The Chainsmokers: Did You Know?
Behind the Beats: Fun Facts & Little-Known Stories About The Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers, made up of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, are one of the most successful electronic dance music (EDM) duos of the past decade. With their catchy hits like "Closer," "Don't Let Me Down," and "Something Just Like This," they've captivated millions worldwide. But there’s more to this dynamic duo than meets the eye. Here are some fun facts and lesser-known stories about The Chainsmokers that will make you see them in a whole new light!
1. They Got Their Start in an Unlikely Place
Before dominating festivals and clubs around the world, The Chainsmokers' origin story wasn’t quite as glamorous. In 2012, Alex Pall was working in an art gallery in New York City while moonlighting as a DJ. His passion for music couldn’t be denied, and he was eventually introduced to Drew Taggart by a mutual friend. Drew was studying music business at Syracuse University at the time and moved to NYC for the opportunity. The two hit it off immediately, and the rest, as they say, is history.
2. Their First Hit Was a Joke
One of their early breakout tracks, "#Selfie," started as a parody of the selfie culture that was booming in the early 2010s. The tongue-in-cheek song, filled with spoken-word monologues about taking the perfect selfie, was meant to poke fun at clubgoers. However, it unexpectedly blew up, reaching millions of listeners worldwide. Even though the track’s success put them on the map, they’ve since distanced themselves from it, referring to it as more of a comedic moment in their journey.
3. They Were Almost Called "The Wooks"
Believe it or not, "The Chainsmokers" wasn’t their original choice for a band name! They once considered calling themselves "The Wooks," which is a slang term for people who are often found at jam band shows or music festivals, known for their laid-back vibes and love for music. Thankfully, they went with The Chainsmokers—a name that they’ve jokingly admitted doesn’t have any deep meaning either!
4. They’re Grammy Winners – Thanks to a Twitter Message
In 2016, The Chainsmokers' collaboration with rising artist Daya on "Don’t Let Me Down" earned them their first Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. How did the collab happen? Believe it or not, it started with a DM on Twitter! Drew Taggart sent Daya a message out of the blue, suggesting they work together. The result was a chart-topping, Grammy-winning anthem.
5. They Used to Upload Music Under Random Names
Before hitting it big, Drew and Alex were experimenting with sounds and styles, and they would often upload music under pseudonyms. Why? According to them, it was a way to release music without any expectations or pressure. These low-key uploads helped them hone their craft without the scrutiny that came with having an established name. Keep an ear out—some of their pre-fame beats might still be floating around the internet!
6. They’re Fitness Enthusiasts
When they’re not crafting chart-topping hits, Alex and Drew are all about fitness and wellness. They’ve been known to engage in some serious workouts while on tour, doing everything from CrossFit to boxing. The duo believes that staying physically fit helps them maintain the stamina needed for their high-energy performances and packed schedules.
7. They Love Video Games
It’s no secret that The Chainsmokers are big fans of video games. In fact, they’ve incorporated this love into their music career. In 2020, the duo created their own esports organization, "MANTIS," which participates in the popular game Fortnite. Their passion for gaming adds another layer to their fun personalities and connects them with fans who share the same hobby.
8. They Wrote "Closer" on a Tour Bus
Their biggest hit, "Closer," was written in a pretty unconventional setting—a tour bus. During downtime between shows, Drew and Alex were messing around with melodies, and Drew ended up writing the song’s iconic first verse. Inspired by a past relationship, the song quickly evolved, and Halsey was brought on board to add her signature vocals to the track. "Closer" went on to become one of the longest-charting singles in Billboard Hot 100 history.
9. Drew Is a Classically Trained Guitarist
While you may think of Drew as an EDM producer, he’s also an incredibly talented musician. He’s been playing guitar since he was 5 years old and even studied classical music. His background in guitar has influenced their music, adding melodic elements to their tracks that go beyond just typical electronic beats.
10. They’re Committed to Mental Health Advocacy
In recent years, The Chainsmokers have become vocal advocates for mental health awareness. In interviews, they’ve opened up about the pressures of fame and the toll that constant touring can take on mental well-being. They’re committed to using their platform to encourage others to prioritize mental health and have even worked with various organizations to help raise awareness.
The Chainsmokers are much more than hitmakers; their story is one of friendship, experimentation, and staying true to themselves in an ever-changing industry. Whether they’re gaming, working out, or writing songs on a tour bus, one thing’s for sure—they’ll continue to surprise us with what they do next!
An inspiring lyric comes from their song "Something Just Like This," featuring Coldplay:
"I'm not looking for somebody / With some superhuman gifts / Some superhero / Some fairytale bliss / Just something I can turn to / Somebody I can kiss."
This lyric reminds us that we don't need to be perfect or extraordinary to find happiness or love. Instead, it’s about the simplicity of genuine human connection—being there for each other in a way that’s real and attainable.