Taste Test: Damian Lazarus

Taste Test: Damian Lazarus

17 November, 2010 | 7.54AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: crosstown rebels, damian lazarus, taste test

Has Damian Lazarus gone off the deep end? Quite possibly—but in a good way. After his Crosstown Rebels label got swept up in Amato Distribution’s collapse in late 2007, Lazarus regrouped, decamped for sunny Los Angeles, and—just like his namesake—came back from the dead.

After dusting themselves off in 2008, Crosstown Rebels have had a spectacular couple of years, turning out hit after underground hit—records like Jamie Jones’ “Summertime,” the Royal We’s “Party Guilt,” and Glimpse’s “If I Was Your Girl"—and helping give a leg up to emerging talents like Deniz Kurtel, Soul Clap, and Art Department. If you’ve ever been to a Crosstown party, though, it’s clear that they’re about more than just hits—they’re about creating experiences and fostering community, something that immediately becomes clear from watching Rebel Rave TV, an ongoing film series that documents the Crosstown crew’s renegade shenanigans around the world.

To celebrate seven years of rebel futurism, getting lost, and bouncing back, Crosstown recently released Rebel Rave, a triple-length collection featuring catalog highlights old and new, and wrapped up with a DJ mix by DC10’s Clive Henry.

We checked in with Lazarus to learn a little about his roots, and he regaled us with masks, shamanism, and cobra-flavored liquor. Clearly, all that West Coast sunlight is having an effect on him. Read on for the full interview.

What was the first record you remember having as a child?

I had a collection of those beautifully colored Fisher Price discs, I think one of them played “Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill,” great tune! My first two vinyl records were Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and the theme tune to the Pink Panther.

What was the first record you bought with your own money?

I think it was Howard Jones’ “New Song,” and soon after that I became a member of his fan club, and still have the Christmas flexi-disc to prove it.

Which style or genre of music was your first great love?

British soul, Loose Ends were my favorite band. I have everything they ever released including all the rare, DJ-only promos and the t-shirt that I sent off for from the inner sleeve of the “Golden Dreams” single.

How have your musical tastes changed since you were a teenager?

Not that much really, I still buy weird children’s records and crazy coloured vinyl just for the fun of it. I still listen to Loose Ends… maybe my tastes have matured a little, but not much.

What was the last record you bought?

The Muppet Musicians of Bremen (as told by Kermit the Frog) – CBS Records

How many tracks/records do you typically acquire every week—both promos & purchases?

Well I just counted and in the last seven days I have been sent 96 promos (average four tracks per promo), 32 demos, and I purchased five records and no mp3s this week.

What format do you DJ with – vinyl, CD, Traktor/Serato, Ableton, etc…?

CDs and vinyl.

Name your three favorite (house) tracks at the moment:

Maya Jane Coles, “Easier to Hide”
Deniz Kurtel, “The L Word”
Maceo Plex, “Vibe Your Love”

Three favorite classic (house) tracks:

Mr. Fingers, “What About This Love”

Jamie Principle, “Baby Wants to Ride” [FFRR]

Raze, “Break 4 Love” [Champion]

Which track do you wish that you had made?

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Only someone with Marvin’s immense talent and vision could have made this album but it really is such an accomplishment. It is impossible not to have total admiration for him.

What’s your favorite record from this year that isn’t electronic dance music?

Sufjan Stevens, The Age of Adz. This artist is possibly the most important musician around today, very inspiring.

Current reading or last good book read?

Psychomagic: The Transformative Power of Shamanic Psychotherapy. It sounds a lot more complicated than it is, this is Alejandro Jodorwosky discussing his unique and bizarre suggestions that he applies to all life’s issues. I believe Jodorowsky is the greatest artist living today.

Favorite iPhone app:

I succumbed to an iPhone just recently, I’m not a huge fan of phones, I just want to chat and text but I am a sucker for the RJDJ app, I have a lot of fun with that.

Favorite video game:

It used to be Defender and Galaxian, I’m not a gamer these days.

Favorite piece of gear:

I love my Roland Space Echo.

Preferred headphones:

Sennheiser HD25s are the most common ones I use. Recently I was given a pair of V-Moda Crossfade LPs, which have a really cool sound too.

Favorite clothing designer:

I’ve taken to asking friends to make clothes for me recently, I like fashion but don’t enjoy buying clothes that much. I’m not really into labels, I like odd shapes and sizings, dark colors, hats and capes. I don’t mind a bit of dress up and play too…

Favorite city/country/club to perform in?

DC10, Ibiza, Spain.

What country would you be thrilled to play in, just for the food?

Peru is becoming a food mecca.

Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten while on tour:

I drank a shot of Habu Sake in Japan, it’s made using the venom of a cobra snake. The huge jar from which it was poured for me had the snake curled up inside. I tried live sushi in Osaka as well, that was weird.

Strangest thing a fan has ever given you:

I’ve been given everything from beautiful colored glass sculptures to capsules of DMT; I love gifts.

Frequent flyer survival tip:

I have a new golden rule: sleep at least one hour before getting on the plane; that gives you enough energy to get through customs and onto the plane but ensures a good sleep when on board.

Weirdest rumor you’ve ever heard about yourself:

That I was arrogant. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Damian Lazarus Beatport October 2010 Top 10

Various, Rebel Rave [Crosstown Rebels]

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