True to his namesake, Damian Lazarus has experienced a resurrection. At the end of 2002 his career appeared unstoppable. He was the Head of A&R (artist and repertoire) for the successful UK label City Rockers. They’d just been voted “Label of the Year” by a variety of well known music magazines. He was at the forefront of an immensely popular emerging genre referred to as “electro-clash.” And, the “Futurism 1 and 2” compilations which he’d mixed were being greeted with critical acclaim throughout dance music media. Then, in early 2003, it all came crashing down.
City Rockers, riding high on the back of Felix Da Housecat’s “Silver Screen” and Tiga’s “Sunglasses at Night”, signed Fischerspooner – a move which proved disastrous for the label – and one for which Damian Lazarus was forced to take full responsibility. By mid 2003 his career was effectively dead in the water.
Through hard work and determination Damian has, however, proven that resurrection is in fact possible. He’s established a brand new label, Crosstown Rebels, and has signed the likes of Frankie Flowerz, Phonique and the Glimmer Twins. When you add to that the release of a new mix CD entitled “Rebel Futurism”, it soon becomes apparent that rumors of Damian Lazarus’ untimely demise were greatly exaggerated.
Intrigued by Damian Lazarus’ amazing recovery, In The Mix’s Capcoincidence tracked down the UK DJ and fired off a few questions about City Rockers, Crosstown Rebels, and life after resurrection.
ITM: I know that you got your start as an A&R man, but let’s go back a bit further. Why, and how, did you first become interested in dance music?
DL: I got into music as a result of hanging out with my older cousin – who not only taught me to smoke and swear, but also to appreciate the delights of disco, electro and boogie.
ITM: Your style has generally been described by others as “electro” or “electroclash”. How do you describe your style? Why?
DL: I think my sound is best described as techno these days. The whole electro thing has moved on so much now and as I have always incorporated techno, electro, breaks and house into my sound, it seems more appropriate. Besides, electro these days tends to refer to a more ‘novelty’ and ‘trashy’ sound – which is something I have never been into. However, I like to think my sound is unique and so, maybe it’s best described as ‘the Lazarus sound’!!
ITM: What’s the greatest thing about being a DJ?
DL: Traveling to crazy places, meeting strange and beautiful people, creating an atmosphere when you play records, making people’s day/night and, of course, being able to make a career out of playing music.
ITM: You spent some time as head of A&R for City Rockers. How did you score initially score that job?
DL: I had worked at London Records with Pete Tong and Phil Howells as a consultant A&R and when Phil left the company he asked me if I’d like to start to a new label with him. And I did.
ITM: How do you feel about the manner in which you left City Rockers now that a bit of time has passed?
DL: It’s all in the past – City Rockers was a major influence and played an important role in the development of dance music and has helped us all get to where we are today. I’m very happy to have been co-responsible for what we achieved.
ITM: What can you tell me about you new label, Crosstown Rebels, in particular its aims, artists, and attitude?
DL: Crosstown Rebels is an underground label that represents my personal taste and take on dance music. There are no boundaries, it’s simply a vehicle for some of the most cutting edge, forward thinking dance music being made and created around the world. The artists are true, honest and genius, the staff likewise and the supporters even more so. The sound is growing, the support and fan-base too. Rebels like to party hard but only if the beats are strong and if there is depth in the music.
ITM: How difficult is it is juggle your responsibilities to the label and those you have as a DJ?
DL: Not as difficult as you might imagine. This year I have conquered my fear of not having to do everything myself and have learnt the art of delegation. I now have a team of people who I trust and so I can play easier when I am away, safe in the knowledge that royalties are being paid, artists are happy, shops have our records, etc. And besides, when I DJ I am road-testing new music for the label and hammering the label’s sound so it all works hand in hand.
ITM: You’ve got regular residencies at some of the coolest clubs around the world, but I couldn’t help but notice that they are in a number of different countries. Does this mean that you are constantly traveling? If so, what sort of effect does that have on your life?
ITM: It’s not so great for my personal life but my family and friends understand that this is the path I have chosen. When I am not behind turntables, or being silly at after parties, I tend to spend a lot of time on the phone and in front of computers getting my life in order.
ITM: At the risk of bringing up something that has been written about ad nauseum, it’s been said there is an ongoing feud between yourself and Paul Oakenfold. Is that still the case, or have you patched things up?
DL: There’s never been a feud, no need for patching anything up. I made a comment about “superstar” DJs and named some people. However, I stand by what I said – If people are willing to pay a DJ in excess of £30k to play a set, they are more likely to get their money’s worth from someone like me.
ITM: The dance music scene is constantly evolving and, over the last few years, you’ve been in a privileged position from which to witness that evolution. What major changes do you see occurring in the scene at present? Are they positive changes or negative ones?
DL: Totally positive! However, I am still very happy to be considered underground. The general public perception of dance music could not possibly get any worse than it has been over the last few years and so building something from the ground up is very rewarding. I think dance music is about to make a real impact on the world again.
ITM: Who is inspiring you at the moment?
DL: All the Crosstown Rebel artists, writers like Jonathan Safran Froer, film-makers like Paul Thomas Anderson, people that buy records and people that rave for 48 hours at the weekend.
ITM: This is only your second DJing trip to Australia. What did you make of the scene (and the country in general) when you were last out here?
DL: I fell in love with Australia. I was in a privileged position to play some brilliant parties and hang out with some brilliant people. The reaction I got on my last trip was truly awesome and I’m hoping for the same again. The deal with me is I clearly love to party and I only came across Australians that were the same as me. There is a sense of freedom and hedonism that, whilst being common elsewhere, seems unique to the party people in Australia.
ITM: What makes a Damian Lazarus DJ set unique?
DL: My tunes and the love that comes out of me whilst playing them.
ITM: What can we expect from you over the next 12 months (releases, tours, scandals, etc)?
DL: I am just recording Rebel Futurism Session Two, which will be released in March 2005. The label will be releasing some of the best underground dance music known to man or beast. I will wear some new hats and I will be back in Australia for a full tour schedule in April. I can’t wait!!
You can catch Damian Lazarus at Bang Gang on Friday December 3rd and then at ‘We Love… Sydney’ on Saturday December 4th (BUY TICKETS). Check out ITM Whatson or local guides for dates in other cities.
