Few figures in electronic music have shaped projects as deliberately as Damian Lazarus. Across decades as a DJ and producer, he has developed both a sound and a platform that sit outside conventional electronic music cycles. As the founder of Day Zero, Damian reflects on how a one-time event evolved into a global festival and why intention, responsibility, and respect for place have continued to guide its direction over scale.

Photography by Pedro Fatore

Mathias Rosenzweig: “Day Zero” began as a one-time ritual marking the end of the Mayan calendar. At what point did you realize it had become something much bigger, and did that realization change how you approached it?

Damian Lazarus: I think the fact that the world did not end during our first edition, as the Mayans had predicted, told me that maybe we created a strong energy force in Tulum. It was a sign that we needed to continue. We had persuaded Massive Attack to perform at the first event, and we gathered the best party people from all over the world to join us. The festival was raw but beautiful. I realized that we had created something very special and that we should continue the journey every year.

MR: You’ve said you were hesitant to throw parties in Tulum at first. What did you feel was missing from the scene there, and how did that shape “Day Zero’s” identity?

DL: Well, there was no “scene” as such in Tulum; the place was a quiet paradise that I had been visiting for some years. People were starting to consider making events on the beach and asking me to play, but I wanted to keep it sacred. I refused, but, after some time and following conversations with local spiritual leaders there, I decided that I should do it, as I felt my intentions were pure and from the heart.

MR: “Day Zero” works closely with Mayan guides and prioritizes environmental stewardship. How do you personally think about responsibility when hosting a festival on sacred land?

DL: It’s important for us to lead by example and protect the land and ocean here as much as possible. We partner with local environmental groups and initiate many activations connected to the jungle and the sea. We work closely with and support the local communities, and our Head of Sustainability is affiliated with the local authorities and attends the United Nations Cop30 conferences. One of our biggest achievements is our partnership with Petgas in their initiative to turn plastic waste into bio-diesel fuel.

MR: You were the first international festival in Mexico to curate a fully Mexican talent stage. Why was supporting local artists non-negotiable for you?

DL: For me, it is of paramount importance to support local talent and to give a platform to emerging artists in the areas where we make events. We are bringing an international audience to our experiences and so it’s a perfect opportunity to work with Mexican DJs, producers and bands to expose their creative visions as part of our incredible line-ups.

MR: While many festivals are struggling, “Day Zero” is expanding to Brazil and Bali. Why do you think authenticity travels better than spectacle right now?

DL: I can only imagine that our success is based on the honest and real approach that we take in our festival creation. We combine local folklore and ancient rituals with the most cutting edge electronic music and have a unique voice in this respect. We respect the land, the people, and the culture and work tirelessly to create a unique experience that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to production and organization. Likewise, we consider every single element of the guest’s experience, and I’ve built a team that love what they do and share my vision.

MR: You balance a massive global career with a quiet life in rural Italy. How do you protect “Day Zero’s” soul as it continues to grow? 

DL: By nurturing my own soul and keeping myself balanced, I am able to be level-headed about the direction and the decisions needed to be made about the festival. Living a simple life in the countryside between Portugal and Italy allows me to check in with nature on a regular basis in between my crazy DJing schedule performing all around the rest of the world.

MR: You’ve resisted trends for decades in an industry that constantly reinvents itself. How do you know when to ignore the noise and when to evolve?

DL: The universe will provide you with the signs you need to continue your evolution, you just have to notice them.

MR: “Day Zero” blends ancient ritual with modern electronic music. What have those ancient frameworks taught you about how people want to gather today?

DL: That we can create energy from the spirits of the past and collectively come together with open hearts and minds, dance together and enjoy each other, all with a view to creating a more sincere and fulfilling future.

Photography by Thawan

MR: You’ve broken many artists just before they exploded globally. What do you look for that tells you someone is truly ready?

DL: A relaxed approach to the music and the industry, self belief but not arrogance, and freedom of expression.

MR: With 200+ shows a year and a global audience, what still feels grounding or necessary for you personally before stepping onstage?

DL: A belief that I can handle whatever situation is presented ahead of me a confidence to play new music that will evoke emotion and pleasure. Also, a continued love and desire to make people dance, create new memories, and have a good time. 

MR: After so many cycles in your career and life, how do you define success for yourself today? And what can you say about the difference between artistic success and “business” (or commercial) success? 

DL: Success is being able to support my family, enjoy raising my kids, and continue doing what I love for a career.

Photography by Nirvana Nungaray