Forbes Reveal The 12 Highest-Paid DJs Of 2015
Forbes have revealed the top 12 earning DJs of the last 12 months, and documented exactly how they earn their millions. Can you guess who made the the number one spot?
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1. 11 and 12. Diplo and Deadmau5 (tie): $15 million
Just making it onto the list in joint 11th place is Diplo, who has had major success with his Jack Ü collaboration with Skrillex, and Deadmau5 who has earned his riches from large festival fees. Picture: PA
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2. 10. Afrojack: $16 million
The Dutch-born DJ regularly pulls in six-figure fees from clubs and festivals from Las Vegas to Europe. His debut album 'Forget The World' which featured Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa also brought him success.
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3. 8 and 9. Zedd and Martin Garrix (tie): $17 million
Zedd’s second album ‘True Colours’ rose to No. 4 on the Billboard charts with help from Selena Gomez, while Martin Garrix's relentless touring schedule and the success of hit single ‘Animals’ has earned the 19-year-old a place on the list.
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4. 7. Kaskade: $18 million
Despite being in his 40s, Kaskade is still one of the biggest and most energetic DJs in the industry. He recently inked a 2-album record deal with Warner Bros in January after spending most of his career releasing music independently. Picture: Getty
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5. 6. Avicii: $19 million
Despite playing fewer shows than his peers, the Grammy-nominated DJ and producer commands six-figure fees and is still seeing success from his debut album ‘True’ which was responsible for smash hit ‘Wake Me Up’ – a track which is currently 4 x platinum. Picture: Getty
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6. 4 and 5. Steve Aoki and Skrillex (tie): $24 million
Steve Aoki's relentless touring of areas such as Latin America and clever investments keep him on the list, while Skrillex's unique brand of EDM has proven lucrative. Picture: Getty
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7. 3. Tiesto: $36 million
Teisto's huge work ethic and sky-high nightly fees, ensure that the Dutch DJ squeezes himself into the top 3. Picture: Getty
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8. 2. David Guetta: $37 million
The French DJ/producer had another huge year and played 30 shows in Las Vegas while continuing his weekly residence in Ibiza. He was also a headline act at this year's Coachella festival and remains one of the few EDM DJs who has found mainstream EDM pop success. Picture: Getty
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9. 1. Calvin Harris: $40 million
Although the Scottish DJ has played fewer shows than last year, he has profited from rising club and festival fees. He also has seven figure endorsements with brands such as Armani, who recently made him the face of their men's underwear line. Picture: Facebook
