Electronic dance music DJ and producer Justin Blau, better known as 3LAU, recently disclosed that he was not paid for his performance at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Ball. Despite the lack of financial compensation, 3LAU described the opportunity as “an honor” and a personal milestone, referring to it as “achievement unlocked.”
A Surprising Opportunity
On Monday, January 20, 3LAU performed at the Starlight Ball, part of the Inauguration Day celebrations. Taking to Instagram to share his thoughts on the experience, the Las Vegas-based artist wrote, “Playing Starlight Ball was not on my 2025 bingo card, but I mean, wow, what an honor.” He admitted to feeling “so nervous” and noted that his set lasted only 30 minutes, but he expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Facing Backlash
The announcement sparked a wave of comments on 3LAU’s Instagram, with many followers—including fellow musicians—criticizing his decision to perform at an event tied to the controversial Republican President. One commenter accused him of “selling out,” prompting 3LAU to defend himself. “I think this is the third time I’m saying this, but the government only covered my travel,” he clarified, emphasizing that he did not profit financially from the gig.
A Notable Career
3LAU has built a reputation as a skilled remixer of popular tracks, including Ariana Grande’s ‘Into You,’ Katy Perry’s ‘Bon Appétit,’ and Rihanna’s ‘Desperado.’ Beyond his DJing career, Blau has ventured into innovative projects in the music industry. In 2021, he launched Royal, a blockchain-based music investment platform that allows fans to invest in their favorite artists’ work.
NFT Ventures and Legal Controversy
3LAU has also been a pioneer in the NFT (non-fungible token) space, earning millions from digital album sales. However, his NFT ventures have not been without controversy. In November 2022, Digital Music News reported that 3LAU was sued by artist Luna Aura over the $11.7 million sale of his NFT album ‘Ultraviolet.’ Aura alleged that Blau failed to properly license her song ‘Walk Away,’ which she co-wrote and featured on. She claimed that Blau only offered a one-time payment of $25,000 for the track. The lawsuit was reportedly settled in 2023.
A Polarizing Figure
3LAU’s performance at Trump’s Inauguration Ball highlights the complexities of his career—a mix of groundbreaking achievements and controversies. While he continues to innovate in the music and tech spaces, his decision to perform at politically charged events invites scrutiny, making him a polarizing figure in the EDM community.