Grammy Award-winning producer Walshy Fire has been at the forefront of many top hits. From Ellie Goulding to Koffee to Chronixx, he has been instrumental in the careers of music’s biggest superstars both as a solo producer and with his group Major Lazer. He started out as a radio host in Miami after graduating college with a bachelors in marketing and and masters in Journalism.
Still he says it doesn’t matter that he one to school, “I don’t really think my college degrees matter, I thing college is a outdated system that most people don’t have to participate in anymore,” he said.
In this exclusive conversation with WMV we spoke about his travels, working with new artist from all over the world as well as his contribution to the music of the Americas. He also shares his opinions on topical issues affecting the industry like the Grammys and reggae record sales.
How did you start in the (music) business?
From College, went to intern at a radio station then doing some stuff at clubs and that was it.
You studied music in college?
No, I studied marketing and journalism and focused on radio. Working behind the scenes.
In an industry where seventy percent of the practitioners don’t finish high school, how do you think your college education helped?
I don’t think my college degrees mattered. I think college is an outdated system. College seems to be a place where people who don’t know what they want to do go. There is a school for everything or you can watch YouTube videos and learn the business and not have to deal with anyone. College was a waste of time and waste of money. I would tell anyone don’t go to college, just travel the world if you are in a “I don’t know what I want to do” phase.
How do you make music? What is your process?
There is no process? Just like a boxer you just go train and do it.
How did Major Lazer start?
Couple years before me whole heap a things did gwan and then I joined and I been with it for nine years.
What’s it like working together?
Nice, we grow up in Florida so we have similar interests.
What was your first hit song?
Bend Down pause with WizKid.
That was before Chronixx?
That was after Chronixx.
How did you link up with Chronixx?
It was Ezra who told me about him. We then met up at Jay Will’s office and talked for hours. Then we decided to make a mixtape.
Have you worked with Chronixx since?
It has been a while but we keep in touch.
Do you think the genres of music and artists in Jamaica get validation in the music industry?
Who cares? All these things are speed bumps to distract from the focus of making music. I’ve seen lotta people fall way off because they are worried about what other people think.
What are your thoughts on the Grammys?
I appreciate the Grammy I won but it is not made for independent artists. It’s really what you make it mean. To the underdog, this award is everything because it kinda says “white music industry has accepted me”. We really need to analyze the depth and levels of that psychology and break it up. It doesn’t really do much for our community. The Grammy is an old boys club, we want to make sure we have something of our own that we get excited about. I love to be recognized for my works but I want to see white people say “wow I got an award in Jamaica”
Do you own your Masters? Do you think more artists should own their masters?
Of course, I own my masters and why wouldn’t they want to own their masters? Ultimately everyone should own their masters.
Hipgnosis Songs Fund is buying up lotta (music) publishing, would you sell yours?
Sure.
Many young artists just want a hit and don’t understand the business or own their masters.
I do agree there needs to be mentorship. If anybody is in the business and wants to know all this information is on YouTube. They have to make themselves someone in the industry who knows how to protect themselves. There should be places to pay and learn but the information is on YouTube.
Some artists don’t want to get in the business of music.
You wouldn’t work in any other business and not know how you will make your money so why would it be any different in music? The excuses are outdated. If you type up the answers on google the answers will appear.
Reggae and Dancehall music makes up less than one percent of global streams. To what do you attribute that?
“How I approach music is mathematical and design-based. Just like I look at every piece of land as an opportunity to make something amazing, that’s how I see music.”
-Walshy Fire
That’s like comparing America to Jamaica. There are things America can do and Jamaica just can’t do and vice versa. I wouldn’t compare it but a discussion is needed as to why numbers could be low.
How did you get to Koffee and what was your contribution to her career?
Kanisha Palmer who has a true eye for talent brought her to me. He said he is working with her and he is a legend. He brought Koffee to my house, and he brought Jaz Elise to my house. He picked them up and drove them to me. I am honored to executive produce that (Koffee’s) album.
Did the alliance with a record label help her win the Grammy?
It is what helped. It is an old boys club man. I am glad she did do that because it gave her the help needed.
If you were not doing music what would you be doing?
Architecture
Do you find similarities with both?
Absolutely, the way I approach music is mathematical and design-based. Just like I look at every piece of land as an opportunity to make something amazing, that’s how I see music.
Watch full interview with Walshy Fire on WMV YouTube channel here.
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