Chainsmokers’ drummer spills social media and success

As a drummer touring the world with music sensation, The Chainsmokers, Matt McGuire knows what it takes to garner global attention.

But the accomplished Brisbane-born musician admitted that direct access to stars online has drastically changed the fame and music game.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia this week, Matt likened social media and the ever increasing pressure for engagement to being hit ‘in the f***ing face with reality’. 

‘It’s like hitting you in the f***ing face with reality’: Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia this week, The Chainsmokers drummer Matt McGuire (centre) spills on how social media has changed the music game and claims the band deserves everything it gets

Inspired: He says the opportunity to work alongside Drew Taggart (left) and Alex Pall (centre) is incredible

Inspired: He says the opportunity to work alongside Drew Taggart (left) and Alex Pall (centre) is incredible

‘It’s so direct and simple it’s like hitting you in the f***ing face with reality,’ Matt explained.

‘Likes can never truly define the success, popularity or quality of anything.’

It’s a topic The Chainsmokers band members, Andrew ‘Drew’ Taggart and Alexander ‘Alex’ Palll, touch on in their new release Sick Boy with lyrics that are more relevant than ever in today’s social-media savvy generation.

Phrases in the new smash song include ‘How many likes is my life worth?’ a possible nod to the ever growing popularity of online platforms, associated pressures and the world of finding acceptance via engagement.

Committed: 'I dedicate almost all my time to what I do and my career,' he told Daily Mail Australia

Committed: ‘I dedicate almost all my time to what I do and my career,’ he told Daily Mail Australia

He says the issue is that it’s very easy for someone to feel a certain way about a post based on the likes generated.

‘An example is if Sally gets 1000 likes on a photo and Jessica only receives 10 likes, Sally is by no means better than Jessica, it’s simply a game of numbers and that’s exactly the point of how crazy the system is. 

‘It shows how easily you can be trapped into thinking Sally is better when really Jessica could actually be way cooler despite her lower number.

‘It’s extremely hard sometimes to remember not to compare yourself with numbers.’ 

A force to be reckoned with: Matt is able to showcase his incredible skill set each performance to thousands of people

A force to be reckoned with: Matt is able to showcase his incredible skill set each performance to thousands of people

Matt has been chasing his dreams alongside the DJ pair officially for almost a year, taking on new adventures and often contributing ideas as they collaborate on live performances and hit tracks. 

‘We work very well as a team and as crazy as it sounds this is only just the beginning, I know that sounds lame as a f**k but it really is.’ 

Aligning closely with the musicians gives Matt an exclusive insight into Alex and Drew’s journey to which he says their success is a reflection of their dedication, long hours and never-resting attitude.

‘They work ridiculously hard and deserve every piece of success. 

‘They tell me I’m ”Matt no days off McGuire’ as I definitely undeniably work around the clock… in reality they are just the same non-stop always which is what I thrive off.

‘Everyday they are conceptualising and working towards different goals. Drew is one of those guys that is creating 24/7 even though it may not always seem like it, it’s incredible to watch his brain tick away constantly. 

‘Alex is one of those rare breeds that can take 10 meetings, a studio session, practise piano, play a show, press and still manage to write emails to me all day long.’

Goal-getter: The Los Angeles-based creative the drumming sensation revealed it took 17 years of hard work to get to where he stands today 

Goal-getter: The Los Angeles-based creative the drumming sensation revealed it took 17 years of hard work to get to where he stands today 

Matt says some days it feels as though the trio are secretly challenging each other to see who can work the longest but adds if you love what you do, it isn’t work. 

Their popularity continues to soar, with Sick Boy clocking up 4 million views in one day on YouTube.

The latest offering came to life when Drew wanted put forward a new approach to their storytelling during the North American leg of their 2017 tour. 

The video released on Thursday features Matt showcasing his adept ability to throw down a slick rhythm, coming together with the lad’s classic electronic sound. 

‘He had a bunch of different ideas to create a track that addressed multiple problems in society in a way that would really connect. 

‘Emily Warren, Alex Pall and Tony Ann alongside Shaun Frank went into a studio on an off day to try and get something recorded.’ 

Featured: The 24-year-old appears in The Chainsmokers new video clip for Sick Boy (pictured) alongside Drew and Alex

Featured: The 24-year-old appears in The Chainsmokers new video clip for Sick Boy (pictured) alongside Drew and Alex

At the time Matt flew onto another destination as the drums weren’t a focal point in the initial stages.  

