Monday, October 11, 2010

up the mainstream without a paddle.

it's obviously kinda hard to ignore the "sell out / mainstream" comments... but it's much easier to laugh at it when you actually take into account what exactly happened in your lifetime.

like 99 percent of the rest of the people my age, i still do remember what it was like growing up and being part of something unique and special, or bigger than yourself. The first, and most obvious examples of this in my life were simply the social circles that were prevalent in highschool. You had your long haired metallica rocker folk, the moody black wearing NIN clique, the vintage rock / Doors fans (which i never really got)... your hiphop crews and then the whatever the hell was top40 at the time guys.

Might have expanded here and there.. but to my memory, thats what i recall.  Im pretty sure everyone, including myself had some kind of connection to at least 1 or more people in every "group"... it wasnt so segregated that you were destined to be a part of any one particular "scene" ... but at least thats how it probably looked when you were  thrown into grade 9.

Over time, mostly non-conciously observing everything, people would probably shift paradigms from one association to another simply based on who they spent the most time with really. I had a few of these phases myself... hung with the goths, bought NIN albums... had friends who were i guess what people would NOW call hipsters... so hung with them from time to time... never really 100% nailing myself down into any one scene... since i was somewhat of a loser anyway... it didnt really affect much and it didnt really take long for any one group to be able to point out that "i wasnt really all that cool anyway"

But, like 90% of everyone, i did manage to get through highschool and make a handful of friends here and there.

I definatley didnt notice it then, but i certainly notice it now... but i think the reason why we even had all that shit, was just so that we could be identified to others as being a part of something unique and cool... and it usually worked better as the number of people who were on board with the same idea was increased. But of course... there comes this point where, when too many people hop onto one thing... wait... its not longer unique... so some disbandment takes place, and life goes on.

this is all too familiar to me right now.  Wasnt it only 4 years ago i donned some mouse head, and had a small core of fun fans (none of which could pronounce my name) and i travelled here and there and did this and that...  and the message was clear "Let's take this music and shove it down mainstreams throat" ... so we all happily rode along with that didnt we, and everyone wanted more... and i was more than happy to oblige. so we all started making new friends... and more, and more.

and now, well look at us! All grown up, 1 million + fans on FB, over 4 million tickets sold throughout the world, and the ONLY way to get that done was to bring in the heavy artilery that only a major label can provide...

now im rocking out on a 2 million dollar mouse cube, stage, lighting, LED head that WE ALL paid for. It's what we wanted isnt it!?  something BIG... something cool! It's fucking crazy... Everyone wanted a show, and i didnt my damned best to give it to em, and i will continue to do so, because thats what i want to do.

I'd still hold true to the original plot.... lets take this music and shove it down mainstreams throat.  seems alot of people are on board with this huh.. wait a minute... this is us? yes. we are them now it seems.

so now that some of us are undecided on what good came of all this is... let's take a look back and see whats changed?  Nothing much.  the production of the shows have certainly ramped up... thats not a bad thing... more and more people are getting to witness this, also not a bad thing. Im sitting here struggling to find that one BAD THING that's happened during this crazy upwards rollercoaster ride... no need to help me out if you think you can manage to spot it.. because im perfectly happy with all of it... excited in fact.

"selling out" means doing something against ones moral fibre for personal gain. i challenge one person to call me out on that, just so i can laugh while they fail miserably.

i take solace in the fact that i can, at any time, re-invent myself. Just even having the small thought in the back of my mind is all the comfort i need to get through my days on tour. There is no law written that says i cant just drop everything, right now, right this second, and do whatever i please for my own personal gain. I now have reached out to so many people, which is awesome, and affected them somehow, even if its a tiny 2 hour long part of their life, that it wouldnt be worth it.

how mindblowing do you think that feels? i wish i could describe it to you... but i really can't. And i wish the world worked in such a way that EVERY artist could feel what im feeling when im standing there like a deer in the headlights in front of thousands of people, nightly. But the best i can do for now, is just express my utmost thanks for your support that got me where i am today... even through all the bullshit, the rumors, the fuckups, the politics, the major label shit... you all pulled through for me. So when im up there in front of a crowd, just try to imagine how i feel... and you've all done the best i can ask for in reciprocating the feeling in more ways than i can count.

so, we took that music and shoved it down mainstreams throat.... what was it we wanted again? This record is going to be playing on for a little while longer it seems.

im sorry, i can't seem to find the stop button.

173 comments:

  1. "Selling out" is a cheap term. We fans should be proud of our favorite artists being successful and touching the lives of others. After all, isn't that the reason we people do what we do? To affect others in some way or another?

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  2. well said, mau5... much respect to you and keep doing everything that you do. popularity does not equal selling out.

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  3. Yay! You said it! Did you read everyones comment?

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  4. Haters=poop. Most are just jealous that they are not doing what they love.

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  5. You're the fuckin' man, Joel.

    Haters gunna hate...

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  6. Now that Mau5 is shoved down mainstreams throat, We Shove more and more until They throw it all up.

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  7. sound like me when i was in high school, didn't belong to any group of people, just knowing a different person from different groups and just trying to fit in.

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  8. that's beautiful Joel. i've never seen you live before but you have no idea how happy you have made me with your music. it speaks to me. strobe is one of the most beautiful and well crafted tracks i've ever heard. thank you for being yourself and doing what you love.

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  9. Don't worry dude. I wrote this for you and for everyone to read. Don't let the title fool you.

    http://achocolatedork.blogspot.com/2010/10/deadmau5-sellout.html

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  10. We love you mau5 <3 don't stop doing what you do!

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  11. Dude you wrote Strobe, you can do whatever the fuck you want really. You could put a fucking giant penis on your head instead of a mau5 and you would still be the man.

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  12. you rat'd on rusko. eat a dick, canadian

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  13. happy thanksgiving joel! - from canada

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  14. joel no matter what people say about you your fucking amazing keep doing your thing sell out more concerts shut critics mouths and make them eat their own words...which youve done already hah love you mau5 keep doin your thing and your true fans will be there with you!

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  15. dude, i almost cried
    well said mau5...

