The Chainsmokers: The duo's journey from '#Selfie' to 'Jungle'

They've had a lot of hits

The Chainsmokers
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 30th Oct 2023

The Chainsmokers hit the charts back in 2014 with their debut single '#Selfie'. Despite being a bit of a 'Marmite' track, the song reached Number 11 in the UK and was the first of many very popular songs from the American duo, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart.

Equally at home at the top of the charts or headlining a festival main stage, we take a look at who The Chainsmokers are, and who they've worked with, including their song with Mae Stephens and Alok, called 'Jungle', and their surprise on stage collaboration with Ed Sheeran in Las Vegas.

What is The Chainsmokers biggest hit?

'Closer' featuring Halsey is The Chainsmokers' only UK Number 1. The song spent four weeks at the top spot and was also nominated for a Grammy Award.

Who have The Chainsmokers worked with?

Take a look through some of The Chainsmokers' biggest collaborations...

'Roses' featuring Rozes (2015)

Written by Andrew Taggart and Elizabeth Mencel (Rozes), 'Roses' was Top 20 hit in the UK for the group. The song was the second song from their EP, 'Bouquet'.

'Don't Let Me Down' featuring Daya (2016)

'Don't Let Me Down' was the follow-up to 'Roses' and another hit written by Drew. The song was very popular reaching Number 2 in the UK and even winning the duo a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.

'Paris' (2017)

Although uncredited, Emily Warren provided the vocals for one of The Chainsmokers' biggest hits, 'Paris'. Emily has also -co-written their hits, 'Don't Let Me Down' featuring Daya and 'Sick Boy'.

'Closer' featuring Halsey (2016)

'Closer' is another song written by Drew, this time along with Halsey and a team of songwriters. The song became the duo's first Number 1 song in the US and they performed it for the first time at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2016.

'Something Just Like This' with Coldplay (2017)

'Something Just Like This' was premiered by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay at The BRIT Awards in 2017. The song was featured on both 'Memories...Do Not Open' and Coldplay's thirteenth EP 'Kaleidoscope'.
The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

'Jungle' with Mae Stephens and Alok (2023)

The Chainsmokers teamed up with TikTok singer Mae Stephens and DJ Alok on 'Jungle'. The song was released on 22nd September 2023.

Have The Chainsmokers worked with Ed Sheeran?

Ed Sheeran joined The Chainsmokers on stage in Las Vegas, after he finished the US leg of his tour in October 2023, however, to our knowledge the artists haven't been in the studio together. Despite this, after seeing them on stage together, fans have been calling out for them to do a collab.

How did The Chainsmokers get their name?

In an interview with Billboard Alex explained the reason behind the band's name. "We actually met each other while we were both taking a smoke break outside so it was serendipitous that we ended up adopting The Chainsmokers as our name," Alex said.

How many members are there in The Chainsmokers?

There are two permanent members of The Chainsmokers, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, however they sometimes have others join them for live performances.

Alex Pall

Alex co-writes many of The Chainsmokers' songs, as well as playing the piano and producing them.

Drew Taggart

Drew is the duo's primary songwriter, and has penned many of their biggest hits including their debut song '#Selfie', and their UK Number 1 'Closer'.

Matt McGuire

Matt is the musical director for The Chainsmokers as well as performing on stage at some of their gigs, playing the drums. Matt is known for his covers which include everything from Calvin Harris to Linkin Park.

Tony Ann

As well as co-writing some of The Chainsmokers' songs such as 'Sick Boy' and 'Side Effects', Tony played keyboard on the group's 'Memories...Do Not Open Tour' in 2017/2018.

Can The Chainsmokers sing?

The Chainsmokers usually team up with a vocalist on their songs. In the past they have worked with Halsey, Daya, and Coldplay, however Drew Taggart has also sung on some of The Chainsmokers' songs.

Drew sings the duo's hit song 'Closer' with Halsey, and their 2017 hit 'Paris'.

What awards have The Chainsmokers won?

At the time of writing, The Chainsmokers have won 41 awards and been nominated for 168! Some of the biggest awards they've won are a Grammy Award for 'Don't Let Me Down', which was awarded Best Dance Recording and an MTV European Music Award for Best World Stage, both in 2017, and in 2019, an MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance - 'Call You Mine' (with Bebe Rexha).

What is The Chainsmokers latest song called?

The Chainsmokers released 'Jungle' with Mae Stephens and Alok, the dancefloor filler doesn't have a music video yet, however the lyric video has been released, so you can sign along to this catchy song!

Now read:

Tiësto: How the Dutch DJ got his name

12 of David Guetta's most successful songs

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