Creep

Creep
General information
Artist(s)	deadmau5
Album	while(1<2)
Released	June 17 2014
Format	Digital
Recorded	2006-2013
Genre	IDM, Glitch Hop, Downtempo
Length	5:37
Writer(s)	Joel Zimmerman
Producer(s)	deadmau5

"Creep" is a song by deadmau5 featured on his seventh studio album, while(1<2), released on June 17, 2014. It is known to be one of deadmau5's oldest tracks, having undergone several versions.

Background

The melody of "Creep" first appeared in "Equal," a track from the Project 56 compilation released on April 5, 2006, via SectionZ. When played in reverse, a melody reminiscent of "Creep" becomes apparent.

The earliest version of "Creep" appeared on the unreleased BSOD album Do Not Release, curated by Play Records. This three-minute track, recorded in lower quality, was leaked in 2018. Since Play Records is only allowed to release songs from 2006 to 2008 under their agreement with Zimmerman, it's likely this demo was created during that period. The extent of Steve Duda's involvement in this version remains unknown.

A longer, refined version of "Creep" was included in the release of > album title goes here < as a Spotify exclusive, though it was only available for a limited time. It is speculated that this version was originally shared on Zimmerman's MySpace account.

In 2013, Zimmerman revisited the track, updating the mix and sharing works-in-progress on his SoundCloud. He posted three versions of the song in quick succession:

• "Creep v2" (3:00), a piano piece which seems to be a demo of the version on while(1<2)
• "Creep" (4:39), the version that would later be featured on Stuff I Used To Do
• "Creep 2k13" (5:39), the version that would end up being featured on while(1<2)

In 2015, when asked by Japanese fans about his favorite productions, Zimmerman responded: "I can’t listen to my own music. But if I had to pick a favourite, just for the sake of conversation, then maybe it would be Creep. [That] would be the one I would listen to if I didn’t make it."

In 2017, an alternate version of "Creep" appeared on Stuff I Used To Do. This version is more minimalist, with the piano melody replaced by plucked strings. Interestingly, the compilation was originally intended to include the original version from the limited Spotify release of >album title goes here<.

Trivia

• Zimmerman performed "Creep" live at The Park Ultra Lounge in 2008, alongside "Sleepless". It was not performed live again until the Retro5pective tour in 2024.