DJs typically are itinerant bunch. They travel from on their journey to bring sound to people. Damian Lazurus is well known in the space for his house and techno sound, with a psychedelic overlay. He plays events globally and has a residency starting this spring in Ibiza. For most DJs, that’s the pinnacle of success. Lazarus has a different plan. He, along with his core team have been planning artistically complex events for nearly two decades.
The next upcoming event is Get Lost in Mexico City on March 16th. Get Lost began in 2005 as a small event in Miami, FL. It grew from several hundred in attendance to over 10,000 fans spread across seven stages. The Mexico City show will be the first of three Get Lost events planned for 2024, each in a different and unique place. Get Lost was founded on the idea of a hedonistic party.
I spoke at length with Lazarus about his vision and the next festival he’s about to play. Get Lost Mexico City takes place in Parque Bicentenario. It will have twenty DJs across three stages each located in its own unique immersive areas. The Mexico City venue will be at the botanical gardens in center of the city. There are 3 stages – one in the park, one in a dark rave tent and one inside one of the botanical gardens.
The talent scheduled to play is a solid mix from John Summit and Damian Lazarus to local Mexican DJs. Lazarus’ intent is based upon his desire to “curate every artist and design the best party.”
Lazarus is well known for his annual event in Tulum, Mexico where he has held Day Zero every year since 2012. Day Zero is about a spiritual new way of partying intended on connecting ancient civilizations with new music. Lazarus has been interested in holding Day Zero as an event in special places such as his 2019 Day Zero held in Masada, an ancient fortress in southern Israel where Roman troops implemented a siege.
Lazarus is purely artistic, with expansive ideas to deliver a unique experience. He has partners who counterbalance him, so that the expenses don’t overrun the gate. The goal is to create an incredible experience for the people in attendance. The ethic is about exceeding the norm and taking pride in making events which deliver a more complex robust experience that other people try to do. To do that, the team must spend on immersive theatrical moments.
High level performers, create something that costs a lot of money but makes people enjoy an experience that won’t see anywhere else. The dream for Lazarus and his team is looking around and seeing people smiling, enjoying themselves, dancing, exploring the site. That’s success. Want to know more? Get on the field, but be ready. Fun is infectious and there is no cure.