The Chainsmokers took some time off to relax, recoup and to take a much needed breath. When asked about their kitschy name and whether or not they are heavy smokers they both look at each other and laugh. “We really weren’t big smokers in school and we aren’t heavy smokers now. I don’t know, that is a great question.” Drew Taggart speaks candidly about what people say about them and not having any strong desire to quell rumors about the band. “Our producers and sound engineers sat us down a long time ago and told us that the haters are all still out there and they love nothing more than to piss you off and get you going. Honestly we are too busy to even get involved with all of that. We have publicists to handle that for us now.”
When asked to open up about the overnight success and the pressures from fans to keep the momentum going the band, with a very relaxed response said “We don’t want to be about responding to our fans likes or dislikes, we just want to do what feels good to us because when it stops being what we want and morphs into something we don’t even recognize anymore, that is when we will just stop and maybe, I don’t know, get a job at In and Out or something.”
As they straddle that line between EDM and Top 40, they discuss where they get their inspiration for their sound. “We are so often in airports or taxis or ubering about towns so we get to meet and talk to a lot of people. Just having normal conversations with people about their lives, their struggles and what makes them happy are things we take away with us and then write about later. We have always had this synced mind set between the two of us that shows up in our work.” They are quick to add that their success stems from more than just the two of them. “We have a radical team and we know we wouldn’t be here with them.”
They are often asked if the lightning fast commercial success is ever too much to deal with and they have both said “We will let you know when and if it becomes too much!” Right now they are enjoying the fame, success and the big acts that they have been fortunate enough to work with. “Halsey is such a babe!” Laughing “Seriously though, she was so much fun to work with, it was a good collaboration.” They may be taking a much needed break but watch out world because this down and dirty duo or just clearing their throats.