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  16. mau5...

    you really dont need to defend yourself.

    you are who you are, and you havent changed yourself for the purpose of making more money off your fans or trying to make more fans.

    youre just ill at what you do and we like you for that.

    regardless... keep doing what you love and dont let anyone get you down for something thats not true. :P

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  17. It's really nice to know that your favorite artist isn't just some airhead inside a mousehead. As a writer, actually sitting down to type out a bunch of shit that occasionally needs to be said is an accomplishment. Keep on kicking ass; anyone who calls you a sellout clearly didn't like your music enough to begin with and just wants to look edgy.

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  18. I've honestly never once listened to your music, aside from a Kaskade mix that I thoroughly enjoyed. I have an album, but I've never gotten around to listening to it. What I can say is that, from following your Facebook updates and just paying attention, even on a shitty day I feel a bit better because it inspires me, and I can see the energy and the love for the craft in which you partake. It gives me hope for the future of myself as I delve into more things that scare the shit out of me, because when I think of deadmau5, I think about how much of a regular "cool guy" you are, and how I'm not so different from that.

    Sticking to your principles is really something, especially when it seems so easy to stray from it and reap the instant benefits. Take pride in knowing yourself, because I take pride in knowing of you. :)

    And yeah, I never could pronounce your artist name until recently when my friend corrected me. (NOT Dead-maw-five) >_> I'll get around to listening once I'm done listening to the NIN Halos (IN LOSSLESS). 15 to go...

    P.S.: "Definitely" lacks the letter "a".

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  19. Great post. Rising in popularity means that more and more enjoy experiencing what you give them, together. Becoming popular and sharing music does no equate to selling out.

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  20. man, you're a genius... not kissing your ass, you just really are one... my biggest inspiration... if someday i get to be 1/5 of the artist you are, i die happy... you don't even know me, but you are a part of my life... hope someday i can cause that on some people too! continue rocking mau5, you are THE MAN!

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  21. I was the same way in high school. I bet you'd be fun to get drunk and talk shit with.
    No homo/No stalker

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  22. really hope this spirit of yours will be the one thing thats never gonna change.

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  23. Well said, and quite inspiring. I'm hoping that I too can get through all "the bullshit, the rumors, the fuckups, the politics, [and] the major label shit" as successfully as you did.

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  24. I agree. I want EDM mainstream. Why? The mainstream at the moment sucks. I remember almost 3 years ago playing a song by you for my brother. My Brother who would never listen to electronic. Thought it all sounded the same. I tricked him into having him tell me a song that meant alot to him and what it it meant to him. He fell for it so I go let me play you something. It was one of your tunes and after I was done he was in tears. He could feel it. Man I use to want to be a DJ/Producer. I got my famliy going to shows all the time from then on. Now I see what you have to deal with. Fuck that. I can DJ at home and mix like shit but my friends are still amazed and feel something. Love it.. Man just keep on doing what you do. Fuck the haters.

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  25. That's the thing that people needs to understand, that you're not out for the fame and fortune. You're one of the few out there who are in this for the passion of music and sharing it with others. Keep up your hard work and don't feel down because of those ignorant comments. Honestly you shouldn't have to explain yourself since your true fans/followers should understand who you are but it never hurts to remind others what your main intentions have always been. "Let's take this music and shove it down mainstreams throat" now that's a quote for the ages.

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  26. LOVE MAU5 MORE THAN EVER... YOU JUST HAVE INSPIRED MY ENTIRE LIFE JOEL... "saludos y respetos para siempre RATON"

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  27. you just made us love you even more :)

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  28. Yeah dude I won't call you a sellout until you compromise your sound or your dream to make a buck. As far as I'm concerned, your talent, showmanship and musical prowess is only improving with all this exposure and hard work that you and your team are putting in. Keep it up no matter what people say, thats part of what makes you who you are.

    deadmau5 = win

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  29. Um I just cried while Reading This...And Smiled! Thankyou for Beautifully Writing this Statement of Truth and Reasoning...You couldn't have Said it Better :) 0_o

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  30. Love you Joel. Keep it real. But please don't hurt yourself with drugs and alcohol.

    You have been given this gift to change millions of peoples lives, including my own. If you can find it in your heart to stay strong and not fall into the terrible habits that so many performers have, then you will live an amazingly rewarding, LONG life.

    <3

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  31. deadmau5, you don't have to explain yourself man...just keep doing what you do. if people don't get it, then fuck them

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  32. To be honest, I was one of those who criticized your sudden popularity.
    But you make a good point... all artists are justified in using fame as a means to bring a better experience to the audience.

    Plus I can't really criticize a Nine Inch Nails fan...

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  33. way to be.

    ...............
    *{~P.L.U.R.~}*:
    |-now live it-:

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  34. as long as you realize the amazing position you are in and that not everybody will get that chance EVER and realize that the very people who won't ever get that opportunity are likely the ones that got you there then you will continue to be successful and supported. it seems you have a great grasp of this which is why i have been and always will remain a fan. keep doing it for the MUSIC YOU WANT to put out there and how can you go wrong!!! cheers and continued success.

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  35. Sometimes things get... Complicated... Keep it up Joel, we love what you do.

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  36. Hell yeah! I think that to myself all the time at your shows, or any electronic shows for that matter. I can only imagine the kind of rush it must be to stand on stage in front of your fans and see the way we rock out to your music..To know you're affecting people so positively! Music does that, and we love you for giving us the good stuff!!

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  37. If "you are what you eat"...and you shoved yourself down mainstream's throat...now mainstream is you...HELL YA!

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  38. Well fucking said.well fucking said. You couldn't have have put it In better words. I mean youre simply doing what youre passionate about. who the fuck said your not supposed to live to do what you love? it be selfish of you in a sense I guess to not share your talent, you are truly unique and one of a kind. Seriously no one can be compared to you. No one! I'm happy for you mau5, I really am you've accomplished so much, I congratulate you for your success keep doing what you do..who gives a fuck up about what a bunch of snobs have to say.

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  39. I remember when your community funk remix finally came out, 2006-07 was it? I knew that was going to be huge. I had heard of "Dead Mouse" or "Dead Mou five" before and heard some of your early tracks but when I heard a promo of that track I was like "fuck, this guy is gonna be big if he keeps dropping shit like this." To be honest I never expected the reaction to be quite this huge. I think you found a perfect medium between a lot of styles at the time when there was a lot of de-genrefying and just hit a hot button with everyone, its crazy. You somehow managed to make everyone from all the little cliques of the EDM world claim you as theirs. I seem to recall such quotes as:

    "Deadmau5 is trance, bro. For reals..."

