Damian Lazarus has lost his longtime recording studio after a lightning strike sparked a devastating fire. The acclaimed DJ, producer, and Crosstown Rebels founder shared the news on Instagram, explaining that lightning struck Monastic Studios, triggering a chain of events that set the recording room ablaze.
“Today I’m dealing with the aftershock of a fire at my studio which has completely destroyed a major part of my life and history.”
Lazarus shared a glimmer of hope, noting that fire-resistant soundproofing contained the blaze within the recording room. While the building’s frame survived, the intense heat and flames destroyed the studio’s contents. Monastic Studios served as a vital creative home for Lazarus throughout his career, housing years of music, memories, and artistic development.
Over the past two decades, Lazarus has been instrumental in shaping the underground house and techno landscape through his label, Crosstown Rebels. The label has been a launchpad for industry heavyweights including Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, and Art Department. Beyond his production work, he has curated globally recognized events such as Day Zero, Get Lost, and Rebel Rave.
Despite the significant loss, Lazarus confirmed that his next single was already completed and safely backed up, with plans for a release later this year. This resilience comes during a particularly active period for the artist, who continues to tour internationally while expanding the creative vision behind his various projects, including his latest album, Magickal.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Lazarus closed his message with a poignant quote rooted in Buddhist philosophy: “The barn has burned down. Now I can see the moon.” While the fire marks the end of a specific chapter, it is clear that it will not hinder the next phase of his career.
