Skrillex’s Impact on Pop and Hip-Hop Songwriting
Beyond EDM: Co-writing Mainstream Hits
Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, is widely recognized as an electronic music pioneer. However, his influence extends significantly into pop and hip-hop through his crucial role as a songwriter and producer. His publishing royalties demonstrate a substantial income stream derived from co-writing mainstream hits, diversifying his earnings beyond his DJ and original production work.
Key Collaborations and Publishing Income
One prominent example is Justin Bieber’s global smash hit “Sorry,” where Skrillex holds a significant songwriting credit. This collaboration alone generated considerable publishing royalties, stemming from its widespread airplay, streaming, and sales. Similarly, his production and potential co-writing contributions to tracks by artists like Travis Scott and Fifth Harmony further solidify his presence in the lucrative pop and hip-hop publishing landscape. These credits ensure a continuous flow of income through performance, mechanical, and synchronization royalties whenever these songs are consumed globally.
Diversifying Skrillex’s Royalties Through Genre-Blending
The Value of Crossover Songwriting
Skrillex’s ability to seamlessly blend electronic elements with pop and hip-hop structures makes him a highly sought-after collaborator. This genre-crossing talent translates directly into diversified songwriting income. His publishing interests are managed by prominent entities, ensuring his share of royalties from television placements, film usage, and commercial licensing, alongside traditional music consumption.
Long-Term Earnings from Publishing
Unlike one-time production fees, publishing royalties provide a long-term revenue stream for songwriters. For Skrillex, his stake in these major pop and hip-hop compositions guarantees ongoing payments for years, underscoring the enduring financial benefit of his contributions to these chart-topping tracks.
Skrillex earns publishing royalties from songwriting credits on numerous pop and hip-hop hits, including Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” significantly contributing to his overall income.




