Prominent electronic music producer Deadmau5 recently expressed his strong disapproval towards fellow artist 3lau after the latter shared social media posts about his performance at President Trump’s inaugural ball held in Washington, D.C. This incident has sparked a significant conversation about the intersection of music, politics, and personal values in the contemporary electronic music scene.
On Tuesday, 3lau, whose name is pronounced ?blau,? took to Instagram to share captivating images and videos from the event. His caption revealed that just five days prior, President Trump?s team contacted him seeking a DJ for the inauguration afterparty. He expressed his surprise and excitement, stating, ?Playing Starlight Ball was not on my 2025 bingo card, but I mean wow, what an honor. I was so nervous, and only got to play for 30 min but holy . Achievement unlocked.? This moment highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the unexpected opportunities it can present.
Following the event, 3lau shared the same content on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the significance of his performance. He wrote, ?Yesterday was a huge leap forward for crypto!!! It was an honor to be a small part of it DJing the @POTUS afters ;)? This statement indicates his enthusiasm not only for his role in the event but also for the integration of cryptocurrency within the music and entertainment sectors.
Known by his real name, Justin Blau, 3lau has been an influential figure in the electronic music scene since debuting in 2013. In addition to his music career, he is a vocal advocate for technology and investment, having founded Royal in 2021. This innovative platform utilizes blockchain technology to enable fans to invest in music rights, showcasing his commitment to merging music and technology in meaningful ways.
In his Instagram post, 3lau further elaborated, stating, ?The timing is crazy. I know I?ve been quiet for a long time, mainly because 2025 is gonna be the biggest year yet ? for both my music and Royal.? His anticipation for the future indicates a strategic approach to his career and a focus on significant upcoming projects that may impact his trajectory in the music industry.
The comments section of his post, which is currently the only content on 3lau’s Instagram grid, has generated a variety of reactions. Among the thousands of comments, Deadmau5 stood out with a pointed critique. He remarked, ?Here?s the best takeaway, not a single person in that entire dumb? administration has ever known who the f? you were, cared about you, or even gives the remotest sh? about you, and you certainly won?t be remembered by any of em. But everyone in this business will remember that you stood behind nazis and convicted felons who would further marginalize the very people who gave you a platform. What very little respect I had for you is gone. So glad you got some drink tickets out of the deal, enjoy them, you nepo pissbaby.? This comment underscores the deep divisions within the music community regarding political affiliations.
Responding to the backlash, 3lau took to X on January 24, stating, ?Since playing the ball, I?ve received backlash from several prominent members of the music community. While I anticipated some pushback, the intensity of the response has been far greater than I expected.? This acknowledgment of the consequences of his choices reflects the complexities artists face when navigating their public personas in politically charged environments.
He continued, emphasizing his identity, ?A matter of fact: I am a proud American. The freedoms we have in this country make it possible for me to pursue my passions?whether as a founder, a CEO, or a musician. My pride should not be used as a vessel for other people?s anger. This is exactly the behavior that has divided us. I am unwavering in my decision to focus my music and my work on things that continue to push our country forward. This might not always align with a single party, but progress comes from working together, not against each other.? His statements reflect a desire for unity and collaboration, even amidst potential division.
3lau firmly stated, ?I believe in both free speech and the acceleration of tech innovation. These principles have been integral to my identity. I also see crypto and blockchain technology as monumental forces essential to our future as a nation?forces that the previous administration opposed. This administration favors many aspects of the vision I hold for our future; while no one?s values will ever fully align with those of any president or party, I stand by my choice. And, for the record, I am grateful to participate in our democracy.? His remarks illustrate a complex relationship between personal beliefs, professional choices, and the broader political landscape.
