From counting the coin generated from live shows, music sales, endorsements, merchandise and – strangely enough – television, those fiscal list makers at Forbes have released their first annual list of ‘Electronic Cash Kings‘ – the world’s ten highest-paid EDM DJs who have between them tallied $125 million in the last 12 months. Topping the list with $22 million is aspiring designer and noted Gotye-enthusiast Tiesto, the 92nd most powerful celebrity in the world, Skrillex and soon-to-be-defunct Scandin-ravian trio Swedish House Mafia. Full list below:
1. Tiesto – the Dutch DJ can generate up to $250,000 per night and raked in a nice $22 million.
2. Skrillex – the three time Grammy winner and 24 years old made $15 million in the last year. Not bad for a bit of knob turning womp womp womp.
3. Swedish House Mafia – they came, raved and caved with a nice $4.6 million each this year ($14 million for those of you playing at home)
4. David Guetta – So many monies, where do I begin? With endorsements from HP and Renault, plus mainstream success, David Guetta netted $13.5 million. Damn you a sexy, bitch. Kidding.
5. Steve Aoki – Forbes notes that while Aoki doesn’t earn as much per performance he performs more than most with over 200 shows last year.
6. Deadmau5 – Progressive house mouse scored a Grammy nod for best Dance/Electronica album alongside Guetta and Skrillex. Oh and he made $11.5 million. That’s a whole lotta mouse costumes.
7. DJ Pauly D – Paul DelVecchio’s $11 million make up only half of his annual earnings. He earns up to $40,000 per show, has a Dirty Couture clothing line, beverage, headphone range and his own spin off show. Don’t get your hopes up, Anyone From The Shire.
8. Kaskade – The ‘undisputed grand master of house music’ made $10 million 125 shows. Let it rain down.
9. Afrojack – With a neat little $9 million, Afrojack can do whatever he wants. Including working with both Pitbull and Paris Hilton.
10. – Avicii – Another Swedish prodigy at just 22, Avicii (real name Tim Bergling) earned $7 million and a Grammy nod. Avicii released a track ‘2 million’ commemorating his 2 millionth Facebook fan. Still waiting on him to do the same for his 7th million dollar. That might be pretty arrogant though.
Photo Theo Wargo for Getty Images Entertainment
