DJs have been rocking parties worldwide, with big names like Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, and Steve Aoki leading the charge. But not all DJs want to be easily spotted in a crowd! Some opt for fantastic masks that turn them into walking art pieces. These mystery DJs keep their real identities secret, so if you bump into them without their masks, you might breeze right past without a clue!
Our spotlight shines on three of the most renowned masked DJs: Daft Punk, deadmau5, and Marshmello, delving into what catapulted them to fame.
DAFT PUNK
Arguably the most iconic masked DJs in the scene, their career thrives even after over two decades. Hailing from Paris, the French electronic house duo comprising Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter emerged during the French house movement.
Daft Punk’s identities have remained a mystery throughout their careers, though their iconic robot personas weren’t always the norm. In their early days, the duo started off DJing with simple black bags over their heads during performances. Over time, these masks evolved into the recognizable robotic personas they sport today. Interestingly, in their initial iterations, the robots even wore wigs, which they eventually discarded, opting for a sleek bald look that they deemed more fitting.
These helmets aren’t just cool; they perfectly embody the human-meets-machine aesthetic that defines Daft Punk’s music.
Daft Punk has achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with their robotic personas, collaborating with heavyweights like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and The Weeknd. Moreover, they’ve pioneered wearing masks to award ceremonies, a practice that has now become a habit among masked DJs.
DEADMAU5
While Canadian Joel Zimmerman might not be a household name, Deadmau5 is undoubtedly familiar to music fans worldwide. Legend has it that Zimmerman stumbled upon a dead mouse inside his malfunctioning computer, earning him the nickname “dead mouse kid” among his peers. Embracing this moniker, he adopted the online handle “Deadmouse” in a chatroom, eventually settling on the alias Deadmau5 when his initial choice was unavailable.
Fast forward some 20 years and Zimmerman has risen to prominence as one of the most recognizable producers globally, largely thanks to his iconic glowing mau5 head. It’s not about hiding his identity — Zimmerman is openly himself — but about embracing uniqueness. In 2014, Disney attempted to sue Deadmau5 over the helmet’s resemblance to Mickey Mouse, but the legal battle was settled out of court in 2015.
Deadmau5’s renowned, blinking, glowing, headbanging helmet is a product of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the creative minds behind The Muppets, Yoda, and a myriad of other fantastic creatures since the 1970s.
MARSHMELLO
Based in the US, Christopher Comstock has achieved superstar status through his Marshmello music persona, mainly due to his genius in self-branding and marketing. Comstock also performs under the alias Dotcom, being signed under the same label and management as Marshmello.
The producer has undeniably taken cues from iconic masked DJs like Daft Punk and Deadmau5’s successes to shape his brand. His savvy extends to groundbreaking ventures, such as being featured in the first-ever virtual DJ set in collaboration with Epic Games for a Fortnite in-game experience, captivating millions of viewers. Marshmello’s influence has transcended music, with other notable figures like comedic legend Will Ferrell, DJ icon Tiesto, and pop sensation Shawn Mendes donning the Marshmello alias at events like the iHeartRadio MMVAs.
The Marshmello mask, a simple white sphere adorned with lights, was initially crafted with essential lights superglued inside. However, Marshmello has since developed a more intricate version, the specifics of which are kept tightly under wraps. For masked DJs, maintaining an aura of mystery and enigma is crucial to success.