    "Nah dawg that shit is dirty electro he would never play that trance shit"

    "No way man, thats straight up prog house, you must be new to the scene."

    Cracks me up. Anyways good job. Keep on riding that wave, you paid your dues.

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  40. Sell-out? Not at all. The original venue in Madison for next week had to be changed, because the stage area wasn't big enough for the Deadmau5 light show. Not only did you spend a ridiculous amount of your own money for this light show, you bring it with you. That, my friend, is dedication. Any of these idiots calling you a sell-out needs to think of a better comeback. Metallica = sell-out. Deadmau5 = visionary.

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  41. Once again, Joel shows us he's just a regular guy with the luck of a motherfucker.

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  42. I think the point of the backlash was that you were bitching about the very thing that pays your bills. Yeah the rave scene has "sold out" and aint what it use to be, but its selling out allows you to live a far more comfortable life than a lot of people do. You may miss the old school days, we all do, but you wouldn't be so lucky without the new school crowd eatin it up.

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  43. just want to say-- it's so fascinating to follow (via internet) your ride up. Ive been following your facebook statuses since you had like 50k facebook fans. Pretty interesting, thanks for the write up

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  44. You are a man. Sometimes things happen like rise in popularity and well you have to adapt in some ways. I respect you for all you do and I hope hope that you can continue this crazy roller coaster ride. You only live once so make the best of it. I am glad that I was able to partake in taking a picture with you on saturday after your show at acl. It means a lot to me.

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  45. good job joel. im seriously glad you spoke out to everyone like this. i never thought you sold out. i saw it exactly as you put it. your just doing what you love! joel, i wish everyone was as cool as you. if i was an english teacher, i would give you an A+ on this essay. thanks for bein an awesome mau5man. my names devin rio im actually usin my friends account lol fail..

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  46. All of this is very true Joel, you're music has a kind of genuine feel that most top artists give away when they start writing solely to sell more tracks. It's cool to hear your songs and know that it isn't bullshit, that you really were feeling something when you wrote them, real inspiration. This is the reason your music will never fade into obscurity, as long as you continue to compose what's in your heart, people will be touched by it and listen more instead of playing it once, getting bored, and listening to something else. Earnest emotion, and true passion is what makes music, and you've never (as far as I can tell) had a moment where it was, "I need a tenth track to release, so fuck it, this will work fine." Keep up the good work Mr. Mau5.

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  48. i think what people intend to mean when they say selling out (as I interpret it) is when you (anybody) create music that is no longer original but simply a regurgitation of past hits or known sellers.

    i dont believe this has happened to you yet, but, you are only human. the challenge is stay innovative, even if does mean returning to your roots occasionally (get scraped, vexillogy, for example, great albums).

    in other words, don't be afraid of your past or roots, just don't simply copy your former tunes.

    of course i am aware that this is not what you are currently doing, but there always exists that temptation for extra cash even when the creative muses go silent.

    that being said, i love your music and your new direction. however, remember that not all music has to be danceable, raveable club smashers.

    peace and respect.
    ryan hr

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  49. Mau5 you are class act man. I can tell this came from the heart and as a fan I appreciate this. Keep doing what you're doing, because whenever I hear or see you live I am a pretty happy guy. See you at Smokeout my man.

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  50. It's a tough position to be in. Every artist wants to be unique and defy the norm while getting maximum exposure for their work at the same time. In this day and age, you simply can't be heard across the planet without becoming part of the "mainstream". It's two states of being that simply can't coexist.

    You have come a long way since I saw you two years ago at the Electric Factory and are totally tearing it up...more power to you! As I see this ultimate artists dilemma, you are doing just fine. Since what passes for popular music these days blows massive chunks, subvert the mainstream...infect the airwaves with moar music YOU believe in...which you have been doing quite well.

    I also think its brilliant that you remain so accessible to your fans through technology. Granted with the sheer number of Mau5heads out there now, chances that an individual fan would get a direct response from you are quite slim...but the mere fact that such a possibility exists is the shit by far! I can't think of any other major artist that I can say that about...or that I feel connected to the same way.

    Please please please remember that YOU have the power. In the end, it is the music you make that keeps bringing us back for more. Yeah the cube makes my weewee tingle but I'd just as soon party hard at a small venue like Philly as at Ultra or Zoo. I don't know how realistic it is but think of it like pro-bono mind blowing. Take the time out every once in a while to do something small and cheap thats all about the fans and the music rather than the "big show". Go to places you wouldn't normally go cause theyre too small and tear it up just for the music!

    Good luck mau5man...keep the good shit coming!

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  51. I have followed you for a few years now and it has been awesome to see your music spreading. You started this by swimming up river against the current at least in the States. Dance music has struggled for some time to catch any kind of footing here. Since you have come along the game has changed. You are reaching more people than most thought would ever be possible. Hell I'm a 27 year old kid in Law school and I grew up in a small town in Texas. We hit all the local dance halls in high school listening to nothing but country. Now I can proudly say I am a Mau5 head and last friday, despite the technical difficulties you mentioned, which I didn't notice, you put on one of the best performances I have seen or heard from you. Saying you're "Selling Out" is the last straw the haters have left to grasp. Because quite frankly you have evolved as an artist and you are continuing to evolve into this unstoppable dance force. I don't care who it is or what music they listen to but there is no way you can go to a deadmau5 concert and stand still. The day after your Friday show at Austin Music Hall my legs were sore from dancing all night and I woke up still singing "raise your weapon." Your evolution as an artist is so unique that you are reaching people from all groups of music. That is how great you have become. Nothing frightens the haters more because now they find themselves the outcasts. Now they are left alone in the corner while the rest of us are fist pumping on the dance floor. Hell you reached me and I'm a small town country kid who never liked that "techno" crap. Because of your music I now dj myself and LOVE electronic music of all kinds.

