In 2013, Dim Mak's progressive house duo The Chainsmokers started climbing their way up the ladder of popularity in the dance music world, getting higher with each new release. However, anyone that's familiar with the nicotine-addicted duo knows that they traversed into the stratosphere earlier this year, with their viral single “#SELFIE” (as well as an equally viral music video to go along with it) — getting so popular, that The Chainsmokers ended up signing two million-dollar deals for the song with Sony/ATV and Republic Records. Most recently, the duo made an appearance on American Idol to play the song and play into the gimmick of taking selfies with the crowd and with the judges. While these were indeed fruitful opportunities, they would also lead up to an outcry that no musician ever wants to hear: “You sold out.”
Today, The Chainsmokers posted a series of tweets addressing the hate they've been receiving for their recent success (though this probably applies more to the American Idol appearance than the million-dollar record deals). In the series of tweets, they talk about how both their music peers and fans shouldn't be angry about any musicians that are able to achieve financial success and be able to live comfortably doing what they love, how it's easier for people to tear the successful ones down rather than appreciate their success, and how those that hate are probably just jealous. All in all, these are talking points that have been heard before regarding the issue of “selling out,” but it's only fair that The Chainsmokers defend the choices they've made and share their perspective. You can read their series of tweets below:
It's so crazy watching other ppl attack artists claiming they sold out. Do you even know what that means to sell out
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Isn't the whole point to sell out and make some money so you can do what you love and live comfortably — The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Does anyone realize how hard it is to make a dollar in music let alone a living off of it
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Ppl should chill and not tear down artists who on some level have found that type of financial success. — The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Are we just supposed to live in our parents dungeons with nothing making quality music for everyone for free
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
There is most certainly a fine line but ppl need to relax. Quality music is quality music if money changes you then move on to someone else — The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
But don't criticize someone for wanted a better life and maybe getting it. Or doing what they feel is best for themselves and career or fam
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Not saying there aren't exceptions to the rule but the dance music peanut gallery needs to slow their role — The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
And be proud of the artists that are achieving more for their genre and industry.
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
It's so easy to look and the negative that no one eve bothers to think of the positive anymore… It's easier just to throw stones — The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
And this rant isn't about us. We are comfortable and know what we are about lots of good music, fireball and yoga pants BUT there is
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Always this black swan vibe that descends upon dance music producers that finds success. — The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
Take a page from bob and don't worry be happy and sit back and enjoy the show
— The Chainsmokers (@TheChainsmokers) May 20, 2014
While it may be fair, it may not exactly be helpful. It seems that in the wake of The Chainsmokers' Twitter rant, more producers are coming out to chastise the duo and poke holes in their defense. Porter Robinson, known for his outspoken repulse of commercial dance music and his sincere attempt as a producer to break the mold of dance music, voiced his opinions on Twitter, calling The Chainsmokers gimmicky cameo on American Idol “sincerely the most embarrassing thing I've seen in years.”
uuuuurgh i'm trying so hard not to respond to these @thechainsmokers tweets but i honestly just fucking have to — 【＝◈︿◈＝】ｐｏｒｔｅｒ (@porterrobinson) May 20, 2014
you cannot make every sell-out-y, devoid-of-integrity decision just for the money and then claim you're being mistreated.
— 【＝◈︿◈＝】ｐｏｒｔｅｒ (@porterrobinson) May 20, 2014
if you only care about “making it”, if you take every shitty commerical opportunity, this is what you end up doing: https://t.co/o0rzb5OutD — 【＝◈︿◈＝】ｐｏｒｔｅｒ (@porterrobinson) May 20, 2014
@porterrobinson this video is sincerely the most embarrassing thing i've seen in years
— 【＝◈︿◈＝】ｐｏｒｔｅｒ (@porterrobinson) May 20, 2014
Of course, deadmau5 would also respond to The Chainsmokers' rant with his signature snark that could burn through metal — but anyone that's aware of deadmau5's presence on Twitter should have seen this coming:
theres alot to be said about rats leaving the ship before it sinks. got my ass off that boat long ago. — deadmau5 (@deadmau5) May 20, 2014
“sell-out” as the kids say, then. do it. Terrible News doe, money doesn't buy talent, even if it's on discount at the moment.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) May 20, 2014
more importantly, what the fuck are you doing watching american idol anyway? — deadmau5 (@deadmau5) May 20, 2014
The only thing @TheChainsmokers and pop EDM have in common is probably cancer.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) May 20, 2014
Plenty of other producers have subtweeted their two cents on the issue as well, and the overwhelming majority seems to share a collective disdain for what The Chainsmokers have done in their career this year.
Lemme take a thelfie — ktn (@killthenoise) May 20, 2014
I think I'm more mad that American Idol is still around tbh…
— ♕CRIZZLY♕ (@crizzly) May 20, 2014
Here's my 2 cents on this hater fiesta in twitter right now for two guys who played a song on TV. — OOKAY (@Ookayx) May 20, 2014
You could have chosen a better television show tbh. Like oprah or dr Phil. Thats all
— OOKAY (@Ookayx) May 20, 2014
Hunger for fame and fortune will only lead you down dark paths — Mat Zo (@Mat_Zo_MRSA) May 20, 2014
At the end of the day, what's to be decided? Are The Chainsmokers justified in doing whatever they want to succeed in the Music Industry? Are they not allowed to take any opportunities presented to them, no matter how cringe-worthy? Is this big anti-following of The Chainsmokers justified in their opinions of The Chainsmokers? Will that big anti-following end up chasing The Chainsmokers out of the music world wielding pitchforks and torches? Will The Chainsmokers kill dance music if they aren't chased out of the music world?
Common sense should be able to appropriately fill out the correct answers to those questions, but let us know what you think — this whole situation is already a shit-show, so it's not like it can get worse.
