In opposition of the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs, Billboard has just launched what they think is a more comprehensive and accurate list: a brand-new ranking called the Billboard Dance 100.
“In addition to the fan poll, the Billboard Dance 100 results were informed by both domestic and global charts statistics (streaming, track sales, album sales, and radio airplay) and touring data (show capacities, festival bookings, and residencies), which Billboard’s editorial and charts departments weighed to provide a holistic ranking of the genre’s diverse talents.”
The list begins at 100 with #realDJ A-trak. From 99 to 90 in order there is Tokimonsta, Kayzo, The Black Madonna, Baauer, Lost Frequencies, Mija, Cash Cash, Flux Pavilion, MK and newcomers Sofi Tukker for their bomb track “Best Friend”. The 80s had some surprises, with Steve Angello holding down the 84th spot. Jai Wolf, Nicky Romero and Nicole Moudaber landed before dance music veteran Martin Solveig. House newcomer Jax Jones, Flosstradamus, Dash Berlin, Marco Carola and Nervo finish off the bottom 20%.
There are some surprises in the 79-60 bracket. Seven Lions, 3LAU, GRiZ and KSHMR are all in the 70s, alongside Oliver Heldens, ZHU, Gryffin, Madeon and NGHTMRE. Dutch sensation San Holo took the 68 slot, with big names Adam Beyer and SNAILS taking other positions.
Based on many of these picks, it seems like the positions on the Billboard Top 100 definitely seem to take streams and tours much more into consideration, not just music released in 2017. Nero and Louis the Child all only had singles released in 2017, taking the 57th and 58th spots respectively, behind Pretty Lights, Jamie Jones, Mura Masa, Jauz and Tchami. This rounds out the bottom 50.
The 49th spot is taken by drum and bass legends Pendulum, followed by tropical house DJ producer Matoma, then Bonobo, RL Grime and Solomun. Australian trap-head Alison Wonderland-ed the 44th spot after releasing her LP Awake last April. More well-known names are populating the list at this point, with Robin Schulz, Yellow Claw, melodic dubstep producer Illenium, and R3hab finishing the 40s. Canadian electronic producer Rezz starts the 30s, alongside Cheat Codes, EDM funnyman Dillon Francis, Don Diablo, Zeds Dead, and a surprisingly low Porter Robinson at 34, all before Alan Walker, Disclosure, and some long-time veterans Carl Cox, and Kaskade.
Standouts in the 20s include Avicii and Justice. Dmitri Vegas & Like Mike finally find themselves low on a list at 27, and Afrojack, Eric Prydz and Galantis sit above them.
The rest of the list is in full below:
20: Armin van Buuren
19: deadmau5
18: Hardwell
17: Axwell /\ Ingrosso
16: Alesso
15: Above & Beyond
14: Flume
13: Steve Aoki
12: David Guetta
11: Skrillex
10: ODESZA
9: DJ Snake
8: Tiesto
7: Zedd
6: Martin Garrix
5: Major Lazer
4: Marshmello
3: Kygo
2: Calvin Harris
1: The Chainsmokers
While seeing the Chainsmokers at #1 is disappointing, the Billboard list at least explains their reasoning for the decision. With 10 billions global streams and 2 million concert tickets sold, they present a heavyweight contender against the other competition. The only problem is whether or not we could really classify their music as dance music anymore.