The Story Behind The Hit Song That Changed Music Forever: "Lean On" By Major Lazer
The 2015 dancehall smash "Lean On" by Major Lazer, featuring DJ Snake and MØ, catapulted the three international artists to unprecedented heights, with the song racking up over 2.5 billion views on YouTube and becoming the first song to hit 1 billion views on the platform. The song's infectious beat, catchy hook, and infectious energy made it an instant hit, but the story behind the song's creation reveals a fascinating tale of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
The idea for "Lean On" was born out of a chance encounter between Major Lazer's Diplo and DJ Snake, who were on tour in India in 2014. The two producers were in the midst of a rigorous touring schedule, and Diplo, who was also known for his production work with Skrillex, had been experimenting with the idea of combining the sounds of dancehall, EDM, and pop. Diplo had a vision for a song that would blend the best of these genres, and he saw Snake as the perfect collaborator to help bring his idea to life.
"We were on tour in India, and we had a day off, and Diplo was like, 'Let's make a song together'," Snake recalled in an interview with Billboard. "We were in this room, and Diplo had this idea for a song, and he was like, 'Let's just make it.' And I was like, 'Okay, let's do it.'" The two producers spent the next 24 hours locked in a studio, creating the foundation of what would eventually become "Lean On."
Birth of a Song
The seed for "Lean On" was planted when Diplo and Snake stumbled upon a Baha Men sample from the 1998 hit song "Who Let the Dogs Out." The two producers saw an opportunity to reimagine the classic tune, infusing it with a modern twist. They began experimenting with different sounds and beats, incorporating elements of dancehall and pop to create a unique blend that would become the hallmark of "Lean On."
"We were messing around with this sample, and we were like, 'This is cool,'" Snake explained. "We added some drums, and then we added some synths, and then we added some melodies. And then we were like, 'This is getting somewhere.'" The two producers spent hours perfecting their creation, pouring their hearts and souls into the song.
Major Lazer's Signature Sound
As the song began to take shape, Diplo and Snake knew they needed to bring in a vocal talent who could deliver the hook. Enter Danish singer-songwriter MØ, who had been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of indie pop and electronic sounds. Diplo had been a fan of MØ's work and saw her as the perfect fit for the song.
"MØ's voice is just so unique and special," Diplo gushed. "When we heard her singing on the demo, we were like, 'This is it.' We knew we had the perfect vocalist for the song." MØ's distinctive vocals added a new dimension to the song, bringing the entire project together.
Global Phenomenon
After months of refinement and tweaking, "Lean On" was finally released in April 2015 to a lukewarm reception. But it wasn't until the song's official remix, featuring Justin Bieber, was released a few months later that "Lean On" started gaining traction. The remix catapulted the song to new heights, propelling it to the top of the charts in over 20 countries.
As the song's popularity continued to soar, Diplo, Snake, and MØ found themselves in high demand. They embarked on a whirlwind tour, performing the song to sold-out crowds and festival-goers around the world. "Lean On" became an anthem for the music industry, showcasing the power of collaboration and creative innovation.
The Lasting Impact of "Lean On"
The success of "Lean On" had a lasting impact on the music industry, paving the way for future dancehall-EDM hybrids and cementing the popularity of global collaborations. The song's fusion of different genres and styles opened up new possibilities for producers and artists, encouraging experimentation and creativity.
"Lean On" also marked a significant milestone in the career of its three creators, catapulting them to international fame and acclaim. Diplo, Snake, and MØ went on to collaborate on numerous projects, further cementing their reputation as visionary producers and artists.
As the song's success continues to reverberate through the music industry, "Lean On" serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The story behind the hit song is a reminder that even the most unlikely of encounters can lead to something truly remarkable.
The story of "Lean On" is a testament to the magic that happens when creatives come together, share their ideas, and push the boundaries of what's possible. The song's enduring success is a reminder that the music industry is constantly evolving, and that even the most seemingly improbable of collaborations can lead to something truly special.
Fun Facts and Stats
* "Lean On" was the first song to reach 1 billion views on YouTube.
* The song has over 2.5 billion views on YouTube to date.
* "Lean On" topped the charts in over 20 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and India.
* The song's official remix, featuring Justin Bieber, was released in May 2015 and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
* "Lean On" won several awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Dance Song.
