In 2007, music producers Diplo and Switch were on the brink of launching their innovative music project but faced a crucial decision: what to name it. To determine their name, they randomly selected words from a hat, ultimately landing on “major” and “lazer.” This spontaneous moment marked the birth of one of the most influential and groundbreaking dance music projects of the late 2000s and 2010s, setting the stage for a unique blend of sounds that would capture audiences worldwide.

Thus, Major Lazer was born, an entity that would go on to redefine the landscape of dance music during its peak years.

In a recent and rare joint interview with Billboard News, Diplo and Switch reflected on the origins of Major Lazer as they celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the group’s debut album, Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do. The duo shared insights into their artistic journey and the evolution of their sound, highlighting the significance of their collaboration in the broader music industry context.

The two first crossed paths at Fabric London, where they discovered a shared passion for Jamaican music. As Switch noted, “we both had a soft spot for Jamaican music at the time, and we were both doing our individual sounds, so it was a good excuse for us to come together and do stuff.” This mutual appreciation laid the groundwork for their collaboration, allowing them to explore new musical territories and create something truly unique.

Both producers had previously collaborated with M.I.A. on her acclaimed albums Arular and Kala, with Diplo referring to her as “the catalyst for our music.” Their partnership with M.I.A. not only fostered their individual artistry but also opened doors for them to travel to Jamaica on a monthly basis, immersing themselves in its vibrant music scene. They connected with local artists, including Vybz Kartel, laying the foundation for tracks that would later feature on the Major Lazer debut album.

The duo recognized they were on the right path when they heard their track “Pon de Floor” playing at a gas station in Kingston. This moment signified that their music was resonating within a market they considered to be special. They then took their sound to the U.K., where they made a significant impact during one of their first major performances at London’s Notting Hill Carnival. The album Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do was released on June 16, 2009, and achieved a noteworthy position of No. 169 on the Billboard 200 the following month, marking a significant milestone in their career.

Since its inception, the Major Lazer catalog—now featuring artists like Walshy Fire, Diplo, and Ape Drums—has amassed an astonishing 4.8 billion streams, according to Luminate. This remarkable achievement underscores the group’s impact on the music industry and their ability to connect with a global audience through their innovative sound and engaging performances.

Diplo remarked on the challenges of today’s music landscape, saying, “With our videos and everything we did, [Major Lazer] would be cancelled [nowadays] before we even started.” He elaborated that while audiences back then were open to new ideas, the current climate is inundated with tastemakers and stringent rules that can stifle creativity. This reflection highlights the evolving nature of the music industry and the importance of artistic expression.

Continuing their streak of success, Major Lazer’s influence grew when Beyoncé sampled their track “Pon de Floor” in her 2011 hit “Run the World (Girls).” Furthermore, their collaboration with DJ Snake on “Lean On” set a record as Spotify’s most streamed song at the time, showcasing their ability to create chart-topping hits that resonate with listeners worldwide.

Diplo reflected on their journey, stating, “We had really invented something with the Major Lazer language, but by the second project we were able to make records that were actually hits.” He expressed the fulfillment of witnessing their chaotic beginnings evolve into a coherent and successful musical identity that resonates with audiences around the globe.

Tune in to watch the full interview above, where Diplo and Switch delve into the reasons behind Switch’s departure from the group, Diplo’s belief that “Get Free” is Major Lazer’s best song, and their experiences working with Beyoncé in the studio.