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  52. haha im glad to know im not the only one like that in high school! and as for the shoving your music down the throat of mainstream America i blast your music as loud as i can your music has been the cause of countless shattered artworks and its totally worth it

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  53. I remember the fir first song i heard from mau5 was in late 2007 his remix of "Finished Symphony" by Hybrid. I was very new to the electronic scene as my friends had recently gotten me into the daft punk music. After hearing finished symphony I immediately searched Deadmau5, and happened across a song called I REMEMBER... It continues to be my favorite song of all time. You know you're listening to the right music when you can study and rage to the same exact music. How do you describe the music that makes you feel so many incredible things at once? It's all about how the music is expressed and Joel does it the right way. Kepp doing your thing my man, I'm all ears!

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  54. I think the problem most people have with "mainstream" artists is that it starts to become a less personal experience. For example it is a much different experience when seeing a local show with a small crowd then seeing a multi-million dollar performance with thousands of people...much less personal.

    However, if it wasnt for us fans buying your shit and going to your shows you wouldnt have gotten to where you are today...and we buy your albums and merch and go to your shows because it all fucking rocks! Congrats on your success you sell out bitch ( ;

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  55. I respect you more and more with each blog post and tweet.

    Thank you for doing your thing and I'm so glad that you still like doing it.

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  56. when you take off that mau5 head near the end of the show and take a minute to just look at the crowd you can tell you are truly a real person that is staying true to them self. I have seen you twice in colorado this year once just last week and every time i see your show i feel this sense of connection i have felt at very few shows. That is what keeps me coming back to your shows, buying your music, and avoiding the bullshit and drama people create. I will continue to enjoy your shows and music because you are a real person and artist. Also because i am from colorado i will continue to throw glow sticks at you with love of corse. =)
    come back to CO soon Joel we love the Mau5.

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  57. haters gonna hate, fuck 'em they don't know shit, etc. i know that i'm glad your music is popular because it deserves to be heard and i'm glad it's going mainstream because it's nice to share good things with the world.

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  58. Joel... Don't stop! KILL IT WITH FIRE!

    ...And I'll be burninating the countryside right there along with you. :D

    (Oh FYI at some point in my life I have also done: top 40, black wearing pseudo-goth/pagan/wiccan, classic/vintage rock, NIN, athletes/jocks, Star Trek/sci-fi/fantasy nerds, and elitist asshat cliques. But nothing stuck, cuz I got bored with everything. The friends I have now are my eccentric, eclectic mix of bits and pieces of everybody, and we're some cool and froody people, I gotta tell ya. ...Just sayin.)

    Kthnxbai. ♥

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  59. hey mister meowingtons tell ur master to sheck out my tune, its a remix of that ladder song

    http://soundcloud.com/classic-cult

    - rothschild (USA)

    P.S

    i wish i could sell out,
    i would buy a nick sack and a 30 ounce

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  60. HEY DUDE!!! REMEMBER THE VERY END OF GHOSTS AND STUFF, THOSE PEOPLE THAT SAY YOUR SELLING OUT ARE JUST LIKE THAT MAN! I never understood why that is in the song but here isn't it ironic that now people are doing this to you haha. They will rant on message boards, they have no credentials, they are not out doing the work like you are. Great Job Standing Up to the bull shit right here man! Keep Rocking It and Keep being true to yourself! I cant wait to see you Live man... You better blow my mind haha Peace.

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  61. Deadmau5 TRULY is the new-age "John Lennon". Different style, same awesome.

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  62. You didnt sell out. But you certainly dont practice what you preach.

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  63. well..mtv is pretty much as mainstream as it gets. so in theory now anyone can watch your vma show and say Lets take this music and shove it down mainstreams throat. which is you. i love your music, and i understand youre cashing in and not selling out. but, i wish your ego wasnt as so. LET RUSKO BLAZE!! while you hit up coke off some strippers ass with tommy lee

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  64. So now you're saying we need big raves for the production values (I totally agree), but in the last post, you're complaining about big raves. I would think that a more reasonable position would be to be wistful for the raves of yore but excited for the opportunities of the current state of raves.

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  65. It's not about selling out for you, it's about being a hypocrite with your music and your self portrayed image

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  66. Shoving the music into mainstreams mouth? You are the symbol of mainstream, stop being so egotistical about your image and popularity it's grotesque.

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  67. yes, yes, the fans that loved being underdogs are no longer underdogs and they hate it

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  68. dear mau5y,
    Thank you so much for "existing". No matter how I feel... miserable, sad, ill... you are there to pick me up. Your music is the music of the gods, if there are any. Your sense of humor is comforting and your writings are epic. I appreciate the way you spend your time connecting with "us" and sharing your life. All of what you do is a gift from a man who is passionate, intelligent, caring, and honest. What you give freely of yourself is amazing. I especially love the funny personal photos of yourself being silly. You seem to be happier now and that makes me so happy for you! Remember... no one has the right to be judgmental of you. You are you and that is only what you should be. STOP insulting yourself. YOU are a great man. Everyone errs (daily) but that is not "fail". Anyways, where and when have you failed more than anyone else? You haven't! You are successful and a man as bright and gifted as you has nothing but even more "great success" to look forward to. You work harder than anyone I have ever known about. Your passion for what you do is so evident. So please enjoy yourself and stay healthy. Make wise choices in all things unrelated to music (you've got that covered). I look forward to your writings as much as your music. You are a very talented writer. Please take care and give yourself and Meowingtons a hug for me. XOXOXOXOXO

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  69. Nicely put Joel. I think we all struggle to find what is "cool" in our adolescence. As we grow and figure out who we really want to be we don't lose touch with what we think is cool just because it becomes "mainstream." Things becoming mainstream is simply recognition that other people agree with you. Deadmau5 is fucking cool (the music, persona, visuals, etc.) and now you have branded something YOU made. I'm sure it took the help of others to recognize your dream but it does not diminish your vision to have others help you achieve these lofty goals. Keep rockin beats and stay true to what you know in your heart and mind. Best of luck in all you do.

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  70. well said, never find the stop button and "take that music and shoved it down mainstreams throat."

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  71. Mainstream isn't a bad thing but when you are rejecting what you are, it's a bit hypocritical dont you think?

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  72. I listen to my favorite artist in the car on the way home, might be playing in the background while smashin on some school work... and then i go online and hes chillin on ustream and talking to us, his fans... keep droppin sick beats.

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  73. When you reject mainstream, you become just that. Sucks! Just keep yourself off of the radio loop. I guess it's outta your hands now.