‘Watching the track develop from when Drew started talking about the concept and meaning behind this song to what it developed into was honestly incredible,’ he said.

‘It’s one of those tracks that was written very organically and then produced in a way that would really embrace the lyrical content. 

‘I feel like tracks that are written on the road are always the best as you get into this zone that you just can’t get into when you’re at home or going to studio sessions.’

Determined: Matt says the success of Drew and Alex is a reflection of their dedication, long hours and never-resting attitude 

Determined: Matt says the success of Drew and Alex is a reflection of their dedication, long hours and never-resting attitude 

Matt admits he isn’t the best at explaining lyrical content but says each understanding and perception will be different to dependent on how a person can relate to the lyrics, or be engrossed by the track itself. 

‘If you’re like me who mainly listens to the rhythms and loud noises the best way I can describe this track to you is it’s real as f**k.

‘It’s one of those songs regardless how intellectually advanced you are, you have to listen more than once to really take everything in as it’s that raw. 

‘What I love about this track as you can interrupt it in multiple ways depending on your point in life, where you are at and your current situation.’  

Driven: His passion is ticked by the power of being able to interact with an audience on stage while fulfilling an opportunity to do what he loves

Driven: His passion is ticked by the power of being able to interact with an audience on stage while fulfilling an opportunity to do what he loves

While touring with one of trending music’s most popular DJ pairings Matt says his whirlwind of opportunity is absolutely ‘crazy’ but feels he is in his element, working with extremely skilled people in all areas of the industry.

‘I’m now pushing boundaries I never thought were possible which is wild especially at my age.

‘Constantly feeling like opportunities are endless is one feeling I’ll always cherish for as long as I can.’

Matt’s inclusion on the group’s journey has seen his ear for a sound beat, impeccable rhythm and authentic creativity influence the group’s live performances and this skill helps bring to life their latest offering.  

‘Being told that you’re a major influence in something this huge is a wild thought I still struggle to believe. 

‘I am who I am and I feel that my personality and drumming style has definitely impacted their musical direction as it would if a new member is introduced into anything creative. 

Early starter: Matt's fascination with the drums began at only six years old when his parents bought him a drum kit as a surprise

Early starter: Matt’s fascination with the drums began at only six years old when his parents bought him a drum kit as a surprise

‘The drums in this track are a lot of fun to play as you can really lay into them and make lots of noise. It’s a power beat that really drives the track from start to finish – that’s my kind of drumming.’

Matt says his constant drive to get better has had a huge impact on his crucial place alongside Drew and Alex.

‘Ever since I can remember, I always practised to perform which is key to anyone out there wanting to improve performance.’

Anything is possible: The rising superstar says others should go for their dreams despite hardships

Anything is possible: The rising superstar says others should go for their dreams despite hardships

He added: ‘It’s one of those things that is weird at first practising in front of a mirror or filming yourself to see what the f**k you look like but once you are on stage and you know exactly what you are doing, confidence will build and I feel like now that I’m with them every show, when we all walk onto stage now with a huge boost of energy which gets me so pumped every time.’ 

With 2018 unfolding a series of exciting prospects for the three musicians, Matt says the year will be full of exciting adventures. 

‘The most accurate way I can describe 2018 really is, “new year, new music, new show” and Sick Boy is a great introduction to the boundaries we are pushing. 

‘We will be touring Europe very soon in February and March, then straight into spot dates followed by headlining Ultra Music Festival.’

Celebrated: The Chainsmokers band members, Drew (left) and Alex (right), touch on social media in their new release Sick Boy with lyrics that are more relevant than ever

Celebrated: The Chainsmokers band members, Drew (left) and Alex (right), touch on social media in their new release Sick Boy with lyrics that are more relevant than ever

Despite the onslaught of hype, success and big moves in the music and fame arena the 24-year-old claims taking a humble approach to his success is a key priority while inspiring others to go after what they love.

‘It’s very important to me as it should be to anyone that you believe in what you do, stand by what you believe in and don’t let all the flashing lights change who you are.  

‘I wouldn’t be in this position if I didn’t 110 percent believe in what’s happening currently and the future which is extremely exciting.

‘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. 

‘Take risks and make s**t happen, the reward is far more special when it all comes together.’



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk