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Skrillex, Tiesto and Other DJ Paydays Revealed, EDM Stands for Endless Damn Money

Posted on Aug 3rd 2012 2:15PM by Aaron Brophy
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Brian Nevins | Tiesto

Forbes has just released its list of the world's highest paid DJs and it's enough to make every lonely singer-songwriter bashing out tunes in their basement want to go have a good cry.

Topping the list was Dutch DJ Tiesto, with estimated annual earnings of $22 million.

Tiesto figures the internet is responsible for his success.

"I think what really changed was social media," Tiesto told Forbes, explaining what helped make him so big. "Twitter, Facebook really helped a lot."

The second highest earner was one Sonny John Moore, known to some people as the guy who sung in that From First to Last screamo band for awhile, but is known to way more people as awkward-haircutted DJ Skrillex. He made an estimated $15 million.

Soon-to-be-done-touring act Swedish House Mafia ranked third with $14 million, while anti-button-pusher Deadmau5 was able to push enough buttons to earn $11.5 million, good for sixth place.

Also making the top ten were David Guetta, Steve Aoki, DJ Pauly D, Kaskade, Afrojack and Avicii.

Forbes came to their estimated numbers by tracking recorded music sales, endorsements, merch sales, live shows and television earnings.

Forbes' top ten highest paid DJs:

#1 Tiesto $22 million
#2 Skrillex $15 million
#3 Swedish House Mafia $14 million
#4 David Guetta $13.5 million
#5 Steve Aoki $12 million
#6 Deadmau5 $11.5 million
#7 DJ Pauly D $11 million
#8 Kaskade $10 million
#9 Afrojack $9 million
#10 Avicii $7 million

Watch Tiesto's 'Feel It in My Bones' Video Ft. Tegan and Sara

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