Based on his stage name, there’s no doubt that Canadian CJ Deadmau5 (pronounced dead-mouse) is one of the most creative and unique people in the music industry. Born as Joel Thomas Zimmerman, Deadmau5 has been spinning since he was a teenager, and more than two decades later, he’s one of the most renowned and respected DJs in the industry, not to mention a Grammy-nominated artist. While most of us his stuff fits into the progressive house music genre, Deadmau5 has skills on a variety of instruments and dabbles in the world of techno and electronic music. In other words, he’s not your ordinary DJ, and when you check him out live, you never know what funky sounds he’ll create or how he’ll inspire you to dance and enjoy yourself.

The Man in the Mask

Deadmau5 is hard to mistake with other DJs, not only because of his sound but also because he’s one of a few select performers who wears a mask. Appropriately enough, Deadmau5 has an LED helmet that looks akin to a demonic mouse. In fact, Deadmau5’s logo bears a striking resemblance to that of Disney’s Mickey Mouse, leading to a trademark dispute between Disney and the artist. However, the dispute was ultimately resolved, and Deadmau5 continues to wear his trademark mask while performing, making him distinct from all of the other DJs out there.

Real and Spectacular

Not only does Deadmau5’s music and appearance make him different from similar artists, but his concerts are also different from anyone else. He spends the show inside a platform called "The Cube" in the middle of the stage and creates a spectacle of lights and sound. Some may call it unnecessary and ostentatious pageantry, but it’s just another way to entertain the audience and keep them engaged. In a way, it’s not about the artist rather the experience of being there. Of course, amidst all of the lights and visual appeal of a Deadmau5 concert, the music is still the highlight, as Deadmau5 always delivers his hits plus plenty of surprises that audiences will be delighted to hear.