WHCL Concert: Major Lazer

by Taylor Coe '13
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The names Dave Taylor and Thomas Pentz are not readily associated with M.I.A.’s 2007 hit single “Paper Planes.” But Taylor and Pentz—otherwise known as DJ Switch and DJ Diplo—are the producers behind the song’s aggressive sound and creative sampling. DJ Switch will visit Hamilton on Friday as part of WHCL’s Late Night program, including sets by DJ Chest Rockwell and DR-TR.

Switch, while a prominent producer in the music world, is probably better recognized as half of the dancehall music duo Major Lazer. Inspired by the under-recognized form of Jamaican dancehall music, Switch and Diplo recorded their debut album Guns Don’t Kill People…Lazers Do with a guest list of both Jamaican dancehall figures and larger pop personalities like Santigold and Nina Sky.

More than just a moniker, Major Lazer is also a cartoon personality. In the vein of Damien Albion’s Gorillaz, Switch and Diplo have created a whole back-story for their oddball character Major Lazer, beginning with the Jamaican commando’s loss of an arm in the Zombie War of 1984. After a rescue by the U.S. government, Lazer was fitted with experimental, laser-equipped prosthetics and sent off to battle evil in the world through music.

Although Switch will be without his Major Lazer companion Diplo, he will doubtlessly provide an exciting show. As if the presence of one of electronica’s elite were not enough, WHCL will be providing 3,000 glow sticks as well.

Featuring an opening set from DJ Chest Rockwell at 10:00, Switch will go on at 11:30.