SPINNING OUT
Zedd, Marshmello, Steve Aoki + more Are More Than DJs
In the world of house music, DJs strive to own their sound and position. “Spinning,” which DJs call their performances, is their stepping stone. Their aspirations include producing, songwriting credits and performances that well-known DJs like Zedd have already achieved through their songs like “Clarity” (2012). Now other DJs, like Marshmello famous for his pop hit song “HAPPY” (2018) and Diplo, have reached success in arenas outside of DJ-ing. Marshmello now has a fun show called Cooking with Marshmello and Diplo hosts a Sirius XM radio show. Both are also working on multiple projects, as well as their DJ gigs.
Other artists like Paris Hilton are growing beyond music and dipping into other projects. Hilton is a songwriter, DJ, media personality and reality TV celebrity. She now has the documentary, This is Paris, about her life as a Hilton heiress before her association with TV and pop culture. The documentary is on YouTube and she opens up about her Hollywood persona of detachment and stupidity to climb the ladder of fame. DJ Mad Marj, another socialite, used her media recognition to transition to DJ-ing. Her move led to DJ jobs for Versace, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Trans-activist Honey Dijon also used the underground Chicago and NY house scenes to generate renown as a fashion icon and musical artist. It is becoming common practice for artists and musicians with high profile lifestyles.
Artists like David Guetta and Steve Aoki are quintessential examples of success by transitioning from DJ-ing to songwriting and pop careers. Steve Aoki has produced tracks with Diplo, Chris Lake, and remixed songs for All American Rejects. His work has transitioned into writing, as he recently published a memoir last year, titled Blue: The Color of Noise. The song “Titanium,” a great track from 2011, is known from shows like Ultra and festivals that include Electric Zoo. Now, Guetta has awards that include #1 DJ in the world from DJ Magazine and just headlined at a charity show in Miami called United at Home 2020 for coronavirus victims. Artists from house music are also breaking out of their performances to get more clout in music. PROVOKR suggests you check out these artists as they expand from music to film and much more.
