Chainsmokers Feat. Daya: The Pop EDM Hitmakers

The collaboration between American DJ/producer duo The Chainsmokers and singer Daya represents a definitive moment in 2010s mainstream electronic pop. Their 2016 single "Don't Let Me Down" became a global phenomenon, fusing energetic future bass drops with powerful pop vocals to dominate charts worldwide and certify multi-platinum status in numerous countries.

Early career

The Chainsmokers, formed in New York in 2012 by Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, initially gained attention with their 2012 viral novelty track "#SELFIE". They soon pivoted to a more serious pop-EDM style, signing with Disruptor Records, a joint venture with Sony Music. Meanwhile, American singer Daya (born Grace Martine Tandon) began her career in Pittsburgh, releasing her self-titled debut EP in 2015 which included the sleeper hit "Hide Away".

Breakthrough

The breakthrough for both acts converged in early 2016 with the release of "Don't Let Me Down". The track, officially credited as The Chainsmokers Feat. Daya, was included on the duo's breakout EP, Collage. It skyrocketed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, and achieved diamond certification in the United States for moving over 10 million units.

Key tracks

Don't Let Me Down — This Grammy-winning diamond single defined the future-bass pop crossover and remains their most successful collaboration.

Roses — The Chainsmokers' 2015 hit featuring Rozes paved their commercial path, proving their formula for emotive, vocal-driven EDM.

Hide Away — Daya's own debut single reached the Top 40, establishing her distinct vocal style before the monumental collaboration.

Closer — The Chainsmokers' 2016 record-shattering hit with Halsey cemented their status as pop chart dominators post their work with Daya.

Sit Still, Look Pretty — Daya's subsequent solo single continued her pop success, affirming her career beyond the feature.

The success of "Don't Let Me Down" propelled both artists to new heights. The Chainsmokers' debut album, Memories...Do Not Open, topped the Billboard 200 in 2017, while Daya continued to release pop music and collaborate with other electronic acts. Their collaboration remains a cornerstone track in the evolution of EDM's infiltration into top 40 radio during the mid-2010s.

Fans of the energetic, vocal-forward pop-EDM style of Chainsmokers Feat. Daya should also explore Halsey, whose collaboration on "Closer" shares a similar chart-topping synth-pop energy. The anthemic production is echoed in tracks by Illenium, who blends melodic bass with emotive songwriting. For more powerful female vocals in the dance space, listen to Zedd and his hits like "Stay" with Alessia Cara. The pop sensibility is also found in the work of Shawn Mendes, particularly in his more electronic-infused tracks.

The music of Chainsmokers Feat. Daya maintains constant rotation across top 40, pop hits, and contemporary EDM radio stations featured on our network. Their signature track is a staple on stations programming the biggest dance-pop anthems of the last decade.

You can hear the hit music of Chainsmokers Feat. Daya regularly across the pop and electronic radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their defining tracks and similar artists shaping the sound of modern radio.