Masks are a staple in electronic music. A number of DJs have opted to wear face coverings as an added flair to their grandiose performances. One particularly famous DJ, Marshmello, uses his mask as more than just a costume – it also helped to conceal his identity for quite some time.
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So who exactly is performing behind the DJ speakers?
Though his true identity has been more or less confirmed, many casual fans wouldn’t be able to pick Christopher Comstock out of a lineup, but they surely know his titular white headpiece.
“I don’t take my helmet off because I don’t want or need fame,” he tweeted in 2017. “I’m genuinely trying to create something positive for people to connect with.”
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Over the last eight or so years, Marshmello has made a name for himself producing top hits for some of pop’s biggest acts. His credits include “Silence” with Khalid, “Wolves” with Selena Gomez, “Friends” with Anne-Marie, “Happier” with Bastille, and “Alone.” Learn more about the hitmaking DJ, below.
Unmasking Marshmello
Marshmello’s mask and his commitment to the shtick effectively kept his identity hidden for years. His eventual unmasking was jump-started by Skrillex in 2015 during an interview with Katie Couric. During the conversation, Marshmello (aka Comstock) called his fellow DJ.
Couric picked up the phone and read off the contact name, “It’s Chris,” to which Skrillex said, “Oh, Marshmello.” Apparently, that was all Forbes writer Natalie Robehmed needed to unmask the DJ. Robehmed looked up Marshmello’s credits on BMI and found a name that matched Skrillex’s contact: Christopher Comstock. Oops…
It was a consequential slip-up, but Marshmello seems to still be operating under a measure of anonymity. Few people call the DJ by his real name and instead have opted to stick with his on-stage persona.
Marshmello’s Career
These days, Marshmello has been working more in the Reggaeton space. He’s released several Spanish language tracks with the likes of Farruko, VINNIE, TropKillaz, Manuel Turizo, and more.
The DJ has several tour dates lined up for the remainder of the year. This weekend, he is set to appear at XS Las Vegas. After that, he is set to play at a number of festivals including the North Coast Music Festival, Electric Zoo, and more. Find his full tour dates HERE.
(Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
