Major Lazer, the combination of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire (original member Switch having left for religious reasons), plan to 'Free The Universe' by spreading the message all across the globe. They've announced over 30 dates, covering the major cities in U.S and Europe. This doesn't include the ambitious 'Trap Hawk Down' mission and the 'Mutiny' abroad the Molly Roger in Caribbean seas. All of the efforts are of course in tune with the upcoming, and needless to say - much anticipated - album. Read further, for a recent interview given to Rolling Stone magazine, tour info and more!
The upcoming album is spectacular for many reasons. The fact that Diplo could get such a variety of acts to collaborate is a testament to how good of a producer and label manager he really is. Surely, it is a great honor to be nominated at the Grammy Awards as the Producer of the Year. Diplo is the producer for a lot of major pop acts - he's done work for Justin Bieber, Usher and the likes. So the nomination comes as no surprise. But what's more rewarding, is the fact that through this high-profile work and networking, Diplo has managed to build a reputation that allows him to do just about anything. Even though he's done tracks for Justin Bieber, you wouldn't say he's a sell-out. Rather, you think of Diplo as one of the pioneers of today's music scene. Whether it's his laconic yet spot-on comments, his iconic suit or slightly annoyed look - you know he's got style and you'll get hooked to see what's next for the flamboyant producer. As I said, 'Free the Universe' will be a great showing of Major Lazer's versatile and fully fledged natures. Diplo comments to Rolling Stone magazine:
"The album feels like a party. At the same time, it's a concept album about freeing the universe from mental slavery."
The second Major Lazer album is set to realease on February 19th. Diplo explains further:
Update: The release of the album is postponed, FREE EP giveaway to sooth your pain!“I’ve made enough songs about getting money or fucking bitches… You always have to evolve – the minute you start building a moat around you to keep yourself safe, you’re going to lose. Some songs are going to be about bubble butts, but now it’s time to build in messages, too.”
'Get Free' with Amber Coffman shows perfectly, that Major Lazer isn't only about the aforementioned bubble butts. The official video, the lyrics and the overall feel of one of the best tracks in 2012 goes to show that Major Lazer can also be about something meaningful. Although 'Free the Universe' album roster includes pop-acts like Bruno Mars and Shaggy, the direction of the album is away from the commercial digestability. There are also Jamacian dancehall representatives i. e Vybz Kartel and Elephant man, dubstep guru Flux Pavilion and many more - basically two collaborators per track. Diplo argues further: ”I didn’t put any giant pop records on there – it’s a little more unique. Six of the songs are rootsy, six are clubby, and three are outer-space records that I don’t know what they are.”
'Free the Universe' tour doesn't include the ambitious 'Trap Hawk Down' mission, which sees Diplo taking on 4 cities in one night - obviously there's an helicopter involved. The flamboyant style Mad Decent boss will be visiting Baltimore, Philly, Atlantic City and New York in one night, estimated to bring in $250,000.
TRAP HAWK DOWN:
1/20: Baltimore MD- Ottobar-6PM
1/20: Philadelphia PA- Sound Garden Hall-9:30PM
1/20: Atlantic City, NJ- Mixx@ Borgata Resort -12:30AM
1/20 New York City, NY- The Westway-3:30 AM
As you can see -the next day, as Major Lazer, Diplo is going to climb abroad the Molly Roger with Jillionaire, and sail the Caribbean seas for 'Mutiny'.
MUTINY ABROAD THE MOLLY ROGER?
1/21- Kingston, JA – Students Union UWI
1/22 – Norman Island, BVI- Willy T’s
1/23 – St Marteen – Soggy Dollar Bar
1/24 – St. Croix – Christian Brew Pub
1/25 – Old San Juan, PR – Levels
And only then we start talking about the massive 'Free the Universe' tour. It will start 9 days after the release of the album. Much like the album, the tour will feature guest stars - talented female vocalists Angel Haze and Dragonette; TNGHT collaborator MC Lunice. Most probably, some dates will feature additional special guests from the album as well. Check out the official trailer and tour dates below!
Major Lazer ‘Free The Universe’ tour dates:
02-28: Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall (w/ Dragonette)
03-01 Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Hall (w/ Dragonette)
03-02 Chicago, IL – Congress Theater (w/ Dragonette)
03-03 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues (w/ Dragonette)
03-05 Nashville, TN – Cannery Ballroom (w/ Dragonette)
03-07 Carborro, NC – Cat’s Cradle (w/ Dragonette)
03-08 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (w/ Dragonetet)
03-09 New Orleans, LA – BUKU Fest (w/ Dragonette)
03-11 Dallas, TX – House of Blues (w/ Dragonette)
03-12 Houston, TX – House of Blues (w/ Dragonette)
03-19 Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
03-20 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
03-21 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
03-22 Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
03-25 Vancouver, BC – VENUE
03-26 Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
03-27 Portland, OR – Roseland Theatre (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
03-28 San Francisco, CA – The Independent (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
04-25 Paris, France – Bataclan (w/ Angel Haze and Lunice)
04-26 Rouen, France – Le106
04-27 Amsterdam, Holland – Paradiso
04-29 Utrecht, Holland – Tivoli
05-01 Sheffield, England – Plug
05-02 Oxford, England – O2 Academy
05-03 Bristol, England – O2 Academy
05-04 London, England – Roundhouse
05-07 Brussels, Belgium – AB Hall
05-08 Zurich, Switzerland – Maag Halle
05-09 Milan, Italy – Magazzini Generali
05-10 Bologna, Italy – Link
05-11 Marseille, France – Cabaret Aléatoire
05-14 Prague, Czech Republic – Lucerna Music Hall
05-15 Warsaw, Poland – Palladium
05-16 Berlin, Germany – Berghain
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