Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a regular short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email james.hanley@futurenet.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with DJ and producer Damian Lazarus, who is bringing his Day Zero Celebration Of Ancient Cultures electronic music festival to Masada World Heritage Site in Israel, on September 27. Acts will include Ae:ther (live), Bedouin, Chaim, DamianLazarus, Davi (live), Gorgon City, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Magit Cacoon, Monolink (live) and Satori (live).
Day Zero Tulum will follow in Mexico on January 10, 2020.
What was your first job in the music industry?
At the age of 13, I took a Saturday job at a now infamous London record store called Groove Records. At 21 I became music editor at Dazed & Confused magazine, and at 24 I became an A&R consultant at FFRR/London Records.
How long have you been in your current role?
I started Crosstown Rebels 16 years ago in 2003. As far as DJing is concerned, I started buying records at the age of 12 and had turntables and a mixer at the age of 14, I have been DJing virtually all my life.
What is your favourite thing about working in the live music industry?
From an artist’s perspective; nothing beats making people dance and having an amazing time. From the perspective of running my Day Zero festivals or Get Lost experiences, it’s exactly the same. The goal and focus with everything is creating and delivering something special and unique that people will respond to positively and take away memories that they will always cherish.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the business?
I’m not sure I can select one; but here are a few. I would like to see all music events become more eco-conscious and proactive with sustainability issues. I would ban the use of cameras at shows and in clubs. I would like to see the next youth generation have more of an appreciation for artists and their work, for example, making the creation of an album a little more important than just another thing to download and forget about after one play. I would also like to see an end to ticket touting and unfair costs associated with live music. I would also advocate for a greater understanding and support network for artists suffering mental health issues.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There really have been far too many personal achievements to list here and not one single one that overshadows the others. I’m an emotional person and I’m happy to admit I’ve dropped a few happy tears over the years because of super-cool things that have happened.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Day Zero in Tulum - January 11, 2019
PHOTO: Karim Tabar
