Walshy Fire, of EDM Group Major Lazer, Brings Dancehall Reggae to Drexel

Walshy Fire will join Westphal College students for a jam session in the school's new recording studio, serve as guest lecturer in a music industry e-commerce class and offer a discussion and performance for the public on April 10.

Accomplished electronic dance music MC/DJ and record producer of the trio Major Lazer, Walshy Fire, will be on campus this week to share his talent and knowledge of the music industry with students from Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The visit will culminate with a public lecture and performance by Fire on Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.  

Fire is known for contributing dancehall reggae-influenced beats to Major Lazer’s popular EDM sound. The group has collaborated with artists including Snoop dogg, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber to produced hits, such as “Light it Up,” “Cold Water,” and “Lean On” and its 2015 album “Peace is the Mission” went to No. 12 on the Billboard 200.

“Music Industry students jump at the opportunity to meet and learn from influential modern artists such as Walshy Fire,” said Ryan Moys, manager of Drexel’s music industry recording facilities. “Giving students the opportunity to peer into their professional careers and to learn about how they got started is both inspiring and educational for our young business people, artists, producers and engineers.” 

Born in Jamaica and raised in Florida by a Chinese-Jamaican family, Fire’s music is inspired by a variety of cultures and incorporates a variety of genres and musical styles. He has established himself as a solo DJ in the Miami club scene. In 2015 he launched his own label, Walshy Fire Presents, extending his reach from Jamaican dancehall music to hip-hop and other genres. The label’s March 2018 album release of “Top Shelf Riddim” boasts music in collaboration with The Expanders, a new generation of reggae artists.   

In addition to participating in a music industry e-commerce class, Fire will join students for a jam session in Drexel’s recently opened sound studio, created by the renowned Walters Storyk Design Group. The studio is becoming a regular stop for musicians, including Wyclef Jean and Bitty McClean, who are on campus working with music industry students.

Fire will wrap up his time on campus with a public lecture and demonstration on Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. in the URBN Center Lobby at 3501 Market Street. Philadelphia-based artist, DJ Paul “Starkey” Geissinger — a leader in “Street Base,” a unique mix of dubstep and grime musical genres — will emcee the event. 

The event, which is made possible through the Sibby Merkel Brasler Distinguished Lecture Fund, is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/drexelwalshyfire.