As the head of prolific label Crosstown Rebels, Damian Lazarus has played a large part in defining, shaping and then reshaping the underground house and techno scene. From their London home, Crosstown has always maintained a dedication to the highest quality of electronic music whilst spreading the highs of their live events to music lovers all over. Their collection of artists have grown into a family of esteemed producers and in demand DJs. Taking their sound to each corner of the globe and everywhere in between, the label has set the standards for the chasing pack. Moving with the times, but never dictated to by trends or fashion, Crosstown has always sounded defiantly modern – a trait which has won them fans and critical praise the world over. Following on from their monumental Rebel Rave tour last year, Damian Lazarus is now brought a clutch of his most prized artists together to rock their very own tent at Manchester’s Parklife last Saturday. Joining the head honcho was Clive Henry, Jamie Jones, Deniz Kurtel, Simon Baker. The Crosstown sound was in full flow throughout the entire day as Manchester’s dance fraternity were treated to the most cutting-edge, shape-throwing sounds courtesy of Lazarus and his posse of Rebels. We caught up with the main man just before his performance to talk about his label, Manchester and about Parklife itself.
Does the name Crosstown Rebels reflect the attitude and ethos of your label?
We are a growing family of rebellious lunatics, wandering the earth playing and making subversive music to like minded people to yes, I guess it does.
Rebels seems to get the perfect blend of DJs and producers. As well as their high quality releases, your artists all have killer live sets. Is that an important factor that you look at when signing an act?
I think it's important to show many sides to each artist. DJing is an art but playing live takes extra commitment and extra talent to pull it off well. When choosing music to release on the label, the sound and feeling is the main priority, it is a bonus if the artist can create something special on stage.
What do you think has changed within the scene throughout the seven years since you set up the label?
The sound is constantly evolved and I like to think we have had something to do with the ever changing moods and trends. Over the last few years I have noticed that people generally have refined their tastes when buying music or going out to hear artists and this keeps everyone on their toes which is a great thing.
How proud were you to take all your artists on a tour of the scale of this year’s Rebel Rave tour?
Very proud and very lucky to be able to work such a fantastic group of individuals, who when they come together create unparalleled carnage and fun.
Manchester has been an important city for British music. Are you looking forward to hosting a tent at Parklife?
Really excited. I've always loved playing in Manchester and I have a feeling this weekend will be very special.
Digging as far into the past and as alternative as you like, who have been your favourite Manchester acts?
New Order/Joy Division, Mondays, Gerald, Smiths & The Bee Gees.
Although there are obviously plenty of advantages of playing at a festival, what obstacles do you face as opposed to performing in a club?
That because the event is on during the day, we have to share our party with England's opening match at the World Cup.
Which festivals are you particularly looking forward to this summer?
This one, Taico Club in Nagano, Japan, Elecktik Piknik in Montreal and many others.
Where are you playing in Ibiza this year?
This year I will play exclusively for Circo Loco.
Where are your favourite places to visit, clubs aside?
Kyoto in Japan, Tulum in Mexico and Torino in Italy.
Finally, I would be really interested to hear what you make of the recent closure of Matter and the suspected problems that face Fabric?
I hope that the company survives and I'm sure it will. London will be a much colder place without Fabric. I have just finished making the Fabric 54 mix cd which is due out in September so fingers crossed everything will be ok.
