Skrillex is officially back in beast mode. With the release of his new OWSLA EP “hit me where it hurts x,” the global bass icon reminds the world why he remains one of the most unpredictable and innovative producers of our generation. This project does more than deliver heavy drops. It signals a powerful return to his creative roots and a bold new chapter for one of dance music’s most influential artists.
In recent years, Skrillex has taken a more experimental and collaborative route, but this EP feels like a homecoming. It blends the raw intensity of his early work with the polished, forward-facing production that defines his modern sound. The result is a project that feels both nostalgic and fresh, proving that sometimes revisiting your past can unlock the future.
A New Era of Creative Independence
The seeds of this creative shift were planted in late 2024. After announcing his plans to go independent once his Atlantic Records contract concluded with April’s provocatively titled “F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3,” fans immediately sensed a storm brewing. Independence means total freedom, and Skrillex has always delivered his best work when no rules are holding him back.
With “hit me where it hurts x,” that sense of liberation is unmistakable. He sounds recharged, reenergized, and ready to reshape the landscape of bass music once again.
Track by Track: A Controlled Explosion
The EP wastes no time grabbing you by the collar. The opener “fuze” lives up to its name with a quiet intro that quickly combusts into a raging drop. The collaboration with rising star ISOxo injects a sharp edge that blends beautifully with Skrillex’s signature chaos.
Next comes “while you were sleeping,” featuring Virtual Riot and Nakeesha. This track tears down structure itself, creating a wild, high-pressure blend of snarling synths and rave energy. Fans may recognize its VIP version from FUS, but hearing the original in this EP gives it new life.
The madness continues with “move ting,” Skrillex’s feral collaboration with Moody Good. Thick subs, screeching leads, and twisted textures create a track that feels almost alive. It is messy in the best way possible.
Then, there is the title track “hit me where it hurts x,” which shifts the energy entirely. Produced with Dylan Brady of 100 gecs and graced by the distinctly haunting vocals of Caroline Polachek, this song delivers a hypnotic, four-on-the-floor pulse. It is unexpected, emotional, and utterly addictive.
Finally, the project closes with “voltage (see you again),” a long-awaited evolution of a fan favorite that has circulated in live sets for more than a decade. Joined by Varg2™, Eurohead, LOAM, swedm and Virtual Riot, Skrillex elevates the track into something far more emotional and cinematic than its earlier incarnations. It feels like a farewell to the past and a welcome to a new era.
Why This EP Matters for OWSLA
This release also hints at something even bigger. Skrillex has suggested that OWSLA is entering a “new phase.” Long celebrated for pushing unconventional artists and defining the early 2010s electronic scene, the label has been quiet in recent years.
Now, with this EP acting as a sonic defibrillator, it might be the spark that brings OWSLA roaring back to life.
Conclusion: Skrillex Is Just Getting Started
“hit me where it hurts x” is more than a heavy EP. It is a statement. Skrillex sounds hungry again, and that hunger translates into some of his most exciting work in years. By diving back into his roots and pairing them with daring new ideas, he has created a project that feels familiar yet groundbreaking.
If this is the beginning of Skrillex’s fully independent era and the rebirth of OWSLA, then the future of bass music just became a lot more interesting.