It began with a easy X submit and an RSVP hyperlink to Skrillex 5.6 million followers: “In case you like my music and also you’re in Miami Monday 3/31 RSVP right here.”
On the prime of the shape, three phrases: “FUS W SKRILLEX.” Beneath, a disclaimer—this was a request, not a assure. The occasion was shrouded in thriller, however that did not cease followers from flooding the hyperlink, hoping for an opportunity to expertise no matter Skrillex had in retailer after Miami Music Week.
In case you like my music and also you’re in Miami Monday 3/31 RSVP right here https://t.co/kayJkZ9anY pic.twitter.com/e9lCSNwnMq
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) March 27, 2025
Then, on Sunday evening, simply someday after his historic return to the storied Extremely Music Competition Mainstage, a choose few invites began to roll in. The main points have been scarce however intriguing nonetheless: a listening occasion at Ice Palace, doorways closing promptly at 8pm and a strict no-photo, no-video, no-audio recording coverage.
By Monday night, we discovered ourselves outdoors the venue alongside roughly 80 diehard followers and fellow business insiders all eagerly ready to step foot into what would in the end unfold as one of the unique and intimate Skrillex experiences in current reminiscence.
At check-in, our telephones have been sealed away in plastic luggage—no distractions, no documentation, simply the music. After stepping inside we have been instantly met with a daring visible, a graffiti-scrawled message in shiny orange: “F*CK YOU SKRILLEX YOU THINK YOU’RE ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3," a fittingly cryptic welcome signal for an occasion shrouded in thriller.
Inside, the air was thick with incense and a hazy, smoky glow. A 3-tiered platform stood on the heart, scattered with outsized beanbags. Folks settled in, sipping drinks from an iced tea bar as a mellow reggae soundtrack performed within the background. The room was palpably buzzing with anticipation.
As soon as the doorways closed, the room fell silent earlier than Skrillex’s beautiful new album started to play, from begin to end, precisely because it was meant to be heard. Lights and lasers sliced by the haze because the music crammed the area. At first, most swayed or nodded alongside from their beanbags, however because the vitality constructed, it turned not possible to remain seated. One after the other, folks stood up till all the room was on their ft, shifting to the music.
About midway by, Skrillex appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. The vitality within the room spiked and immediately everybody was dancing round him because the album continued. At this level, it wasn’t only a listening get together anymore. It was a second, a reminiscence and an evening that felt like a snapshot of digital music historical past. By the ultimate observe, “AZASU,” Skrillex stood amongst the gang, taking a second to thank the artists, creatives and followers who helped deliver the album to life.
As soon as the music wrapped, it was clear that the style agnostic album was extra of a mosaic, a retrospective mixtape stitched along with blog-era producer tags and nostalgic references. The way in which it was delivered, too, felt like a throwback to a musical period wherein Skrillex performed an instrumental function.
Because the evening wrapped up, we walked away with unique merch: a t-shirt, poster that includes the album cowl and tote luggage stamped with, “You’re not purported to be listening to this proper now.” And simply when it appeared just like the expertise had come to an finish, the e-mail hit our inboxes. Skrillex despatched the album on to his followers through Dropbox, harkening again to the early days of DIY music discovery.
The following day, Skrillex formally launched F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3, a sprawling, 34-track album filled with explorative collaborations and groundbreaking bangers that made the intimate first hear really feel much more particular.
You’ll be able to hearken to the combination under and discover F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3 on streaming platforms right here.
Comply with Skrillex:
X: x.com/skrillex
Instagram: instagram.com/skrillex
TikTok: tiktok.com/@skrillex
Fb: fb.com/skrillex
Spotify: tinyurl.com/naka2dyv