Borgore Unleashes Raw Personality on ‘Slaughterhouse’ EP: From Dubstep King to House Music Innovator
For over a decade, Borgore has commanded stages and airwaves, solidifying his status as a pioneering force in the electronic music scene. Known for his unapologetically heavy dubstep sound and a string of anthems that defined an era, the Israeli DJ and producer has consistently pushed boundaries. Yet, with his latest EP, Slaughterhouse, Borgore embarks on a bold new artistic journey, challenging both himself and his devoted fanbase. This project marks a significant evolution, as he sheds preconceived notions to embrace a more nuanced, house-driven sound, allowing a deeper layer of his artistic personality to shine through.
Many believe they know Borgore intimately. After all, he’s the mastermind behind colossal tracks like “Decisions,” a collaboration that famously featured pop superstar Miley Cyrus, and “Forbes,” a high-energy anthem with rapper G-Eazy. His repertoire also boasts fan favorites such as “Unicorn Zombie Apocalypse” alongside SIKDOPE, and “Wild Out” featuring Waka Flocka Flame and Paige. These tracks not only garnered millions of streams but also cultivated a fiercely loyal following since his explosive debut in the 2010s. Now, a decade on, Borgore is dismantling expectations with Slaughterhouse, an EP that promises to redefine his sonic identity. Far from the gory implications of its title, this new collection is poised to deliver something altogether different: a decidedly sexy and sophisticated vibe, perfectly encapsulated by the lead single, “Sexy Boi.”
Speaking exclusively to HollywoodLife, Borgore articulated the delicate balance struck by his new material. “‘Sexy Boi’ sits right on that fine line,” he explained, “between what people typically recognize as a classic Borgore sound – the heavy experimentation with vocals – and this fresh direction the EP aims for, which is all about those more housey, fun vibes.” Indeed, an undeniable sense of exhilaration pulses at the core of the track. “Sexy Boi” explores the vibrant frequencies of house music, inviting listeners to surrender to its infectious rhythm, while subtle, signature elements of dubstep playfully weave in and out. The result is a raw, energetic, and undeniably sweaty groove that compels anyone within earshot to hit the dance floor.
The pivot towards a house-infused sound represents a significant artistic evolution for Borgore. While he deeply cherishes his roots in dubstep, he observed a shift in the American electronic music landscape. “Electronic music in America went from being a widespread phenomenon, a central focus in the music world, to essentially being distilled into this one genre: dubstep,” he shared in the exclusive interview. This hyper-focus, he felt, began to limit the expressive potential. “I just feel like house gives me personality, that liberating feeling I had when I wrote ‘Incredible.’ It was a moment of realization that everything was about to explode because I finally had the capability of writing a record I genuinely enjoyed creating, one that also possessed huge crowd potential.” This artistic freedom and the ability to connect with a broader audience while staying true to his creative desires were paramount in his decision to explore new sonic territories.
That immense potential is now fully realized with the release of Borgore’s Slaughterhouse EP, which dropped on December 3. Known for an aesthetic that often blends elements of horror, raw sensuality, and high glamour, Borgore delved deeper into the inspiration behind the EP’s provocative title during his conversation with HollywoodLife. He also candidly discussed his occasional longing to step away from the relentless pace of the industry, confessing, “sometimes I wish I could just press stop for a little bit and just go back to making music for myself.” Adding an unexpected twist to his personal narrative, he revealed how his very first heartbreak was, surprisingly, linked to the world of professional wrestling – specifically the WWF.
Diving Deep: An Exclusive Interview with Borgore on ‘Slaughterhouse’
HollywoodLife: “Sexy Boi” is the latest track from your new EP, Slaughterhouse. This project promises a fresh sonic palette that fans might not anticipate from Borgore. How does “Sexy Boi” specifically embody this exciting new direction?
Borgore: I believe “Sexy Boi” truly represents that crucial intersection – it’s the fine line where my classic Borgore sound, with its characteristic heavy vocal manipulation, meets the vibrant, more house-oriented and fun vibes that this new EP is exploring. While I have an immense love for dubstep, a genre where I started and perhaps even helped lay some foundational stones, I’ve observed a notable shift in electronic music within America. It transitioned from being a broadly discussed, central focus in the music world to being largely defined by this single genre, dubstep, and its very specific following. House music, to me, brings a new sense of awakening, echoing the electrifying energy that big room house brought around 2012 or 2013. It possesses this incredible ability to bridge the gap between casual music fans and the most ardent electronic music enthusiasts, creating a more inclusive and expansive atmosphere.
