Blue Plate Special: deadmau5
Joel Thomas Zimmerman, better known by his stage name “deadmau5” is a trailblazing Canadian electronic music producer and DJ. Renowned for his work in progressive and electro-house music, Zimmerman has also ventured into techno under the alias Testpilot, showcasing his versatility across electronic genres. His career, marked by six Grammy Award nominations, began with an early fascination in chiptune and demoscene movements, eventually leading to the release of his debut album “Get Scraped” in 2005. Zimmerman’s unique approach and relentless innovation have not only earned him critical acclaim but also positioned him as one of the highest-paid electronic music producers globally. He is known for his distinctive performance style, often wearing a signature mouse helmet, drawing comparisons to masked artists like Marshmello and Daft Punk.
Deadmau5’s influence extends beyond the DJ booth through collaborations with prominent artists like Kaskade, Rob Swire, and Wolfgang Gartner, and through his own record label, Mau5trap, founded in 2007. His discography is a testament to his enduring relevance and creativity in the electronic music scene. Many of his tracks have become anthems in the electronic music community. His work continues to evolve, with recent projects like the orchestral album “Where’s the Drop?” and the soundtrack for the Netflix film “Polar,” showcasing his wide-ranging talents. Deadmau5’s journey from finding a dead mouse in his computer to becoming an icon in the electronic music industry is a remarkable tale of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression.
Some of my favorites from his nine studio albums include:
I Remember (Caspa Remix) – from the album Random Album Title (2008)
Seeya – from the album while(1<2) (2014)
Some Chords – from the album 5 Years of mau5 (2009)
Animal Rights – from the album 4X4=12 (2010)
Strobe – from the album For Lack of A Better Name (2009)
