Deadmau5 HHV Records 7 Items

Dead mouse in his computer

Joel Zimmerman, known as Deadmau5, is a Canadian electronic music producer, DJ and musician whose influence on the electronic dance music EDM scene has been nothing short of revolutionary. Born on 5 January 1981 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Zimmerman’s journey into the world of music began at a young age. In his younger years, Deadmau5 developed a strong interest in technology and video games, which later influenced his stage persona. His nickname Deadmau5 is derived from a dead mouse he found in his computer, and the iconic mouse head helmet he wears during his performances has become synonymous with his brand. Deadmau5’s discography is a testament to his versatility and innovation in the EDM genre. His debut album Get Scraped, released in 2005, showcased his early experiments with different styles, including progressive house and trance. But it was his 2008 album Random Album Title that catapulted him to international fame. The single Strobe from this album remains one of his most iconic tracks, celebrated for its melodic complexity and timeless appeal.

Unstoppable

After the success of Random Album Title, Deadmau5 set new standards with the following releases. For Lack of a Better Name (2009) and 4×4=12 (2010) cemented his status as one of the leading figures in the EDM scene. The latter included tracks such as Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff featuring Rob Swire, which became a chart hit. The album’s critical and commercial success earned Deadmau5 four Grammy Award nominations. The albums released in 2015 under the title Full Circle and Vexillology are not actually new works, but rather a reintroduction of Deadmau5’s earlier creations for an international audience. Vexillology (2006) showcases his early progressive house sound, characterised by intricate melodies, floating synths and driving basslines. Tracks such as Turning Point and Mr. G became club anthems and established Deadmau5 as a rising star. Full Circle_ (2007) delves deeper into his experimental side and contains darker atmospheres and glitchier elements. Standout songs like 1981 and Trepid push the boundaries of the genre and hint at the sonic explorations he would later pursue. Although originally released only in the US, this combined package offered a wider audience an insight into Deadmau5’s formative years, highlighting his evolving production skills and the beginnings of his signature style. His collaboration with Canadian artist Kaskade on tracks such as I Remember is an example of his ability to seamlessly blend different styles. Deadmau5 has also collaborated with artists such as Chris Lake, Wolfgang Gartner and Armin van Buuren, highlighting his influence on various sub-genres of electronic music.

Creative excellence

Beyond music, Deadmau5 is a vocal advocate for artists’ rights and has been involved in public debates about the state of the music industry. His transparency regarding the challenges artists face in the digital age and his outspoken views on topics such as streaming fees and copyright have sparked important discussions within the industry. Deadmau5’s influence is not limited to the sonic realm, he has also made great strides in the world of technology. His interest in developing his own software and hardware tools for music production led to the development of his software synthesiser Serum, created in collaboration with Steve Duda. This innovative approach to music production tools has given countless producers the opportunity to explore new sonic possibilities. Deadmau5’s life and career have been characterised by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music. His discography, which spans multiple genres within the EDM spectrum, reflects an artist who is not afraid to evolve and experiment. In addition to his musical contributions, Deadmau5’s influence on live performances, his advocacy for artists’ rights and his technological innovations have left an indelible mark on the music industry as a whole. As the EDM scene continues to evolve, Deadmau5 remains a driving force, inspiring both established and up-and-coming artists to strive for creative excellence.