The Chainsmokers, made up of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, are capitalizing on the power of the internet to find the missing pieces of their musical puzzle. They’re actually crowdsourcing talent themselves, pulling up fans and lesser-known colleagues and bringing them into the field.
The duo’s social media has become something of a game show, with unwitting contestants coming up big with career-making offers. Apparently, simply tagging Alex Pall and Drew Taggart in a rendition of one of their songs could get you a spot on a tour or an album.
The duo welcomed two relative unknowns into the fold this way. One—Tony Ann—joining on the piano and the other—Matt McGuire—sitting in on the drums.
It’s unheard of for a Grammy-winning act to call up even one fan from the sidelines, let alone two. As Matt McGuire celebrates his one year anniversary with the band, it’s a great time to look back at how Alex Pall and Drew Taggart called him up to join them.
Using Fame to Lend a Helping Hand
The Chainsmokers appear to be proud of their ability to serve as a hand up for talented musicians. Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart frequently comment about this on the band’s social media accounts.
In the post from January 23, 2018, The Chainsmokers say, “We watch every cover of our music out there and it inspires us so much! We discovered Tony Ann through a cover, then we invited him on tour with us and then helped us write Sick Boy. Never give up on your dreams!”
Tony Ann isn’t the first musician to get an invitation to join The Chainsmokers, however.
A Growing Family
Originally a duo, fans have seen new members cycle into the live show over the course of The Chainsmokers’ career. The first addition was Matt McGuire, who just celebrated his one year anniversary with the band.
happy one year anniversary to our drummer @MattMcDrums cant believe its already been one year man! youre our brother and we are so lucky to have you as part of our family!
— THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) March 6, 2018
McGuire is an Australian session musician who frequently covers hit songs in a way that has been described as ‘savage.’ His hit parade includes Skrillex and Rick Ross, Linkin Park, Twenty One Pilots and, obviously, The Chainsmokers.
Drew Taggart and Alex Pall introduced McGuire on social media referencing his cover of their song ‘Paris’.
“Best cover ever,” the Facebook page exclaimed. “Matt McGuire is joining us on our #MDNOTour! Welcome to the Chainsmokers Matt! He was found by us online from the covers of his! So it is just right we announce this with his amazing Paris cover.”
McGuire told Your EDM, “I’m very thankful for everyone who believes in my ideas and concepts everyday giving me the ability to make things come alive, whether it’s to do with drumming, musical direction or show design I never feel limited.” He continued, “Take risks and make s**t happen, the reward is far more special when it all comes together.”
McGuire is an Established Session Musician
Not quite as unknown as newcomer Tony Ann, McGuire shares some similarities with the pianist’s work ethic and history. Not to mention they both got their shot with the band after covering ‘Paris’.
McGuire began playing the drums at the tender age of six, then playing along with classics like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, and Phil Collins. His music remained his top priority even when his social life suffered. He doesn’t regret a moment of it.
Music is emotional for McGuire and his Facebook page reveals how he values the ability to share his passion for music and the emotions it inspires from the audience.
He is an exciting drummer that plays with a combination of incredible technical skill and visual performance which he credits as the unique style that’s helped him get where he is today.
Furthermore, McGuire credits an experience in 2004 as the motivation for his intense work ethic. The opportunity to play with Michael Jackson’s drummer, Ndugu Chancler, left a lasting impression and the drive to succeed in the industry.
A Hand Up for Tony Ann’s Career
On February 6, 2017, The Chainsmokers’ Instagram account was at it again making dreams happen. The account reposted another stirring cover of their hit song ‘Paris’, this time on piano. The Performer was Tony Ann, a Canadian composer and pianist studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
In the caption, The Chainsmokers revealed they had been so impressed by Tony Ann’s ‘Paris’ cover, as well as a previous song of his, that they invited him on tour. Subsequently, Ann snagged a composition credit on the recent single, ‘Sick Boy’.
This turned the spotlight on Ann, who had a modest 8,000 YouTube subscribers and 2,000 followers on Instagram at the time.
‘Paris’ was a huge hit for The Chainsmokers, claiming the highest first-week entrance on the Billboard Hot Hundred to date. It reached number seven on the charts at the close of January.
Tony Ann’s Journey
Ann has been playing the piano for 11 years, starting when he was 12 years old. He explained to Billboard that he was initially inspired by a film about Beethoven and chose to study the piano because it is a great instrument to compose on.
He worked diligently to master his craft, taking classical piano lessons from two different instructors and practicing 8-10 hours every day. The goal was to make it into conservatory when he graduated high school.
Like McGuire, Ann doesn’t regret the time he spent honing his talent, even though it often took precedence over the social activities of being a teenager. That work paid off, and Ann entered the Cleveland Institute of Music after graduation.
He studied classical repertoire and technique there, but always felt more connected to pop music. Above all, he enjoys composing original music the most because of the emotional connection he forms with the music along the way.
Fitting Right in
Pictured here with Alex Pall in an iconic shot, McGuire announced on June 29, 2017, that he was relocating from Australia to California to continue working with the group. The days of referring to The Chainsmokers as a duo is apparently history.
Perhaps the two founding members can relate to a sort of baptism by fire launch into the music industry, considering their own roots. After meeting and discovering a mutual love for electronic music, the duo eventually started writing music together. Success came soon after and the pair have remarked that in some ways, they weren’t ready for it.
In spite of this, they were able to take advantage of the opportunity sudden fame brings. If that’s the case, they’re certainly paying it forward.
An Exciting Trend
Everyone loves a Cinderella story and while neither McGuire nor Ann were languishing in the ashes and soot, they certainly found their glass slipper. You just never know who The Chainsmokers might discover and launch to stardom next.
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