It was only a matter of time before I let this one out.
This week, we were asked to look at smaller “niche” communities, and explore how they relate and integrate into our blogs. One of the greatest things about the internet is its ability to bring people together with interests that don’t necessary appeal to the general public. I found this to be readily apparent when I learned about my favorite musician, deadmau5, in the summer of 2009.
Joel Zimmerman, better known by his stage name deadmau5, is currently one of the biggest names in house music. However, it was not always this way. Almost two years ago, Annette, my best friend from high school, sent me one of deadmau5’s most popular songs, Ghost n Stuff, when we he was still relatively unknown. I remember she actually called me to tell me about this song, it was THAT good. At first I was skeptical but after listening to his music on repeat for days, I realized I was hooked. Later that summer I flew home for a weekend to visit my family. As fate would have it, it was also the same weekend as a deadmau5 concert at Mansion, a nightclub on South Beach. Since he wasn’t as well known back then, the concert was only $30 and he played till 5 a.m. It was honestly one of the best nights of my life.
My fixation only escalated from there. Next thing I knew I was checking deadmau5’s fan page on Facebook every day and buying all his albums on iTunes. You see, the best thing about deadmau5 isn’t just his amazing music; it’s his connection with his fans. Being an electronica/techno artist, he is extremely tech savvy and basically lives and breathes the internet.
For example, before he got too popular to properly maintain it, deadmau5 used to frequently interact with his fans using Facebook’s discussion board feature on his fan page. He used to keep up and comment frequently, responding to fans with his usual snarky and witty remarks. Unfortunately, once his career began to take off, Joel had to remove the discussion board and began directing fans to a separate forum.
Now Joel is more frequently seen on Ustream, a website were users broadcast live content, as well as Twitter. My personal favorite however has to be Joel’s interactions on Minecraft, a “sandbox” video game focused on creativity and building. Basically, Minecraft allows players to create their own world by using these 3D textured cubes.
I don’t play, but as far as I can tell there’s no real point. People just kind of hang out and build things. Anyway, deadmau5 LOVES this game (being the nerd that he is) and has even set up a server were a select number of fans can come and basically chill out in his 3D world.
Ok, I think that’s enough deadmau5 for one day. Trust me I could go on for ages. However, for as much as my friends tease me for being “OBSESSED” with deadmau5, my love for him don’t even scratch the surface of the intense fandom this man has accumulated.
I hope you guys have enjoyed my little foray into the world of deadmau5. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite deadmau5 fan videos. Enjoy!
My 3yo son asked to be Deadmau5 for Halloween after seeing him live at the Treasure Island Music Festival. How could I turn that opportunity down?
Mini-Deadmau5 from Michael Cobra on Vimeo.
“People just kind of hang out and build things”
LMAO!
You convey your passion well. When are you gonna get to see him next?
Haha thank you Scott 🙂
I have tickets to see him @ Ultra this year. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to fly down yet though 😦
BLS,
Let me tell you, this mau5 post brought tears to my eyes. There was no cheese at the end though like you promised, so I’m kind of upset with you. Despite my disappointment, I love your blog! Congrats and keep it up!! I love you!
<3,
Netti
ps… deadmau5.august.mansion.best night of my life
and also…
… it never gets old