The Chainsmokers
Biography
The Chainsmokers are an American electronic DJ and production duo consisting of Alexander "Alex" Pall and Andrew "Drew" Taggart. Formed in New York City in 2012, they started by creating remixes of indie artists' songs. Their signature sound blends pop, electronic, and indie music.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
The duo achieved breakthrough success in 2014 with their viral hit single "#Selfie," which charted internationally. This satirical track brought them mainstream attention. Following this, they released their debut EP, Bouquet, in 2015, which featured the top-10 single "Roses". In 2016, their single "Don't Let Me Down," featuring Daya, became a top-five hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Later that year, "Closer," a collaboration with Halsey, became their first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for over ten weeks.
Musical Style and Influences
The Chainsmokers' music is often described as a mix of EDM, pop, electropop, and future bass. Taggart has described their sound as "blurring the lines between indie, pop music, dance music, and hip-hop." They have cited Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, and Kanye West as some of their musical influences.
Studio Albums
Memories...Do Not Open (2017)
The Chainsmokers released their debut studio album, Memories...Do Not Open, in April 2017. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit singles "Paris" and "Something Just Like This," a collaboration with Coldplay.
Sick Boy (2018) and World War Joy (2019)
Their second album, Sick Boy, was released in December 2018, followed by their third, World War Joy, in December 2019. World War Joy also debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
So Far So Good (2022) and Summertime Friends (2023)
After a hiatus, the duo released their fourth studio album, So Far So Good, in May 2022, which also topped the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Their fifth album, Summertime Friends, was released in October 2023.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout their career, The Chainsmokers have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, two American Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, and nine iHeartRadio Music Awards. In 2019, Forbes named them the highest-paid DJs.