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  74. Hey dude, well said. For ppl you just become mainstream when you become famous, its total BS. Your music hasnt really changed and remains very diverse, which is very rare. I mean we can call black eyed peas mainstream, thats obvious, although they seem to have a clear talent at pleasing ppls ears. SO who cares anyway, you make music, either they like it or not. If not we can just tell them to fuk off. Just keep doing what you love, its great !

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  75. Dude you are inspirational! You've taught me so
    Much and your engineering is skillful. Keep it real Joel as you always have-DigitaLife

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  76. The only time I think an artist has sold out is when they (or the record artist) puts a cheesy vocal over a brilliant track just to sell more records. You did it with Ghosts n Stuff, Swedish House Mafia have just done it with Miami to Ibiza, totally spoiled it. Avicci with Bromance. All of which have compromised a perfectly good track just to make it mainstream and sell more.

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  77. I love this Mau5 :D

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  78. Wow.I really tried to think of how u feel in front of the crowd. I got a tiny taste of that.Everyone got a tiny tase of that.Only you know, how that really feels. :)

    Well, one more thing left for me to say - dont leave us. :D ok, you can do that, im not pushing you,but still...

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  79. Being on the cutting edge is difficult. I hear what you say and admire you for saying it. But what happens when your cutting edge, out there, amazing new stuff becomes the very mainstream you despise? (Not that it has, or is likely to anytime soon.) But like avant-garde fashion and art, there always seems to be this point where totally out there seeps into the mainstream. Just keep re-inventing yourself, go off in new directions and love life.

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  80. Joel, you DO make a difference! Just two short months ago, I discovered your music (mainly by accident) when I was stuck at home recovering from a broken leg. I've always enjoyed listening to electronic/dance/house/etc. music, but never really had any particular favorite artist. One night, I happened upon a picture of Meowingtons on one of my many random google searches...yes, I was THAT bored! A few clicks later, I landed on someone's youtube page that had vids of your Coachella performance. My first thought was simply "WOW!". In the days and weeks to follow, I found myself on iTunes downloading your music, sitting for hours late at night watching your Ustream feeds and realizing just how lucky your fans are...most artists become popular, thank their fans, then hide behind publicists, bodyguards, etc.--only a few fans (or the rich and famous) get to see their favorite artist up close and personal. You, in stark contrast, put yourself right out front, and it's really YOU, signing autographs, responding to forum posts, streaming live from whatever airport you happen to be in. Mind you, I'm not the usual Mau5 fan...I'm old, fat, a grandmother and a nurse. It's not unusual for my 2 year-old grand daughter to point to my computer screen and say, "gramma, mouse, grandma, mouse"...meaning she wants to watch one of your videos so she can show off her dancing skills.
    But as far as making a true difference, just last night, before I and my fellow nurses began a rough shift taking care of the sick and injured, I cranked up "Ghosts n Stuff" on my iPod in our report room...the rest of the night everyone had a little more spring in their step and a lot more smiles to go around--you made a difference by helping US make a difference...THANK YOU!!

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  81. There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

    There is another theory which states that this has already happened

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  82. Yeah you sure shoved it down mainstreams' throat. The they gobbled it up and want more.

    It's all about person choice really.

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  83. lmao I remember calling you Dead mau 5 lmao My sister had to correct me as well.

    But that was beautiful, and myself and all your fans are really so proud of you and all you've accomplished and we wish you to ride out this wave for as long as you possibly want to ^^ It's a wonderful thing that you do and I'm just glad I could be around to be touched and be a part of it. *hugs*

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  84. Music, much like people, is constantly evolving and morphing into something else. It always starts somewhere but ends up in a different place. It's silly that people talk about how they don't like that change and say things like "he totally sold out" or "his shit just got so mainstream." There's really no such thing. Your music grows and evolves because you have grown and evolved with it too. Just because fame came with it, doesn't mean that you sold out to get it. It just means you blew up because your music was amazing and although your sound is a little different, we know it still comes from that amazing little mouse :)
    Don't concern yourself with those comments, really. Your music is still amazing and people can't expect you to stay the same and play all the stuff you've been p playing forever. That would be boring. You're a revolutionary not a worn out recording of the same stuff

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  85. I remember years ago listening to an electro mix someone put together, and hearing this crazy ass sound that I had never heard before, but was just so appealing. The result? I went out to track down a CD. And so the quest began, in my little Atlanta suburb of a town. I hit best buy, and they thought I was an exterminator or something, and the manager told them that they already had a guy who took care of their dead mice. I then went to another store nearby. Same result, minus the whole exterminator thing. A few years pass, and now I still look back on your music and the beauty of it. It is still odd to me how about 6 or 7 months ago when I was sitting in my weight training class my senior year of high school, and this kid asks me whats on my I-pod. I tell him its probably stuff he wouldn't like. The look on his face as he went from song to song was hilarious. he pulled out the ear buds and yells BOY YOU MUSIC IS WHACK. Now here I am, only half a year later, and I ask people if they know who you are and they go HELL YEAH, I LOVE DEADMAU5! Sure you came to them through a different medium, TV, than you came to me. But the point is, you are in it for the long haul. I remember my sister telling me that Ghosts and Stuff was on the radio... on a top 40 channel. I was confused, but happy. For once, good music is on the charts. And I want to thank you for that Joel. Keep on keeping on! -John AKA Yelphin

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  86. Joel,

    'Selling out' doesn't entail some kind of moral conundrum, it's simply pandering to big media outlets because you want more money. I'm sure if you asked most artists that signed big money contracts, very few of them would say, "well...I really didn't want to let the fans down, but I just couldn't turn down those dead prezidents". It's not the money specifically, however, that upsets fans when an artists sells out. It's two things: 1. the artist starts to change their style to better suit the mainstream (so they can make even more money) 2. a multitude of new comers start 'encroaching' on a scene that once belonged to a select group of people. I don't think you'll ever be guilty of the first charge, but from what I've heard, since the VMAs there has been a serious increase in the amount of irritating, trend whore douche bags at your shows. Obviously this isn't your fault and it's selfish for devoted fans to want to horde your music to begin with anyways. At the same time, I'm sure you can see why they're unhappy, you've probably been in the same position yourself before. For the time being, some fans are blaming you because you're the most visible candidate for a scape goat. Eventually, it will die down, but for the time being please be patient...and don't do any real life colabs with Lady Gaga

