In 2007, the world was introduced to a revolutionary sound that would change the music industry forever. Major Lazer, a collaborative project between Diplo and Switch, released their debut album “Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do” and it quickly became an era-defining masterpiece. Now, over a decade later, the original members of Major Lazer are reflecting on the making of this iconic album in an exclusive interview with Billboard News.
Diplo and Switch, who have since parted ways, came together in 2007 to create something truly unique and groundbreaking. The album, which fused elements of dancehall, reggae, and electronic music, was a reflection of their shared love for Caribbean culture and their desire to push the boundaries of traditional music genres.
In the interview, Diplo and Switch reminisce about the early days of Major Lazer and how the project came to be. “We were both living in London at the time and we would just spend hours in the studio experimenting with different sounds and styles,” Diplo recalls. “We wanted to create something that was completely different from anything else out there.”
And that’s exactly what they did. “Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do” was a game-changer in the music industry. It not only introduced a new sound, but it also brought attention to the rich and vibrant culture of the Caribbean. The album’s lead single, “Pon de Floor,” became an instant hit and put Major Lazer on the map.
Switch explains, “We wanted to pay homage to the music and culture that inspired us. We wanted to bring it to the forefront and show the world how amazing it is.” And that’s exactly what they did. The album featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in dancehall and reggae, including Vybz Kartel, Mr. Vegas, and T.O.K.
But it wasn’t just the music that made “Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do” so special. The album’s artwork, created by artist Ferry Gouw, was just as iconic as the music itself. The vibrant and colorful illustrations perfectly captured the energy and spirit of the album.
“We wanted the artwork to be just as bold and unique as the music,” Diplo explains. “Ferry did an amazing job of bringing our vision to life.”
The success of “Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do” was not just limited to the music charts. The album’s impact on popular culture was undeniable. From fashion to film, Major Lazer’s influence could be seen everywhere. The album’s title even became a popular catchphrase, used by fans and artists alike.
Looking back on the album, Diplo and Switch are proud of what they were able to accomplish. “We never could have imagined the impact that this album would have,” Switch says. “It’s amazing to see how it has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of artists.”
And inspire it has. Major Lazer has gone on to release four more successful albums and has become a global phenomenon. The project has also evolved into a live act, with Diplo and his new collaborators bringing the music to life on stage.
But for many fans, “Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do” will always hold a special place in their hearts. It was the album that introduced them to the unique and infectious sound of Major Lazer and opened their eyes to a whole new world of music.
As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of this groundbreaking album, it’s clear that Major Lazer’s impact on the music industry will continue to be felt for years to come. And as Diplo and Switch reflect on their journey, they can’t help but feel grateful for the support and love they have received from fans all over the world.
“We are so grateful for the fans who have been with us since the beginning and continue to support us,” Diplo says. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”
So here’s to Major Lazer and the unforgettable album that started it all. “Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do” will forever be remembered as a game-changing masterpiece that paved the way for a new era of music. And as we look to the future, we can’t wait to see what other groundbreaking projects Major Lazer has in store for us.
