Damian Lazarus interview

Damian Lazarus interview

3 January, 2008 | 6.42AM

• Written by: jamiegardiner1
• Filed under: Music News: crosstown rebels, damian lazarus, glasgow, slam

Damian Lazarus is an artist that has certainly paid his dues.

His unique mix of deep underground techno, house and electro leaving a lasting impression on the thousands of clubbers he plays to all over the globe.

He prepares to make his debut at Glasgow’s legendary Sub Club, special guests of techno aficionados Slam at their Return to Mono night .

Damian has played with Slam several times — at Pressure, Never Get out the Boat and the Slam Tent at T in the Park — but this is his Sub Club debut.

When did you first want to be a DJ?

I bought Technics 1210s and a Numark 1775 mixer when I was 14, but I couldn’t mix and didn’t realise there was a career in DJing until much later.

What music were you into then?

Mainly hip hop, electro, soul and funk.

I then discovered house, hardcore and jungle whilst at college in ‘89.

Has music always been a part of your life?

Yes, before working at record labels and DJing I was a music journalist.

I was the Assistant Editor and Music Editor at Dazed and Confused magazine between ‘93 and ‘96 and freelanced for other publications.

What were your favourite interviews?

I did so many but I guess the special ones were meeting and interviewing KRS-One, Chuck D, India (from Masters At Work), Wyclef Jean, Photek and Mathiew Kassovitz — not forgetting the time I interviewed Gonzo from The Muppets.

How did you start working in the music industry?

I was offered a consultant A&R job at London Records and later set up City Rockers with the same guy from London.

When did you set up Crosstown Rebels?

In 2004.

I left City Rockers with a plan to start out on my own.

Now we have a small but efficient and enthusiastic team of people and an amazing family of artists.

When did you have your first real DJing break?

In 2002 at the City Rockers party, Bodyrockers, where I was a resident.

I then got asked to play at the Sonar festival in Barcelona and then at Space in Ibiza.

What has happened since then?

I have defined my sound, played some amazing parties and traveled the world with some incredible music.

Describe your sound now.

Twisted, raw, deep underground techno, house and electro.

Crazy future music that works just as well at peak times in large clubs as it does in the early hours in small spaces.

What does the future hold?

Continuing to play records at some of the best parties around, releasing amazing music on Crosstown Rebels, working on music soundtracks for movies and generally enjoying life with a smile.

-

SLAM + DAMIAN LAZARUS

Return to Mono
Sub Club Glasgow
Friday Jan 11th
11pm to 3am
£10/£8 students

www.damianlazarus.com
www.crosstownrebels.com
www.myspace.com/slamofficial
www.slamevents.com/

• (0) Comments
• (1346) Views
• Check out Damian Lazarus on Beatport