If you weren’t already an EDM fan, you might not know much about Major Lazer but this group of
talented artistes have created their own unique
interpretation of EDM with a heavy use of reggae and dancehall influences mixed with electronic
music. The group comprises three members Diplo,
Walshy Fire and Jillionaire, the latter two being seeds of the Caribbean. Walshy Fire is Jamaican while Jillionaire originates from Trinidad and
Tobago. Diplo’s love for dancehall music came from his earlier days when growing up in the town of Plantation, Florida.
Thomas Wesley Pentz, who goes by the stage name Diplo, has many titles under his belt. He has worn the hat of producer, DJ, rapper and songwriter during his journey as he rose to fame when he worked with British/Sri Lankan musician M.I.A. that gave him the exposure he needed to showcase his creative skills. He wanted to create a movement to reflect the type of work he did and hence Major Lazer was born. The cartoon depicted action hero “Major Lazer” was created to signify the name of the group that was founded along with his previous group member Switch. His inspiration of the artwork for the Major Lazer movement came from legendary Jamaican
producer King Jammy who produced the ‘Sleng Teng’ riddim which opened doors for electronic reggae/dancehall music. Diplo wanted to use more dancehall and reggae music in his creations as his fascination for the genres grew.
Walshy Fire was the second member to join the group after Diplo and his former members parted ways. He was born Leighton Walsh in Miami and later moved to Jamaica to live. He was popularly known by many as the brother of former legendary West Indian cricketer Courtney Walsh and also known as being one of the members of the Black Chiney sound system. Having over 10 years of experience under his belt playing music and emceeing he has no problem reaching out to people and connecting with them through that medium. His musical background in sound systems along with his appreciation for reggae and dancehall helped gel the connection for MAJOR LAZER and the way in which they deliver their music. The heavy influence of the Jamaican culture is never left out and continues to play an integral part in the music that is released and every show that they perform at. It was not long after Walshy Fire joined the group that another member joined, whom fitted perfectly, adding the final piece to the puzzle.
Christopher Leacock, better known by his stage name Jillionaire, is a Trinidadian DJ and music producer who in 2011 entered the EDM/dancehall group Major Lazer shortly after Walshy Fire, due to Switch’s parting from the group. With over 15 years of experience, Jillionaire has created a unique sound which mashes indie dance and big room house with the Caribbean rhythms of soca and dancehall. In 2010 his rise to fame began when he went to New Zealand’s WOMAD Festival and showed his talent in front of hundreds of spectators. With his style of music and his Caribbean influence, he helped to add flavor to the group resulting in the unique styles of music that you will hear coming from the speakers.
To continue reading, Purchase Vol. 8 Issue #3 2015.
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If you weren’t already an EDM fan, you might not know much about Major Lazer but this group of
talented artistes have created their own unique
interpretation of EDM with a heavy use of reggae and dancehall influences mixed with electronic
music. The group comprises three members Diplo,
Walshy Fire and Jillionaire, the latter two being seeds of the Caribbean. Walshy Fire is Jamaican while Jillionaire originates from Trinidad and
Tobago. Diplo’s love for dancehall music came from his earlier days when growing up in the town of Plantation, Florida.
Thomas Wesley Pentz, who goes by the stage name Diplo, has many titles under his belt. He has worn the hat of producer, DJ, rapper and songwriter during his journey as he rose to fame when he worked with British/Sri Lankan musician M.I.A. that gave him the exposure he needed to showcase his creative skills. He wanted to create a movement to reflect the type of work he did and hence Major Lazer was born. The cartoon depicted action hero “Major Lazer” was created to signify the name of the group that was founded along with his previous group member Switch. His inspiration of the artwork for the Major Lazer movement came from legendary Jamaican
producer King Jammy who produced the ‘Sleng Teng’ riddim which opened doors for electronic reggae/dancehall music. Diplo wanted to use more dancehall and reggae music in his creations as his fascination for the genres grew.
Walshy Fire was the second member to join the group after Diplo and his former members parted ways. He was born Leighton Walsh in Miami and later moved to Jamaica to live. He was popularly known by many as the brother of former legendary West Indian cricketer Courtney Walsh and also known as being one of the members of the Black Chiney sound system. Having over 10 years of experience under his belt playing music and emceeing he has no problem reaching out to people and connecting with them through that medium. His musical background in sound systems along with his appreciation for reggae and dancehall helped gel the connection for MAJOR LAZER and the way in which they deliver their music. The heavy influence of the Jamaican culture is never left out and continues to play an integral part in the music that is released and every show that they perform at. It was not long after Walshy Fire joined the group that another member joined, whom fitted perfectly, adding the final piece to the puzzle.
Christopher Leacock, better known by his stage name Jillionaire, is a Trinidadian DJ and music producer who in 2011 entered the EDM/dancehall group Major Lazer shortly after Walshy Fire, due to Switch’s parting from the group. With over 15 years of experience, Jillionaire has created a unique sound which mashes indie dance and big room house with the Caribbean rhythms of soca and dancehall. In 2010 his rise to fame began when he went to New Zealand’s WOMAD Festival and showed his talent in front of hundreds of spectators. With his style of music and his Caribbean influence, he helped to add flavor to the group resulting in the unique styles of music that you will hear coming from the speakers.
To continue reading, Purchase Vol. 8 Issue #3 2015.
Share this post: