I just want to make good music. That doesn’t require you knowing who I am,” reads Marshmello’s Facebook biography. And yet, every EDM and future-bass fan has his or her own theory about the identity of the man behind the marshmallow helmet. It’s a valid topic for debate, considering the anonymous DJ rose to club- and festival-headlining fame seemingly overnight, continuing to take over music blogs and airwaves with his intoxicating, starry beats.
It started with his remix of the Skrillex, Diplo and Justin Bieber collabo “Where Are ü Now” and exploded from there, fueled by endorsements and tweets from the juggernaut DJs themselves. And with intensely energetic sets, like his Ultra Music Festival performance earlier this month, he’s constantly gaining new converts to his band of loyal followers, the Mellogang.
No matter who he is (many believe he’s Chris Comstock, also known as Dotcom), everyone seems to agree that his music transcends his identity. As he continues to release lucid, original grooves like “Home” and “Invincible” and remix jams like Adele’s “Hello” or Duke Dumont’s “Need U (100%)”—the latter with electronic conspirator Jauz—the DJ’s anonymity fuels his creative sweet spot. It’s a distinct flavor, and it comes through on every one of his gooey, decadent tracks. Marshmello at XS at Encore, April 4.