Who is Skrillex? Local DJ talks Snake Pit headliner

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Skrillex is headlining this year’s Snake Pit concerts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

He’s an eight-time Grammy Award winner who has sold out shows from coast to coast-a superstar in the world of electronic dance music.

So, 24-Hour News 8 asked people in downtown Indianapolis what they think about the IMS announcement.

“I know he’s a DJ, but that’s pretty much it,” Niccole Fortunato said.

Kyle Williams from north Indianapolis said he wouldn’t recognize one of his songs.

Teresa Stokes said she’s never even heard of him.

Richard Arima, on the other hand, knows exactly who Skrillex is. Arima is a local DJ and producer known as Jfet who said he’s a die-hard Skrillex fan.

“He’s my favorite DJ and producer,” Jfet said. “To have him here at the Snake Pit is something I’m really looking forward to, and I think Indianapolis is going to have a great time.”

Jfet said he takes the stage with a similar set up to Skrillex. It includes two CD players, a mixer and a flash drive. The flash drive contains music Jfet produced on his computer-music inspired by Skrillex.

“He’s always pushing the boundaries and making something new,” Jfet said. “You want to hear him.”

Jfet said he’s seen Skrillex live in more than five different cities and it’s a different show every time. His advice is to head to the Snake Pit, even if you’re not an IndyCar fan.

Stokes said she might do that, even though she’d never heard of Skrillex. She likes the idea of trying something new. But for next year, she has a request.

“Prince,” she said. “I want Prince. Let’s get Prince.”

Last year’s Snake Pit concert featured EDM acts Kaskade and Steve Aoki. This year, Skrillex is joined in the lineup by Zeds Dead and DJ Mustard.