This month is a big month for Deadmau5. He released his eighth studio album named W:/2016ALBUM/ – he’s never been one for actual album names. Deadmau5 is probably my single favourite electronic music producer. He was introduced to me in 2009 by my friend Andrew and although I didn’t fall for mau5 right away, it wasn’t long before I was blasting his album For Lack of a Better Name nonstop.
This was really the beginning of my unconscious transition into electronic music. I had always loved rock and alternative music, and still do, but now I had entered into a different realm altogether. Deadmau5 was the first electronic music I enjoyed and he really opened up an entire genre to me. One that inspired me so much, that I ended up abandoning my rock-music-thinking ways to adopt an electronic music producer moniker, which would become Poly Gecko.
I guess what I’m getting at is that Deadmau5 kick started this whole thing for me. He taught me so much about electronic music, the importance of developing your sound, and that you can make a global impact as a producer as a small-town Canadian.
And later this month, Deadmau5 is about to teach me much more. I have punched myself a ticket to his Masterclass and am about to absorb all the knowledge he has and is willing to release. This is going to be pretty surreal to me. Imagine taking lessons on Catholicism from the Pope; or hockey lessons from Wayne Gretzky. This is how I feel about this course. I’m sure I’ll have lots of mau5-y feeling demos on the Soundcloud soon.
But enough about this one-sided bromance between Joel Zimmerman and I, here’s my top 15 Deadmau5 songs – including the new album:
15. Telemiscommunications [> album title goes here <]
14. Mercedes [while(1<2)]
13. One Tricky Pony [4×4=12]
12. A Moment To Myself [while(1<2)]
11. Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff [For Lack of a Better Name]
10. Snowcone [W:/2016ALBUM/]
9. Imaginary Friends [W:/2016ALBUM/]
8. Sofi Needs a Ladder [4×4=12]
7. Raise Your Weapon [4×4=12]
6. Monday [while(1<2)]
5. Somewhere Up Here [while(1<2)]
4. Cat Thruster [W:/2016ALBUM/]
3. Seeya [while(1<2)]
2. Strobe [For Lack of a Better Name]
1. Maths [> album title goes here <]
Although this list doesn’t make it fully clear, my absolute favourite album of his is while(1<2). It’s the most innovative work he’s done, and with it challenges the thought that he is a one-trick-pony dance producer. His ability with pianos and layering and sound design proves he’s much more than your bedroom DJ with an 808 and Massive.
Thanks for reading as always,
Stay warm,
Ryan.