More Monsters and Sprites is an extended play (EP) and remix collection by American electronic music producer Skrillex (Sonny Moore), released in 2011. Positioned between earlier breakthrough work and later releases, the project collects newly recorded material alongside reworked versions of songs from the artist's recent catalog. Its most prominent single, "First of the Year (Equinox)," helped the release reach a wider audience and received mainstream attention through its striking music video.
Musical character and content
The EP blends styles commonly associated with Skrillex: aggressive dubstep bass drops, clipped vocal samples, glitch-influenced sound design, and high-energy rhythms suited for clubs and festivals. Rather than a conventional full-length album, the release functions as both a compact statement of new material and a showcase of alternate takes and remixes that reinterpret earlier tracks. Listeners can expect sharp production contrasts, short-form arrangements, and an emphasis on impact over long-form songwriting.
Release context and development
Released in mid 2011, More Monsters and Sprites arrived during a period when Skrillex was consolidating his profile as a leading figure in the then-emerging mainstream dubstep scene. It followed his prior EP successes and preceded subsequent high-profile releases. The format—an EP with remixes and fresh tracks—was typical of electronic artists who used compact releases to maintain momentum between larger projects and to circulate club-ready material more quickly.
Reception and charts
Critics generally gave the EP favorable notices for its production and sheer energy. Commercially, it entered the Billboard 200 and performed strongly on specialist charts: it reached the lower portion of the Billboard 200 while placing within the upper ranks of niche listings such as Heatseekers and Dance/Electronica. The single's music video, directed by Tony Truand, drew particular attention and earned a nomination for Best Short Form Music Video at the 54th Grammy Awards.
- Lead single: "First of the Year (Equinox)"—accompanied by a narrative-driven video
- Format: compact EP combining original tracks and remixes
- Chart performance: entered general and specialist Billboard charts
Legacy and significance
More Monsters and Sprites contributed to Skrillex's rise during the early 2010s, helping to bring heavier forms of electronic bass music into a broader pop and festival context. Its mixture of aggressive sonics and concise presentation made it accessible to new listeners while offering reinterpretations that appealed to fans of the underground scene. For further information about the release and related material, see the official release page and artist resources: release details, Skrillex information, the music video entry First of the Year (Equinox) video, and coverage of the award nomination Grammy Awards.