Nine Key Highlights of the Major Lazer 2015 Experience

Annual concerts at year end are usually accompanied by an unspoken axiom of transience, yet somehow also by the nuance new beginnings. The sense that, this was a great year, only to be eclipsed by a full night of partying so hard we hope not to recall in grueling detail. Yet there are things we hope we never forget, that kiss in the dark, that last cigarette, the smudged phone number in our palm, that face with the looks, the really quintessential moments. This year’s Major Lazer and Friends concert was just that, an eclectic mix of tradition, the ephemeral and new beginnings.

As the years have gone by, Major Lazer and Friends, like many great concerts and festivals worldwide, create a tradition. This tradition then becomes a promise, the promise of a unique space, at a unique time and unmatched vibes. Perhaps it is somehow this quality that transforms an event into an experience. Major Lazer and Friends, the yearly edition that takes place in Kingston, Jamaica, has subtly developed its own tradition, a very diverse recognizable one.

Parking- The pandemonium really starts in traffic, trying to enter the national stadium was like waiting for the Wi-Fi to come back on. Once parked maybe an hour later or so after arrival, ones would then proceed to the venue.

Free Bacardi T-Shirts- Bacardi was one of the official sponsors for the event and they came prepared to give back to patrons. If you didn’t get a free Bacardi T-shirt, you were probably one of those boring people standing at the back during rave time, like a true loser.

Glow Sticks galore- This little prop is highly underestimated, but it is a core module of any rave starter pack. You can’t really get down without them, they’re everywhere.

Mixed Drinks- Patrons were really getting down with the hard liquor, thankfully most people seemed to have their designated drivers as there were no reported accidents post event. Bacardi and Red Bull were the mains that night, but the bar insisted everyone feel good with a wide selection of mix drinks, there was nothing light available unless you insisted on one of the loose Carib beers hiding in freezer.

Cigarettes- The new fashion trend, one in hand and one behind the ear, just to look cool, but occasionally to smoke.

Visual Stimulation on max- The stage was lit, and it delivered on the promise of tradition. The projections and lights are a core part of the Major Lazer experience and this year was no different, they definitely pulled through with some stunning graphics.

Chromatic’s fire set- Although this was an EDM concert, the relationship between dancehall and world music can become very apparent in these spaces. Thanks to Chromatic spinning some of the hottest tunes out of the island right now, some people may have come closer to realizing that dancehall and dub step are not too different.

Martin Garrix’s set- Fairly young and up and coming DJ, Producer and Musician Martin Garrix, with hits like “Animals” and “Wizard” , made his debut appearance in Jamaica on the Major Lazer stage that night. Surprisingly to a very warm crowd, his fandom apparently extends even to Kingston. He was definitely moving the crowd who were rocking with him.

Major Lazer- When the stars of the show finally entered the stage it was definitely lit. There is something to being the most anticipated performer for the night, there’s a certain kind of energy it brings. Major Lazer definitely brought the energy, and they also brought on many guests like Chi Ching Ching recently of Unruly Records, Tarrus Riley, and surprisingly Chronixx who was also having his Own Capture Land Tour across the city in Spanish Town. Reports are that Lazer passed through his show and they also passed through his.

All in all, the night ended up being one to remember, even if you don’t recall in detail, the tradition continues.