Calvin Harris’ has been knocked off the top spot as the highest paid DJ, as determined by the 2019 edition of Forbes’s ‘Electronic Cash Kings’. Six years ago in 2013, Harris dominated the list at number one, earning $46 million, overtaking high profile artists including Katy Perry and Jay-Z.
However, Calvin’s six year reign at the top is over, falling two spots in 2019, losing out to The Chainsmokers at number one. Due to a three year residency at Wynn Nightlife, festivals, private gigs, music sales and endorsements, the American duo, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, responsible for hits including ‘Selfie’, ‘Closer’ and ‘Something Just Like This’, have been able to take the crown from Harris, bringing in £37.5 million.
Elsewhere on Forbes’ list came American producer Marshmello, who raked in £32.6 million. Steve Aoki came in fourth place behind Harris with a total of £24.5 million, and Diplo in fifth with £20.4 million. Other names on the list include Dutch producer Afrojack in 14th, Skrillex in 12th, David Guetta in 8th, and Martin Garrix in 7th.
The list is constructed, by ranking electronic acts from around the world using pretax earnings from June 1, 2018, to the same date in 2019.
Electronic Cash Kings 2019: The Top 15.
- The Chainsmokers ($46 million)
- Marshmello ($38.5 million)
- Calvin Harris ($38.5 million)
- Steve Aoki (30 million)
- Diplo ($25 million)
- Tiësto ($24 million)
- Martin Garrix ($19 million)
- David Guetta ($18 million)
- Zedd ($17 million)
- Armin van Buuren ($15 million)
- Kaskade ($14 million)
- Skrillex ($13 million)
- Alesso ($12.5 million)
- Afrojack ($12 million)
- DJ Snake ($11.5 million, tie)
- DJ Pauly D ($11.5 million, tie)
- Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike ($11.5 million, tie)
Calvin Harris was announced in the line up for Australia’s inaugural FestivalX, including Armin Van Buuren, Steve Aoki and Lil Pump, as well as Australian born Alison Wonderland and Anna Lunoe, for a three day event hosted at three independent locations, beginning at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds on November 29, Sydney Showgrounds on November 30, and conclude on December 1st at Melbourne Showgrounds.
