Every year, Forbes puts together a list of wealthy celebrities, athletes, and personalities for no other reason than to show exactly how much money these people have. Since the rise of EDM’s popularity and Vegas residencies, electronic musicians have been added to their list as their own category, considering many DJs make in the millions per year.
This year, Calvin Harris once again tops the list, though $3 million shorter than he was last year. Tiësto rises to #2 and takes over for David Guetta. Zedd, last year tied for eighth with Martin Garrix, has shot up to #4. Steve Aoki has distinguished himself from Skrillex, whom he tied last year for fourth. Likewise, Diplo has increased his market share after tying last year for 11th with Deadmau5; this year he ranks above his Jack U partner Skrillex at #6. Kaskade falls to #8, Martin Garrix falls to #9, and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike make their debut on the list at #10.
Not on the list this year are Deadmau5, Afrojack or Avicii.
Compare with 2015’s ranking here.
Forbes’ EDM Cash Kings 2016:
1. Calvin Harris, $63 million
2. Tiësto, $38 million
3. David Guetta, $28 million
4. ZEDD, $24.5 million
5. Steve Aoki, $23.5 million
6. Diplo, $23 million
7. Skrillex, $20 million
8. Kaskade, $19 million
9. Martin Garrix, $16 million
10. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, $15.5 million