In 2008, Joel Zimmerman, known as Deadmau5, initiated a high-profile lawsuit against his former label, Play Records, marking a pivotal moment in his career and the EDM industry. The dispute centered on Play Records’ claim to the rights of early Deadmau5 tracks, including those from his debut album Get Scraped, which Zimmerman argued were improperly controlled by the label.

Deadmau5, already gaining traction with hits like “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff,” accused Play Records of exploiting his growing fame by re-releasing his early work without proper authorization or fair compensation. The lawsuit underscored the tension between emerging artists and record labels in the rapidly commercializing EDM scene, where young producers often signed unfavorable deals early in their careers.

The legal battle continued into 2010, drawing attention to issues of artist autonomy and intellectual property in electronic music. Deadmau5’s persistence paid off when he successfully regained control of his early catalog, allowing him to re-release tracks under his own terms.

This victory was not only a personal triumph but also a precedent for other EDM artists navigating exploitative contracts. By standing up to Play Records, Deadmau5 cemented his reputation as a fierce advocate for creative control, influencing a new generation of producers to prioritize ownership in an industry increasingly driven by festival circuits and digital platforms.

In 2025 Joel sold the rights to all Deadmau5 music for $55 Million.