Damian Lazarus Loses Studio to Lightning Fire

Lightning Strike Destroys Recording Room

Damian Lazarus shared on Instagram that lightning struck Monastic Studios, triggering a chain of events that set the recording room ablaze. Fire-resistant soundproofing contained the fire inside the room, and the building's frame survived. The blaze eventually burned itself out after the room ran out of oxygen, but the flames destroyed the studio and years of music, memories, and creative history.

"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 wrote.

Two Decades of Underground House and Techno

Monastic Studios served as Lazarus' creative home throughout much of his career. Over the past two decades, the Crosstown Rebels founder has helped shape underground house and techno, introducing audiences to artists including Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, and Art Department. He also created internationally recognized events such as Day Zero, Get Lost, and Rebel Rave.

Although Lazarus did not list everything the fire destroyed, he made it clear the studio held years of material and memories central to his work.

Next Single Survives, Release on Schedule

Lazarus confirmed he had already finished his next single before the fire and that the project was safely backed up. He still plans to release it later this year. His latest album, Magickal, marked another milestone in his decades-long career, and he continues to tour internationally while expanding the creative vision behind Crosstown Rebels and Day Zero.

Lazarus closed his message with a quote rooted in Buddhist philosophy: "The barn has burned down. Now I can see the moon."