Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, the talented duo known as The Chainsmokers, have left an indelible mark on the pop music landscape. Here's a closer look at the journey of these two DJs.
Inception and Early Years
The Chainsmokers, comprised of Drew Taggart (born December 31, 1989) and Alex Pall (born May 16, 1985), burst onto the scene with the viral sensation "#Selfie" in 2014. However, it was in 2016 that they truly soared to new heights with the release of "Closer," a chart-topping single that became one of the most significant pop hits of all time.
Background and Formation
Drew Taggart, raised in Freeport, Maine, discovered his passion for electronic dance music at the age of 15 while in Argentina. His journey led him to Syracuse University, where he later became an intern at Interscope Records. On the other hand, Alex Pall, hailing from Westchester County, New York, pursued an art major at New York University.
The Chainsmokers came into existence in 2012 when Alex Pall, initially part of the duo with Rhett Bixler, joined forces with Drew Taggart in New York City. After Rhett Bixler's departure, Drew Taggart relocated from Maine to collaborate with Alex Pall. Their first single, "Erase," featuring Indian actress and singer Priyanka Chopra, marked the beginning of their musical journey.
Personal Lives
Drew Taggart's rumored breakup with his girlfriend, Haley Rowe, coincided with a steamy live performance of "Closer" at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Speculations about a potential relationship with singer Halsey surfaced, but the duo remained tight-lipped. Alex Pall is known to be in a relationship with Tori Woodward.
Key EP Releases
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Bouquet (2015): Addressing criticisms of their initial hit, "#Selfie," The Chainsmokers responded with their first EP. "Roses," the lead single, achieved their first top 10 pop hit. Bouquet peaked at #31 on the album chart and reached #2 on the dance albums chart.
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Collage (2016): Released while "Closer" dominated the charts, this EP featured all five tracks as singles. Three of them entered the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Collage secured a #6 position on the US album chart, aiding The Chainsmokers in earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist.
Chart-Topping Singles
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"#Selfie (2014): The breakout single that brought The Chainsmokers widespread attention, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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- "Roses" (2015):* Featuring Rozes, this track marked their transition into serious pop artists, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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- "Don't Let Me Down" (2016):* Featuring Daya, this Grammy-nominated hit climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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- "Closer" (2016):* A monumental success, spending twelve weeks at #1, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance.
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- "Paris" (2017):* This song, featuring uncredited vocals from Emily Warren, reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Influence and Impact
The Chainsmokers attribute their sound to influences like Pharrell Williams and DJ Deadmau5. Their music, characterized by spare, sharp beats, captures the zeitgeist of pop. While their initial hit, "#Selfie," may seem like a false start, it was with "Roses" that their true sound emerged. With a fusion of pop and hip-hop elements, The Chainsmokers create catchy, infectious tunes that transcend musical boundaries.
