Episode 363: WALSHY FIRE “Inside Major Lazor, Black Chiney, and ‘The Art Of Dancehall’”

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @WalshyFire — DJ, producer, and member of @MajorLazer — to talk Dancehall, Soca, and the art of building culture. At 01:34, Walshy recalls meeting @DJMoma and why Soca faced resistance in the '80s–’90s. By 05:10, he’s breaking down the pushback against Soca and Afro Beats, and Soca’s joyful contrast to other genres. He dives into NYC’s gang culture and block party memories (07:10), including a near brawl at a LOX performance diffused by dancers (10:12). The crew swaps stories on “banned” songs in late ’90s NYC and venue violence, with jokes about the Queens vs. Brooklyn rivalry (11:33). Walshy shares his path from Clark University and a jazz radio station to NYC and Beat Street Records (14:55), then joining Black Chiney Sound after a career-making gig (28:45). He reflects on classic riddim productions, lessons from Sean Paul, and supporting both grassroots parties and major festivals (46:01). The crew debates the state of Dancehall today (53:55). They discuss the struggle to find venues for independent parties (1:01:01) and positive changes in club culture (1:02:25). At 1:05:33, Walshy recounts going viral for declining a request, leading to a larger talk on post-pandemic etiquette and handling entitled guests (1:13:50). He closes with his new book Art of Dancehall, life in Major Lazer, and upcoming releases (1:23:01).

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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