Sobriety's Role in Creativity

Damian Lazarus joins me for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his path from the early 2000s electroclash scene to his position today as one of dance music’s most consistently influential figures.

We talk about how it all began — from getting his first DJ residency at 16, to working as music editor at Dazed and Confused, to his A&R role at City Rockers, where he helped shape the early sound of electroclash alongside labels like Gigolo and Turbo. He shares stories from that era: warehouse parties in Shoreditch, impromptu gigs in disused toilets, and encounters with everyone from The Strokes to Jarvis Cocker.

We also get into what came next: founding Crosstown Rebels, building immersive events like Day Zero and Get Lost, and working with artists like Jamie Jones, Francesca Lombardo, and Maceo Plex.

Damian also talks candidly about sobriety, how it affected his creative process during the making of his Magickal album, and what changed for him on a personal level. He describes the early signs — creative blocks, burnout — and the shifts that followed once he made the decision to stop.

We cover a lot: longevity in music, what it means to stay curious, and how looking back at music’s past helps him think about where things might go next.

Listen to Damian Lazarus’ music:

🎧 Bandcamp | Crosstown Rebels Bandcamp

Visit Damian Lazarus’ website:

🌐 damianlazarus.com

Follow Damian Lazarus on Instagram:

📸 @damianlazarus

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Bored on the beach this August? Grab a copy of my book Coming To Berlin, a journey through the city’s creative underground, via Velocity Press.

And if you’re curious about Cold War-era subversion, check out my BBC documentary The Man Who Smuggled Punk Rock Across The Berlin Wall on the BBC World Service.

You can also follow me on Instagram at @paulhanford for behind-the-scenes bits, guest updates, and whatever else is bubbling up.