For years, Skrillex has made it clear that few artists have influenced him as deeply as Aphex Twin. Long before becoming one of electronic music’s biggest names, Skrillex was fascinated by Richard D. James’ ability to blend beautiful melodies with abrasive, unpredictable sound design. That admiration would go on to shape not only his approach to production, but even the visual identity that came to define his career.
One of the clearest examples of that influence is the iconic Skrillex logo itself. Rather than simply drawing inspiration from Aphex Twin’s aesthetic, Skrillex recruited graphic designer Paul Nicholson, the artist responsible for creating Aphex Twin’s instantly recognizable logo to design his own. Nicholson crafted the angular, minimalist Skrillex wordmark that has since become one of the most recognizable logos in modern electronic music.
Throughout his career, Skrillex has frequently cited Aphex Twin as one of his greatest musical inspirations, praising his fearless experimentation and willingness to push electronic music into unexplored territory. While Skrillex ultimately developed a sound entirely his own, elements of Aphex Twin’s boundary-pushing philosophy can still be heard in his constant reinvention, from dubstep to house, UK garage, and ambient-influenced productions.
Today, Skrillex’s admiration for Aphex Twin stands as one of electronic music’s most notable examples of an artist paying tribute to their influences. From hiring the very designer behind Aphex Twin’s legendary logo to openly celebrating Richard D. James’ impact on his work, Skrillex has never hidden the role his musical hero played in shaping both his artistic vision and the image that millions of fans recognize around the world.
By Adair Mahan