The Best Electronic Dance Music DJs of All Time

In this blog post, we take a look at the best electronic dance music DJs of all time. We’ll countdown the top 10 DJs, including their achievements and contributions to the EDM scene.

Introduction

In the world of electronic dance music, there are a select few DJs who have managed to reach the pinnacle of success. These are the DJs who have not only maintained a loyal following throughout their careers, but have also managed to innovate and stay relevant in an ever-changing genre.

Below is a list of the best EDM DJs of all time, based on their contributions to the genre, their longevity, and their influence on other DJs and producers.

1. Daft Punk
2. Skrillex
3. Deadmau5
4. Tiesto
5. Hardwell

Daft Punk

Daft Punk is a French electronic dance music duo consisting of producers Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. Daft Punk is considered one of the most influential dance music acts of all time. The duo achieved considerable popularity in the late 1990s as part of the French house movement and had continuous success in the early 2000s, culminating in their Grammy-winning album Discovery. They also had success with their 2013 album Random Access Memories, which won five Grammys, including Album of the Year.

Tiësto

Tiësto, born Tijs Verwest, is a Dutch DJ and record producer. He is considered the “Godfather of EDM” by many in the industry. He has been voted the #1 DJ in the world a record-breaking three times by DJ Magazine. He has also won a Grammy Award for his work on the album Klein Holla

Born in Breda, Netherlands, Tiësto began spinning records at age fourteen. After buying basic equipment from a local store, he set up his first rig in his bedroom. By 1987, he was playing at area clubs and events. In 1994 he released his first single “Magik 1,” which led to residencies at several clubs in Ibiza, Spain. His popularity exploded with the release of Magik Muzik 100 in 1999 and his set at the first ID&T Innercity party in Amsterdam that same year.

Over the next few years, Tiësto became one of the most sought-after DJs in the world, headlining festivals and clubs on every continent. In 2002 he release his first solo album In Search of Sunrise 3: Panama to critical acclaim. The following year he released Just Be, which featured the hit single “Traffic.” In 2004 he became the first DJ to play live at an Olympic Games when he performed at the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

Tiësto has continued to push boundaries throughout his career, becoming one of electronic dance music’s most innovative and celebrated artists.

Skrillex

Skrillex, real name Sonny Moore, is an American producer who – in a relatively short space of time – has managed to make a big impact on the EDM scene. He’s best known for his work in the dubstep genre, but he’s also produced electro house and moombahton tracks. Skrillex has won a total of eight Grammy Awards and has been nominated for many more.

Marshmello

Marshmello, whose real name is Christopher Comstock, is an American electronic dance music producer and DJ. He first gained international recognition by remixed songs of Jack Ü and Zedd. In March of 2016, his song “Alone” was released and peaked at number five on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. He has collaborated with many artists, including Khalid, Selena Gomez, Anne-Marie, blackbear, Julie Bergan, and Ookay. His debut studio album, Joytime was released in 2016 and his second album, Joytime II was released in 2018. In 2019, he released the single “Here With Me” featuring Chvrches which peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart.

The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers are an American electronic music duo consisting of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. The duo achieved a breakthrough with their 2014 song “#Selfie”, which went viral on social media. Their debut EP, Bouquet, was released in October 2015 and featured the single “Roses”, which peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. His first album, I Created Disco, was released in 2007 and contained the top-ten single “Acceptable in the 80s”. His second album, Ready for the Weekend (2009), reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and includes the chart-topper “I’m Not Alone”, as well as the top-five singles “Ready for the Weekend” and “Flashback”. His third album, 18 Months (2012), saw Harris achieve commercial success with the lead single “Bounce”, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. He has released multiple singles that have peaked at number one on charts in various countries; his most recent hit single is titled “This Is What You Came For”, which he co-wrote and performed with Rihanna.

David Guetta

David Guetta is a French DJ, record producer, remixer, and songwriter. He co-founded Gum Productions with Joachim Garraud and released his debut album, Just a Little More Love, in 2002. Guetta achieved mainstream success with his 2009 album One Love which included the hit singles “When Love Takes Over” and “Sexy Bitch”, both of which topped the charts in multiple countries.

Afrojack

Afrojack is a Dutch DJ and music producer who is best known for his work in the electronic dance music genre. He has released several hit singles, including “Take Over Control” and “No Beef”, and has collaborated with major artists such as David Guetta, Pitbull, and Madonna. Afrojack is considered one of the most successful DJs of all time, with multiple Grammy Awards and top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 to his credit.

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

From pumping out hit after hit to packing clubs and arenas around the world, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike have proven time and time again that they’re one of the best electronic dance music DJs of all time.

With a string of hits like “Tremor”, “The Hum”, and “How Deep Is Your Love”, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike have managed to stay at the top of the EDM game for years. They’ve also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, including Afrojack, Steve Aoki, and Martin Garrix.

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike always deliver an incredible live show, full of energy and huge drops that always get the crowd going wild. If you ever have the chance to see them live, don’t miss it – you won’t regret it!