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  87. goosebumps, hope for so much more - proof that not only can it be done but that in this life you can have a career and you can have your music, we CAN be, albeit a small part, a cog in the wheel of this machine. its a machine b/c it works and I am amazed almost daily by your shine. I wish i could get closer get to know more. this is the most ive ever said, starting to feel like that awkward 9th grade track star so im out. love respect and Pikachu ~ emme

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  88. Here's the thing...
    When someone rebels against a certain type of music or other art form because it has been taken mainstream, their interest in that medium is purely superficial. If you were to truly love ANY artist, and if you had been there when they weren't in the mainstream public eye, then you'll be happy to share that experience with others. Not to go all neo-hippy (especially while I sit at my desk in the office) but it's about the collective human experience. Music is the medium through which we express ourselves, and I'm thrilled that Deadmau5, with guys like Bassnectar, Tiesto, and David Guetta, are finally gaining the exposure they deserve. Turn away from what's 'corrupted from being mainstream' all you want, but in the end you're only depriving yourself.

    -Twitter.com/wdeanis

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  89. Good way to start my Tuesday morning after a long weekend. Life is good deadmau5!

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  90. Inspiring! Thanks Joel.

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  91. You're a great artist. Im sure they would die to be in your shoes. :-) dont let them bother you! Be who you wanna be.

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  92. Joel, keep it up. Still a fan <3

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  93. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  94. Makes a good read, Cheers Deadmau5.

    http://2casual.blogspot.com/

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  95. That was well written. One of the best things I've lately. =)

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  96. 2casual i know u didn't even bother reading this piece! see ya at the O2 tho!! ;)

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  97. He did shove it down the mainstream hole :) literally. and thats y i still love him as an artist!

    I've been listening to deadmau5's music since he first came out few years ago and still love it now, and what he does with it. And i'm an extremely picky, spoiled person when it comes to music. a lot more people know him now, compared from even 1 year ago.

    More props for him actually doing it with his motto and following through.. don't fuck up!

    Whats next Joel Zimmerman?

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  98. @Alocrono: What can i say it was a power read! December 14th will be epic, See you then Mau5

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  99. All I have for you is
    2007+Denver, CO+Global+Dead mow 5=fucking fantastic!
    I was curious about who you really were and had no clue aside from a few tracks I heard who you were. I was in a serious daze when you came on but your first intro track brought from the ground up only to see a guy with a giant fucking mouse head doing this thing! Blew my mind and the music was great.
    I've been following you since, downloaded your entire discography up until For Lack Of A Better Name and then my wife found that one day for me "I found music from that Deadmau5 guy you like"
    I enjoy your FB updates, your blog and your music.

    Its been a fun run watching you work the insane magic you do and even more so watching you do it with a shit eating grin.
    The past year alone is a testament to how many leaps and bounds you have come across. You have brought EDM into the world in ways most people struggle to do without selling their ideas for a little airplay.
    You sold yourself to a loyal crowd. If they are listening to you, its because you sold yourself well without selling out. You stick to your guns, you keep an open mind and a great sense of humor through all the chaos.

    Do what you do best by still being you, noone can ever take that away. As far as haters go, the bigger you get, the more people will wish they had what you had and try to take it from you...
    Cheers to you Mr. Mau5 and thanks for all the great tunes!

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  100. if you got the juice... let it loose. :)

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  101. my bad...it was 2008 not 2007 that I saw you first....FAIL!

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  102. You talking about this...makes me love you even more. Don't ever press the stop button, we want more and we need more of you. WE appreciate you and thank you for your amazing work <3 <3 <3 <3 Lets fill all your hearts

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  103. when my nephew knows the words to ghosts and stuff but is still not allowed to watch the simpsons you know something right is going on in the world

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  104. You know, its so cool to know that when you first started, I was one of those who loved you and wished I could see you live. Even now, I wish I could have seen you live before they put that $40-$60 price tag on the ticket. And now, everyone knows you and I'm saying "Where were you back then?"

    A DJ once told my husband, "I'd rather play for a small party of 6000 that knew what the party was about,than a party of 60,000 that had no idea." What about you?

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  105. People can either embrace it or be mad that this music scene is blowing up. Regardless there will always be the ones bitter that others know about your music due to MTV or something else main. I guess in a way the fans want to keep you as their little secret. Congrats to you and where you are going. See you at Treasure Island!

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  106. Selling out is when you do a track with Christina Aguilara, err wait, The Black Eyed Peas. Ok ok ok, when you do a track with 50 Cent, you've sold out.


    Just kidding. You'll never sell out because an artist is supposed to expand, develop and grow and the ways he/she does that is purely up to them, their talent & resources.

    With that being said. Rock on you dirty little rodent!!

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  107. People have no idea what a sellout is. Some people say "a cheesy vocal is selling out" or "making money is selling out." Get it straight people, an artist who becomes popular, or happens to make a track you didn't like is not a sellout.

    Here's the definition (it's close to Joel's): A sellout is someone who abandons their artistic integrity. It's someone who changes WHO THEY ARE as an artist completely (for paying rent, more fame, whatever reason).

    People just want to be cool by loving awesome music nobody else has heard of. Then they become the real sellouts - they stop loving something they loved, just because it became "too popular." You won't miss these flaky fans Joel, trust me. Reinvent like everyone says, but stick to your sound, stick to your vision - it's your drum. ;)

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  108. "Selling Out" is a subjective term, anyways. People are far too opinionated these days. I go by what me dad told me:

    Do what you love, do your best at it and you'll never work a day in your life.

    People emulate you. Your definition of success is all that matters, from a business standpoint.

    MPLS cannot wait. SHOW OF 2010!!!!!!!

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  109. Nicely said I'm glad I could be a part of the big picture be it the two concert tickets I bought and all the merchandise and cds
    I thank you Joel for all the inspirational music all the hard hitting bass lines and for not caring and continuing with your dream hopefully some day I can open or be up there on stage with you

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  110. probably the best and most meaningfull blog so far. Dont listen to the haters, there will always be haters. Keep doing what you love, keep entertaining and selling out shows. I only wish I could feel what you feel when up there. I know I feel amazing when down there watching you! Second time this year headed to your show tomorrow mau5head and all. Thanks for putting smiles on our faces!

