IN THE MOMENT WITH DAMIAN LAZARUS

BY: JESSE ZAPATERO

Damian Lazarus doesn’t just play music — he curates experiences. Across two decades of DJing, producing, and championing underground talent, he’s become one of the most trusted names in electronic music, known for his unpredictable sets, deep catalog knowledge, and spiritual connection to the craft. Whether it’s sunrise at Day Zero in Tulum or a prime-time slot at Coachella — where he returned for the third time since 2014 — Lazarus performs with purpose, even if he doesn’t plan a thing in advance.

“I never really plan anything,” he says, leaning into the chaos with confidence. That spontaneity isn’t a gimmick — it’s a practiced intuition, developed from playing over 200 shows a year and staying intimately connected to what moves people. He updates his catalog weekly, drawing from a constantly rotating palette of sounds to match the moment. He’s not interested in creating a guaranteed peak; he’s interested in something more rare: presence.

His latest album, Magickal, is the culmination of years spent recording, reflecting, and recalibrating. Drawing from the elements and life's quieter revelations — “the sun and the moon,” as he puts it — the project is designed to live both on and off the dancefloor. Though he downplays its experimental edge, it’s clear Magickal carries personal weight: a reflection of where he is right now, artistically and emotionally.

At home, Lazarus is a present and intentional parent. On the road, he’s a boundary-pusher, label head, and community builder. As AI and algorithmic influence begin to reshape the music world, he remains focused on keeping the soul intact. “Music has to come from within,” he says — and from Damian Lazarus, it always has.

Well, first I just wanna say what an honor it is to speak with you and thank you for your time.
What has been keeping you creative lately?

I just released a new album — been working on that the last few years. The sun and the moon have been keeping me creative.

Your last album Magical — we were listening to it on the way here. It feels very experimental. What changes in your life shaped the sound and vision for this record?

I've been making music for some time now, and every time I go into the studio and start working on a new project, I just think about where I am in my life and what's been happening — how can I create music that touches the essence of who I am at this time

And I wouldn't say this album is the most experimental album I've put together, but I'm really proud of it. I think it works just as well for the dancefloor as it does for at-home listening.

It is an amazing album. This is your third time playing Coachella since 2014. How has your approach to such a major set evolved over the years?

Yeah, I haven't decided what I'm going to play — I have no plan. I never really plan anything in advance. I like to feel the energy of the room. You know that kind of 10–15 minutes I have before the show. I like to think about it then.

Last week I had no plan and I changed my mind about what I was going to play at the very last second. I play that way because it allows me to be in the moment.

That's insane. I’m really shocked — because it is Coachella and people put a lot of thought into what they're going to do, and the fact that you go off the whim and feel...

As a DJ, I'm constantly updating my music every week, and I'm playing so often, so I know which tunes are really moving. If I want to make a room explode, I can do that for an hour — but I choose to bring that once or twice during a set because I want to stay true to myself, but also keep in mind that there are fifteen thousand people that wanna party. So, I have no plan, but I always hope to get it right.

You know AI has been changing the world we live in and our approach to things — even in music and writing — as technology plays a huge role even in modern DJing. Do you feel like we’re gaining creative control or losing something in the human process of things?

We’re definitely losing a lot in the human process, and I think we’re entering a dangerous period — especially with the possibilities with AI and how you can use it in music.

It's down to people like me, who really love music and this whole community. The whole essence of what this electronic music world is about — and people that really love it and live about it — have to remind the world music has to come from within.

I just hope true artists will continue to rule this world.

You’re a big family man. I know you've got some kiddos. How do you balance that peaceful home life with the demanding travel and intense energy that is being a huge DJ?

When I’m home with the family, I'm very present. I think I balance that. Most parents have the 9–5 jobs — you know, get ready for work at 7 in the morning, drop them off at school. Most of them only really get to hang out with their kids on the weekends.

So when I'm home, I have to be one hundred percent present, playing with them and hanging out.

I learned you play about 200 shows a year. Do your kiddos have an understanding of what you do for a living?

They do, they do — they love it! I think they would prefer if I was home a lot more, but I've taken them to a few shows...

Do they show that same musical curiosity you have?

They are starting to show it now. I think, like most kids, they try to go against the grain — you know, moms and dads are considered to be “cool” until much later on, haha.

Kids are generally more embarrassed about their parents — though my kids are very intrigued and excited when I tell them stuff, and they've seen my shows and felt what it's all about.

You’ve built a global community with your music. What impact and legacy do you hope to leave behind not only as a DJ but as a father, label head, and overall human being?

I hope that I've left a legacy of music. The music will continue to touch people, and I hope that people will understand and enjoy my creative input and leave a mark in music festivals and passion for creating special moments for people.

And by the way, I'm not dying or going anywhere, haha — but ultimately I hope people look back and say, “He really loved what he did.”

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll — and I’ll just leave that why out there, haha.