Forbes magazine has published a ranking of the most popular and highest paid DJs in the world. For some, this year was a time of unprecedented take-off, while someone, on the contrary, “flew” from under the wheel of Fortune. In the ranking there is one Russian - Anton Zaslavsky (better known under the pseudonym Zedd), which cannot but rejoice. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the list of lucky ones who happened to become kings of the modern DJ industry.
10. Zedd
German DJ and music producer Anton Zaslavsky was born in Saratov in 1989. He was brought up in a family of musicians, which, undoubtedly, became decisive in the choice of his professional activity. Already in 2014, Anton received a Grammy Award in the category "Best Dance Record", and in 2014 entered the top 10 highest-paid DJs in the world. Now his income is $ 19 million.
9. Martin Garrix
Martin was born in Amsterdam and is now only 21 years old, making him one of the youngest DJs in the world. Well, his youth is not in vain: since 2014, he has been the headliner of the largest musical events such as Sensation, Coachella and others. The track Animals, inspired by his world famous DJ Tiesto, brought glory to Martin. Garrix’s revenue today is $ 19.5 million.
8. Marshmello
The pseudonym of this independent DJ is absolutely justified in his extravagant way: at his many concerts he performs in a helmet in a form reminiscent of the famous American sweetness. Marshmallow, despite his anonymity, since 2015 has become incredibly popular, and not his mysterious image, but really high-quality DJing brought him popularity. However, his work is based on bass-heavy electronic dance music. Zephyrka’s revenue is $ 21 million.
7. David Guetta
Few would argue that David Guetta is, in a way, already mainstream. After all, it is difficult to calculate how many world ratings and how many times he was recognized as the best or even more - the best of the best. In addition to DJing, David is a very successful producer, collaborating with world-famous stars such as Rihanna, Sia, Akon and many others. Getta is a permanent resident of the most “top” places, therefore dollars flow to him as a river: the winner of the seventh place Forbes receives $ 25 million a year.
6. Diplo
Diplo is the most sought after DJ in the USA and, one might say, the most unique DJ in the whole world. His work is difficult to attribute to any direction, because he created his own style, a new movement in the music world - bail funk, which is often called a "tropical" house. In addition, Diplo is working on many projects, such as Major Lazer, whose tracks we can often hear on all youth radio stations. Diplo's annual revenue is $ 28.5 million.
5. Steve Aoki
Aoki can be called the most ardent workaholic of this rating: the pace of his work seems simply unbelievable, because for 12 months he gives more than 200 concerts, and sometimes even several concerts a day. Passion for his business brings Steve more than $ 29 million a year.
4. Skrilllex
Skrilllex, whose real name is Sonya John Moore, has been actively moving up his career ladder since 2002. In 2012, according to Forbes, he took 2nd place in the ranking of the highest paid DJs in the world, and since 2011 he has been nominated for several awards at each Grammy. It should be noted that in the work of Moore, many elements from Diplo were borrowed, which, in fact, he does not hide. An interesting fact: Skrilllex reached the peak of its popularity after working together with Justin Bieber. Moore is now receiving $ 30 million a year.
3. The Chainsmokers
The New York duo of two DJs Andrew Taggart and Alex Paul has existed since 2012, and in 2016 he achieved incredible success: their joint track with singer Daya broke the Billboard Hot 100 record - for more than 28 weeks the song was in the top 5 best. This tandem, many are sure, has a great future - the guys signed contracts with eminent Las Vegas party organizers, which, of course, cannot go unnoticed for their career. However, it has not passed - these handsome men receive almost $ 38 million a year.
2. Tiesto
Tiesto from year to year does not give up their positions, all ahead of their competitors in the genre of electronic dance music. This veteran of DJing gives more than 100 concerts a year, which brings him $ 39 million. Today, Tiesto is the most titled DJ in the world.
1. Calvin Harris
Our leader is Scottish DJ, songwriter and music producer Calvin Harris. For each of his performances, Kelvin takes a six-figure, or even seven-figure sum, confirming that he is the most expensive and successful DJ on the planet. The annual income amounted to $ 48.5 million. On his account 11 nominations, 2 of which were crowned with victory. Nevertheless, we wish this guy from Dumfries even more successful contracts and awards.
It is worth noting that when compiling this rating, the authors did not take into account the fees of managers, agents and lawyers. The basis was taken only the net revenue of the stars of the music industry. After reading this article, many will find that receiving such staggering amounts simply because you “cut” the music is absurd. However, do not forget that one way or another, this is a colossal work, the fruits of which are an important component of the life of modern man.