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  111. I like listening to Ghosts n' Stuff tripping on acid :D

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  112. Illegitimi non carborundum!! Don't let the bastards grind you down!!!

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  113. Joel, probably you´ll never know the wonderful things that happened in my life, and all of those wonderful things begins with one word... Arguru.

    So, I´m your fan, I don´t have any chance to see you in action (no yet, but I´m sure, someday...) but you can be sure about something... the new sense of my life it´s because of your extraordinary work; thanks a lot, dear redhead Mau5.
    ¡¡¡ You rocks !!! greetings from Mexico City.

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  114. it's not really you that's the problem. the thing is, i'm a true fan of yours, i've been listening to you since like 6th grade, and im 15 in 10th grade now. the thing i have an issue is when the kids at my highschool heard GnS on mtv and then all the sudden started saying "oh yeah! i love dead mau five" and i stare at them and want to call them an idot so bad cause they say your their fav. artist, but they only know one song, and can't even pronounce your name. i like what your doing, your living life, i don't like the morons who fake being fans and try to act like their underground kids or someother stupid things they see in movies now a days. keep doin what your doing, your my inspiration. i hope i can produce like you when i grow up and maybe we can play together at ultra or edc. (:

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  115. shit i wish i could feel the way you do... lucky bastard =D

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  116. INCREDIBLY well written. Much respect and much love to the mau5. I was there in the beginning and ill be there in the end... Youll never "sell out" buddy.

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  117. I swear you and I think exactly alike.

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  118. I've been waiting for this one lol

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  119. Finding your music saved my life. My friend died of a heroin overdose and I no longer could listen to any music. EDM saved my life. Seeing you over and over again has only further helped me. I love your music, and I don't give a fuck. I'm not a crazy fan. I'm just a fan. I adore it all.

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  120. its hard to see why some people say he's a dick when u meet him.....Cause the deadmau5 who wrotes this is definately a great guy

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  121. THANK YOU JOEL _ I HAVE TO SAY YOU MADE ME A BELIEVER_ EVERYONES LIFE SHOULD INCLUDE SEEING YOU LIVE_ I ASPIRE TO WHAT YOU DO AND I THANK YOU FOR TURNING ON THE LIGHTS
    LOVE
    RALPHSTA

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  122. Stay true Joel, you're fucking fantastic

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  123. Joel/Deadmau5 you have been my fav 4ever. i hope you keep killin it til u die. i <3 your music, your mindset, and everything your about! LONG LIVE deadmau5!!!

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  124. FUCKING AWESOME, NICELY SAID BROTHA, KEEP ON LIGHTIN IT UP, YOUR TRUE FANS WILL BE THERE ALWAYS. HERE IS A QUOTE FROM DR SEUSS U MIGHT LIKE:
    "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

    YOUR AWESOME AND IF SOME FANS DONT LIKE YOU ANYMORE CAUSE YOUR CONSIDERED PART OF THE MAINSTREAM, THEN I SAY FUCK EM, THEY MUST NOT OF BEEN TRUE FANS ANYWAYS, AND YA KNOW WHAT BRO, YOU WILL ALWAYS MEET NEW PPL AND MAKE NEW FANS.


    KEEP ON DOIN WHAT YA DO BEST, MAKIN KICK ASS MUSIC FOR US ALL TO LISTEN TO !!!!

    CHEERS

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  125. Wow. Thank you for your life story buuuut you ARE still mainstream. Hahaha! So much for Rule #6! So what if you got beatdropped in the face. Btw: raveready.com rulez :)

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  126. i wonder who ever came up w the term "mainstream"... fuck it you're doing what you love and your amazingness is just infectious =] something to be proud of. the only thing issssssss that now when i go to a deadmau5 show again, it won't be anywhere CLOSE to as personal as it was the first time i went since there will be SOOO many more people..

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  127. deadmau5, come play a show at our flash mobs :) It'll be just like old times.

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  128. There are few truths in rock n roll..one is there is a Constant Cycle of Rebellion.

    Dont become what they rebell against, and in the words of Nick Hexxum: forget the naysayers...they dont mean a thing.



    ps: dont become homoginzed or manipulated and you too can be gigging at 60 like Bruce Springfield

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  129. Maybe you'll read all these comments, maybe you won't, but here's my two cents. I've been listening to your music for 3 years and I've seen you probably five or six times, most recently on the 7th of this month.

    My problem is that the people who only listen to what the mainstream gives them were able to find you because of the VMAs. I mean, good for you for doing so well. I'm not calling you a sellout. That word doesn't seem to be appropriate.

    My problem is with the douches that show up at shows who are there because it's the cool place to be now that they heard about you from MTV. They don't have the camaraderie that you described, they don't have any respect, they are just inconsiderate dicks who ruin the atmosphere of the party you're putting on. If they were decent mainstreamers who didn't act like jerkasses, I would be happy they are broadening their horizons and appreciating music that is worth appreciating. But instead they cut in line and try to steal your shit.

    Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely still a fan, but I'll probably be avoiding your shows for a while until this blows over.

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  130. When you wrote this blog about not selling out you only confirmed the fact that you sold out. Hahahah Just kidding I love you Man. I don't think the people who say this even deserve a response from you. Yeah I do admit though when you came out on MTV I was pissed and happy at the same time. Most of the points you brought up in your blog I do agree with. The fact is your Fans don't want to share you hahahaha.

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  131. I love what you're doing, Joel.. and I'm so proud of you for what youve been able to accomplish. This is so well written, and it just demonstrates why I like you so much. Not just for the music, but because of the kind of person you are. So many of us (your fans) are the same age as you, and share similar experiences from when we were all younger.

    I'm 29, I was one of those 'raver' kids back in high school... I had a bunch of NIN albums, I can totally relate! We're all grown up now, and like you, I'm doing exactly what I want (which also happened by mistake) and we're now running this sick, amazing business that's completely taken off, and we're just trying to manage it to the best of our abilities..

    I'm thrilled for you. I mean your accomplishments, your music, your abilities, they've all made you who you are, and you're still you. You haven't changed who you are (from what I can see, anyway..) you're enjoying life, and you're doing what you love. With the spotlight though, comes a bunch of bullshit, which will always be the case, no matter who you are and what you do.

