Ever wondered how much moolah your favorite DJs make in a year? Forbes tells it all!
The Forbes 2013 ‘DJ Rich List’ is out – and no, superstar Tiesto is not on the #1 spot! The producer reigning the number one spot on the annual report is… wait-for-it-or-you-probably-already-know-it, Calvin Harris! His nightly checks are a whopping six-figure for performances at nightclubs from Las Vegas to Ibiza. When Forbes questioned Harris, he modestly replied:
“The rise of dance music has been astronomical in the last three years, I happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
Avicii, who is the youngest DJ on the list,blatantly admitted that the fees for DJs has gotten out of hand and is going to extremes. But the thing that left everyone startled was the presence of DJ Pauly D on the list, who is at par with Diplo, earning $13 million a year! Fans have expressed concerned about the fact that a former Jersey Shore star can earn as much as a devoted producer and label owner.
DJs obviously make a lot of money, but how much exactly do they earn in a year’s time? Here’s a list of the top 12 producers on the list:
1. Calvin Harris – $46 million
2. Tiësto – $32 million
3. David Guetta – $30 million
4. Swedish House Mafia – $25 million
5. Deadmau5 – $21 million
6. Avicii – $20 million
7. Afrojack – $18 million
8. Armin van Buuren – $17 million
9. Skrillex – $16 million (tie)
10. Kaskade – $16 million (tie)
11. Steve Aoki – $14 million
12. DJ Pauly D – $13 million (tie)
13. Diplo – $13 million (tie)
Forbes also explained the method of their estimates:
“Our estimates include earnings from live shows, endorsements, merchandise sales, recorded music sales, external business ventures and, in the case of DJ Pauly D, television (we included him on this list because, like his fellow Electronic Cash Kings, he makes at least half his cash from DJ gigs). Sources include Songkick, Pollstar, RIAA, promoters, managers, lawyers and some of the artists themselves.”