A Syracuse University alumnus is now the highest-paid DJ in the world. No, it’s not Rony Seikaly or DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal (who attended Sportscaster U at SU’s Newhouse School in 2009). It’s Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers. Forbes has released a new list of the richest DJs, and The Chainsmokers are No. 1 with a total revenue of $46 million before taxes over the past 12 months. Billboard reports Taggart and bandmate Alex Pall get six figures for each performance at festivals and private shows, plus music sales, endorsements and a three-year residency deal with Wynn Nightlife.
Taggart was part of Syracuse’s Bandier music program and graduated from the Visual and Performing Arts school in 2012. While in school, Taggart worked on solo music, performed at the Lava Nightclub at Turning Stone as a solo DJ and released an EP in 2011 as DJ D’Anconia. He later hooked up with Pall, who was performing as DJ Pall Mall, to become The Chainsmokers and reach huge heights with hits like “Closer,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” and “Something Just Like This.”
Marshmello (“Friends,” “Happier”) came in at No. 2 with $40 million, followed by previous EDM king Calvin Harris at $38.5 million. Steve Aoki, Diplo, Tiesto, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Zedd and Armin Van Buuren round out the top 10.
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