Damian Lazarus is a man in demand. In the last week his touring schedule as taken him from Valencia to Ibiza and back to East London and a dirty warehouse full of adoring fans. When not touring Damian is equally busy, already this year he has followed up his ‘Rebel Futurism’ mix with a second instalment as well as providing the next chapter in Bugged Out’s ‘Suck My Deck’ series. When not behind the decks Damian has proved equally adept at unearthing new material. As head of A & R for City Rockers, he signed Felix Da Housecats 'Silver Screen' and Tiga's 'Sunglasses at Night', while his new label Crosstown Rebels delivers the next wave or electro-techy goodness in the form of Phonique, Kiki & Silversurfer and Pier Bucci.

The party you’re playing at Sonar this year kicks off at 7AM on Sunday morning, with the Kompakt beach party later that afternoon. What would you recommend to festival goers: an early night to bed and a good breakfast beforehand, or a ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ style kick-on?
Personally, I'd recommend a hearty fried breakfast washed down with a vodka limon. But, I would suggest keeping a toothpick close at hand.

Sonar is a truly international event can you share any experience of electronic music in different countries?
Rave is a universal language and no matter your background, you're welcome in our house.

"Rave is a universal language and no matter your background, you're welcome in our house."

What is your favourite festival memory or crazy festival story?
I was asked to play the first set at Creamfields and later found out that the reason that not one person made it into the tent to hear me was that they hadn't been able to open the gates in time – would have been nice of them to tell me.

The Crosstown Rebels entourage is an impressive line up with superstars like Phonique, Pier Bucci and Margaret Dygas - playing at Sonar, Benicassim and Ibiza. Will you change your style for the festivals or playing together, to that of a normal club set?
With our crew currently on fire, I'm sure the festival sets (especially those out in the sunshine) will be doubly hot.

The Sonar programme includes features on art, multimedia and technology. How do you think advances in these areas affect the music industry and the music you play?
Bringing art and other creative mediums to the music makes it feel that little bit more important.

Sonar has a reputation for pushing new frontiers – what are you looking forward to catching at this year's festival?
Richie Hawtin and Marc Houle live. I’m a fan of Areal Records and they have a showcase which looks good. Also Jamie Liddell is off the hook, Inaqui Marin's album is ace and he is playing live too but essentially Sonar is about stumbling across an as yet unheard of gem...

How will you be spending your time in Barcelona when not playing?
Checking out the above, sleeping and drinking chepito's.

On the release front you have been busy this year, putting out Rebel Futurism 2 (which is excellent) and Suck My Deck soon to be released on Bugged Outs label. Can you tell RA a little about the mix, or anything else on the horizon for you in 2005?
Amazing new singles on the label, a stunning debut album by Pier Bucci, and lots of crazy days and messy nights ahead.

Damian Lazarus plays two Sonar satellite parties. Get your google on.

This interview is part of RA’s exclusive 2005 Sonar Prologue interview series - check out the others below;
2005 Sonar Prologue with Jeff Mills
2005 Sonar Prologue with Richie Hawtin
2005 Sonar Prologue with Miss Kittin
2005 Sonar Prologue with Headman
2005 Sonar Prologue with Booka Shade
2005 Sonar Prologue with DJ Yoda
2005 Sonar Prologue with Ellen Allien
2005 Sonar Prologue with Basteroid
2005 Sonar Prologue with DJ T.
2005 Sonar Prologue with Ada
2005 Sonar Prologue with Mu
2005 Sonar Prologue with James Murphy