The Chainsmokers, comprised of Alexander “Alex” Pall and Andrew “Drew” Taggart, are a prominent American electronic DJ and production duo. Their journey to stardom began with a passion for remixing indie artists’ songs. Today, they are recognized as a leading EDM-pop duo with an impressive list of accolades.
One of their defining moments came in 2014 when they unleashed the infectious hit, “#Selfie,” which swiftly climbed the charts in numerous countries, marking a significant breakthrough in their career. Their accomplishments include a Grammy award, two American Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, and nine iHeartRadio Music Awards. In Forbes’ 2019 ranking of highest-paid celebrities, The Chainsmokers claimed the top spot among DJs, ending Calvin Harris’ six-year reign.
Their debut EP, “Bouquet,” dropped in October 2015 and featured the hit single “Roses,” reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Don’t Let Me Down,” featuring American singer Daya, secured their first top-five single on the Billboard chart and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 59th awards ceremony. “Closer,” featuring American singer-songwriter Halsey, became their inaugural number-one single on the Billboard chart. Building on their success, the duo released their second EP, “Collage,” in November 2016. Their debut studio album, “Memories…Do Not Open,” launched in April 2017 and claimed the top spot on the US Billboard 200 chart. Subsequently, their second album, “Sick Boy,” arrived in December 2018, followed by their third studio album, “World War Joy,” in December 2019, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart. Most recently, “So Far So Good,” their fourth studio album, was released on May 13, 2022.
Career Beginnings (2012):
The Chainsmokers’ journey began in 2012, initially consisting of Pall and former DJ Rhett Bixler. However, the duo was reformed as an EDM DJ duo under the management of Adam Alpert in New York City. Pall pursued studies in art history and music business at New York University, while Taggart was attending Syracuse University and interning at Interscope Records. Taggart’s interest in becoming a DJ led him to release original songs on SoundCloud. It was a chance encounter that changed everything when Taggart was informed of an open spot in Alpert’s managed duo after Bixler’s departure. Motivated, Taggart relocated from Maine to New York City, where he crossed paths with Pall, who had a DJ background and was working at an art gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan. This fateful meeting led to the formation of The Chainsmokers.
In April 2013, the duo gained recognition with their remix of “Medicine” by Daughter, which soared to the number one spot on HypeMachine.
By crafting catchy music and staying true to their passion, The Chainsmokers have come a long way since their remixing days, solidifying their place in the music industry and captivating audiences worldwide.
