Collaborators on the project include DJ Smokey, Dylan Brady, ISOxo, and Varg2TM, all known for their work across underground electronic and rap scenes.
The biggest difference with FUS, – it’s literally designed as an in-the-moment live mix, the songs transitioning seamlessly from one to the next – with the album clearly incentivizing the listener to experience it in this format (as the first track humorously highlights.)
Skrillex puts creative risk and personal control at the forefront here, finding, yet again, new ways to surprise fans and create fun and exciting buzz around the album. Stream the album below and enjoy!
Skrillex – F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3
-Written By: Chad Downs