Kx5

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Kx5
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Years active2022–present
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Members

Kx5 is an electronic dance music duo consisting of Canadian producer Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) and American producer Kaskade (Ryan Raddon).[1][2] The project formally launched in 2022, though the artists have a long history of working together, dating back to 2008.[2][3]

Collaboratory history and formation

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The genesis of Kx5 can be traced back to their highly influential collaborations in the late 2000s, specifically the tracks "I Remember" (2008) and "Move for Me" (2009), both of which achieved significant success on Billboard's Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart.[2][3] These early works are often credited with shaping the electronic music landscape.[2] Their paths crossed again in 2016 with "Beneath with Me".

The official formation of Kx5 was spurred by a combination of friendship, market demand, and the downtime provided by the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] Kaskade initiated the conversation to formalize their collaboration during the pandemic, leading to them exchanging musical ideas remotely.[3] The duo soft-launched the project in July 2021 during Kaskade's headlining set at SoFi Stadium, where Deadmau5 made a surprise appearance and they performed "I Remember" together.[3]

Their debut single as Kx5, "Escape" featuring Hayla, was released on March 11, 2022.[3] This track was described by Deadmau5 as a "throwback to that kind of minimalistic approach, to that melodic sing-songy house". "Escape" was well-received, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart and reaching number 1 on Billboard's Dance Mix Show/Airplay chart.[3]

A significant milestone for Kx5 was their performance at the LA Coliseum on December 10, 2022.[3] This event, which drew over 46,000 attendees, set a record for the "biggest ticketed global dance event for 2022".[3] The performance featured elaborate stage production, though it experienced a temporary halt due to a generator malfunction and fire backstage.[3] This concert was particularly symbolic as it marked a return of major electronic music events to the Coliseum after a decade-long hiatus following the 2010 Electric Daisy Carnival.[3]

Kx5 released their self-titled debut album on March 17, 2023, through Mau5trap and Arkade.[3] The album was generally well-received by critics, with Zach Salafia of Dancing Astronaut calling it "one of the year's best and most influential albums". Critics praised the album for its blend of nostalgic dance music with modern production expertise, consistent energy, and strong vocals.[4]

The collaboration is characterized by the complementary strengths of the two artists: Kaskade excels in songwriting, arrangement, and structure, while Deadmau5 focuses on mastering, engineering, and technical sound components.[3] Despite their differing personalities and working styles, they share a mutual respect and find the collaboration enjoyable and less pressured than their individual projects.[3] While the project was initially conceived with a limited run of shows, the possibility of future collaborations remains open.[3]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title[5] Details Peak chart positions
US
Dance
[6]
Kx5
  • Released: March 17, 2023
  • Label: Mau5trap, Arkade
  • Formats: vinyl, download
 6

Singles

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Title[7][8][9][10] Year Peak chart positions Album
CAN
[6] 		US Dance
[6] 		US Dig
[6]
"Escape"
(featuring Hayla) 		2022 52 11 4 Kx5
"Take Me High" — 38 21
"Alive"
(featuring the Moth & the Flame) 		— 26 —
"Avalanche"
(featuring James French) 		— 48 —

References

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  1. ^ "Kx5 – Artists". Insomniac.
  2. ^ a b c d "Music Mondays:: Kx5 (DeadMau5 + Kaskade)". Dailey Blend.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Bain, Katie (March 10, 2023). "Why Kaskade and deadmau5 Formed Kx5, Dance Music's Most In-Demand Odd Couple". Billboard.
  4. ^ Neil Z. Yeung. "Kx5 - Kx5". AllMusic. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  5. ^ "Kx5 by Kx5, deadmau5 & Kaskade on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d "kx5 | Biography, Music & News". Billboard.
  7. ^ Mier, Tomás (11 March 2022). "Kaskade and Deadmau5 drop 'Escape' under duo called Kx5". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  8. ^ Narozniak, Rachel (16 September 2022). "Kx5 continue propulsive streak with 'Take Me High'". Dancing Astronaut. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  9. ^ "Alive (feat. The Moth and the Flame) - Single by Kx5, deadmau5 & Kaskade". Apple Music. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  10. ^ "Avalanche (feat. James French) - Single by Kx5, deadmau5 & Kaskade". Apple Music. Retrieved 20 September 2025.