Music preview: Damian Lazarus at The Church, Leeds

How are you, what’s good, what bad right now?

Good is my six-month-old daughter who has lit up my life in ways I could never have dreamed and bad is a nasty eye infection I have had for three weeks which is giving me serious migraines.

When did you first meet Dave Beer? What were your impressions?

It feels like we have known each other since the beginning of time but I’d hazard a guess at around 2000, we have been close friends since. My first impression of him was that he was a loveable loon and that hasn’t changed over the years.

And what has your relationship been like over the years? What makes him special?

He is a man of principle and pride and has always been very honest and giving with me over the years. We have shared some extraordinary moments together, both good and bad, and we have shared some incredible party moments together too.

And about Basics, why is it such a legendary night? What makes it so long running, too?

When you add together the face of the Queen with a safety pin in her nose, the words Back to Basics, Dave Beer and the great city of Leeds; you get a legendary party that withstands time and space.

What are some of your fondest memories of it over the years?

I think the first ever after party at Stinkys Peephouse was something of a classic night. Over the years Ive played at Basics alone with the amazing residents, as part of the Circoloco parties and also various Crosstown Rebels related joint events. Leeds holds a very special place in my heart; I have met so many amazing people here over the years and I also find the city very open minded musically, which suits me very well. Back to Basics has played a large role in all of this.

And you play his new venue Church soon - what are you expecting? What should we expect from you?

Dave got in touch and told me how excited he is about this new place, it sounds perfect for the Basics and I really hope the opening night will be something very special. I havent played in Leeds for a little while and I have a good feeling that we are all in for a treat.

Tell us about your Ancient Moons project - you working on anything for it now?

Yes I have been working with the band on the 2nd album for almost a year now and we are very excited about whats to come. We have been discussing letting people hear something new very soon so watch this space, but essentially 2017 will be a big year for The Moons.

You are a very spiritual person, right? Should we all be? Is it a happier way of life?

I would say I am connected in some form to nature and spirituality. I am always expanding my mind and knowledge in the pursuit of answers to the big questions. It makes me happy to ponder these things but it’s not for everyone, Netflix and a pint after work is just as viable as a way of living.

What else have you got coming up/are you doing forward to?

My festival Day Zero in Tulum on January 13, a few Get Lost parties around the world, broadening the Wizardry concept I created with DJ Tennis and DJ Three, some amazing new releases on Crosstown Rebels and Rebellion and the perennial pursuit of some time off with my family.

I wonder, what are you most proud of in your career so far? Do you still have goals and dreams?

I am entrusted every year with playing the closing set of the main room at DC10 for both the Opening and Closing parties in Ibiza, as this is still THE best club on earth, I’d say that’s a small something to be proud of. I like to dream but I’m not one for setting out long term plans and goals but in the short term, Im planning to make the opening of Basics at The Church something very special for the good people of Leeds.

Damian will perform at the first Back to Basics at The Church on October 8. For tickets CLICK HERE