    Keep doing what you're doing, Joel, and I'll see you in Vegas on Friday! I'll be thinking about what you wrote here, and it'll make the show that much better. <3

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  132. I couldn't pronounce your name either. But now I can. My, how things have changed

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  133. Just had a chat with a fellow producer friend of mine, who hates the piss out of ya... and when i asked him why, his only real answer boiled down to exposure. Like all quality producers should sit quietly in the background, less they turn to shit. God forbid somebody enjoy the music they put out. I gave up on him, cause he might as well have said i don't like it cause everyone does. yeah, fuck star wars.

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  134. "selling out" means doing something against ones moral fibre for personal gain. i challenge one person to call me out on that, just so i can laugh while they fail miserably.

    - 12th paragraph

    Look at rule number #6 in your music video with kaskade

    dont sell that shit!!

    and how many people would you kill for records again???? check your interview at mtv

    now thats a fucking sell out

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  135. Mau5man, sweet shit at ACL in Austin, gotta say that the dumb shits who dare call you are sell out gotta be out their fuckin minds.

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  136. Henry Winkler shilling for reverse mortgages? That's selling out. You start doing ads for 'male enhancers' or somethin'? You MIGHT be a sellout. ;)

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  137. your austin music hall show changed my life. i'm focused now and driven.

    thank you.

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  138. I 'discovered' you sometime last year. I know what it's like to be a part of a small group then have it go big.

    You mentioned something about hipsters. How about that one meme-generator'd hipster cat image that says "my favorite band is so indie they don't even make music yet". Fuck anybody who thinks you sold out because you are traveling the world, making tons of money and making music for millions of people. They're just 'jelly'.

    I'm being honest here, I have to take care to not listen to your music too much. I don't want to get sick of it. I don't want it to get played out. You know when you turn on the radio (or maybe you don't-- you shouldn't), and you hear the same 10 songs over and over, repeated all day?

    That's exactly what I don't want Deadmau5 to become. Strobe is played on very rare, special occasions. Not Exactly is my driving at night tune. Aguru is my alarm ringtone (or it used to be on my last Droid, now its chickens).

    Strobe is probably my favorite song right now. I'd say that I like it better than Pachelbel's Canon or Freddy Freeloader. I would play it right now but I've been procrastinating this cigarette for hours. I feel like I am stuck to my bed. Worst part is that I only have some Tiesto on this hard drive...

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  139. do what you love, love what you do, share, repeat.

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  140. I agree, and there is also a difference.. You take all of these other artists and once they climb the mainstream ladder they get so full of themselves and they believe that the world revolves around them.. "Do this, not that". Mau5 doesn't do that, and that means that Mau5 still continues to love what you do, not do it because its money or because you have your head shoved up your ass. You don't.

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  141. sooo... honestly i admit that i did find the idea of u being so mainstream and all a little annoying just because of all the people who havent seen and supported u since day one and go around saying "i love deadmau FIVE, ghosts n stuff is such a good song!" ok first of all, pronounce his name right and then go and look up other songs, because you obviously only know that song since its on the radio. ugh they bother me. anyways.. the point is, that after reading this i dont care anymore about the whole mainstream shit and i agree with this 100%. as long as u dont change ur epic style its all good and ill keep supporting u all the wayy ! see ya at ultra 2011 for the 3rd time haha, unless u come back to miami before then (revolution live was insane):]

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  142. Selling out? I don't get it....you're an artist and you just have more opportunities with your popularity. That's not selling out. Those people are just haters and can EAD! Keep up the good work Joel!

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  143. Lmao!! Deadmau5 on CSI! How sad of CSI.

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  144. I love you deadmau5 and I want the rest of the world to love you too.

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  145. is it me or did deadmau5 use samples from leave the world behind at the end of some chords?

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  147. Thanks Joel for writing this, I think you've given everyone a better insight on what you're doing. I don't think you're 'mainstream' btw.

    Anyway who cares what people think?

    Mainstream, Underground. Just stupid categories people try to put everyone in.

    I think an artist like yourself is most definitely allowed to do anything in your musical journey, even if it seems a little too adventurous, and we'll support you.

    Just keep creating and being the talented guy you are, Joel.

    Besides,you've got plenty of fans (including myself) all happy to support you no matter what you do, because we all enjoy and appreciate your music, your views, opinions and you as a person.

    - Louis

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  148. I'm sat here, after reading that post whilst listening to Raise Your Weapon, reading the first few comments and I have tears in my eyes. I admire your work, Joel. I'm so thankful that I ever discovered you, and that wouldn't have happened as soon as it did if it weren't for your collaboration with Kaskade on 'I Remember'. That one song, that one music video that I caught when I was aimlessly flicking through the music channels on TV... that brought me to you, in impecable timing. Since then, you've filled a place in my heart. Wherever you decide to go from here, whatever you decide to do... I'll be looking for you. Looking and listening all the time, because you've brought such an incredible sound - a phenomenom - to my life. It has inspired me. And I can't thank you enough.

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  149. im envious xP
    then again you ARE an amazing artist.
    bah think im just dumbstruck by the note
    well written is all i can say...

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  150. I'm writing my dissertation on discourses of authenticity relating to anti-commercialism in the electronic dance music industry. This has been ridiculously helpful and provided me with opinions it would have been otherwise borderline impossible to retrieve. Cheers pal.

    Also, Scotland has SO much love for you man. Its mental.

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  151. For those who feel this man is a sell out, for those that feel he has gone against his plan I have just this to say, the man had a dream and a dream that some as myself have aswell and he has come to realize his dream day in and day out. He wanted to bring his vision to the masses and has done so with his own style and with his heart in it. Maybe it could be that you feel this way because he is in a place you wish to be and have ill feelings for it. I could only say I wish I had a 16th of his sucess and wish we could all feel what he feels up there infront of that screaming crowd every night. I know I personaly wish I could. Let me leave you with good wishes Joel and praise on your sucess and much more to come and remember to rock a dirty set at UF this year and "leave them wet and wanting more"

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  152. Fuck the haters. You deserve EVERYTHING you've received, and the more people that you can reach with your music the better. End of story.

    I've been to your show, and I will go again.

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  153. http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=deadmau5+corporate+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a

    you're a sell out - a corporate whore... If it isn't against your 'moral fibre' to give multinational corporations a veneer of cool and access to your fans then you're too far gone for any hope. Say 'no' to a cheque once in a while....

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what?