As someone who grew up as a huge pro-wrestling fan, the name “Sexy Boi” immediately conjures images of Shawn Michaels from the mid-90s WWF. I doubt this song is a tribute to that era, so what truly inspired the track?
OMG! That’s hilarious, I actually never made that connection! Perhaps it’s a subliminal influence because, as a kid, I was an absolutely massive WWF fan! I owned all the video games, collected every shirt, and attended every single event they held in Israel. I even subtly referenced “Yokozuna” in my song “Syrup,” who, as a child, I perceived as my ultimate arch-nemesis. Shawn Michaels was undoubtedly a legend and incredibly dope, but I suppose my soul leaned towards the darker side even from a young age because my all-time favorite wrestler was always The Undertaker. Anyway, my fervent following of wrestling came to an abrupt halt when (spoiler alert!) I realized that the Jewish Santa, Eliahu Hanavi, who visits during Passover, was actually my parents. And, of course, that wrestling in the WWF was staged. Honestly, it was my first genuine heartbreak.
What specifically triggered this musical departure beyond your established dubstep sound? Was there a definitive moment when you felt the compelling need to challenge yourself artistically?
I believe I touched upon this in my previous answer, but it bears repeating because it’s so central to this shift. As I mentioned, house music genuinely allows me to inject more of my personality into my art. It reignites that profound feeling I experienced when I created “Incredible,” that moment of clarity where I realized everything was on the cusp of exploding because I possessed the capability to write a record I not only enjoyed making but also one that had immense potential to resonate with a vast audience. For me, maintaining authenticity in my creative process is paramount. If I’m not genuine with what I’m writing, I instinctively feel that listeners can perceive it, and the end result can feel somewhat… inadequate. So, having the opportunity to express myself genuinely within a currently popular genre like house truly feels like a blessing and a privilege. It allows me to connect with people on a deeper level while exploring new facets of my musical identity.
Your new EP is provocatively titled ‘Slaughterhouse.’ One might infer that you’re metaphorically taking all existing perceptions and past iterations of Borgore into this titular house, dissecting and transforming them. Is that an accurate interpretation?
You’ve hit the nail right on the head; that’s precisely the intention behind the title. Even when I venture into house music, the sound still unmistakably carries my signature. This, of course, is a double-edged sword: having a recognizable, signature sound is undeniably incredible and a mark of artistic individuality. Yet, it can also be a little bit crippling in a creative sense. It’s like imagining Van Gogh. I’m sure he possessed the artistic genius to paint some truly beautiful Cubist art, but no matter how masterful, it wouldn’t quite look like the classic works of Braque or Picasso. My sound, even when evolving, remains distinctly mine, and Slaughterhouse represents the process of taking those core elements and reimagining them in a new space.
In your “I Don’t Care” music video, there’s a memorable scene where your animated avatar seeks solace, relaxing atop your tour bus, far removed from the world. When was the last time you felt that profound desire to escape the demands and pressures of the music industry?
These symbolic references to stepping away from everything have been like recurring breadcrumbs, scattered throughout my career from its very inception. Honestly, my love for music is almost on a brainwashed level – it’s an intrinsic part of who I am. I actually knew how to read musical notes long before I could read letters. I dedicate significantly more time to delving into deeper levels of music theory and exploring the philosophical underpinnings of music than I spend on DJing. In many ways, DJing often feels like a temporary job, a means to pay for my deeper musical education, or perhaps, my ‘college tuition’ for life. I DJ so that I can finance and pursue what I genuinely love: the creation of music itself. And yes, sometimes the endless rounds of social media interviews, the constant promotional demands, and those particularly bad gigs – because people only ever showcase the glamorous ones on Instagram, but I promise you, every DJ endures some experiences that are truly damaging mentally – all these things were not what I envisioned or signed up for when I first started uploading songs I enjoyed making to the internet what feels like a million years ago. There are definitely moments when I desperately wish I could just hit the stop button for a little while and retreat to the sanctuary of simply making music solely for myself, without external pressures or expectations. (On a very positive note, I actually found immense joy in creating this particular EP, and I’m currently feeling so incredibly inspired that I can barely pull myself out of the studio.)
Borgore’s Slaughterhouse EP is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a declaration of artistic intent, a testament to growth, and an invitation to experience the full breadth of his creative vision. By venturing into the vibrant world of house music, Borgore has not abandoned his roots but rather enriched them, offering a dynamic sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. His journey reminds us that true artistry lies in the courage to evolve and the commitment to genuine self-expression, no matter the genre.
Experience the evolution. Borgore’s Slaughterhouse is available now. Find it here.