House artist Damian Lazarus kicked off 2025 with a bang, surprise-releasing his new album Magikal a week into the year, followed shortly thereafter by a massive world tour (featuring a magician, no less) stretching well into the summer. Among the eight tracks (and two bonus cuts) featured on that new LP are exciting features from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and A-Trak, flamenco duo Méstiza, past collaborator Jem Cooke, and several others who help make the project even more memorable. “With Magickal, I wanted to do things differently,” Lazarus shared upon the album’s reveal. “After the release, we’ll explore the music further with singles, remixes, and a world tour, where I’m planning to present the album in some fresh, innovative ways. All to be revealed soon.”
Next up on the docket is two appearances at Coachella, which kicks off tonight in Indio, California. Scheduled to play an hour-long set at the Yuma stage both this afternoon and next Friday at 4:45 local time, Lazarus is inviting us to pre-game with him via the blood-pumping playlist he compiled for the occasion. Featuring remixes and original tracks within the realm of electronic music, tap in below ahead of this evening’s performance.
Damian Lazarus feat. Bloom Twins, “Alive” (Nick Morgan Remix)
Nick Morgan has been a regular feature in my DJ sets for a long time now—you can guarantee greatness when you see his name on a record. His remix for my new single “Alive” is exactly that: perfection. He managed to make the Bloom Twins’ vocals subtlety power this remix into another dimension. This one is best experienced with eyes closed and an open heart.
Aney F, “Forgiveness” (Newbie Nerdz Remix)
Aney F is a bit of a mystery to me. We haven’t met yet, but his reputation certainly precedes him. This track hits all the right notes with me: mysterious, psychedelic, and weird. I was turned onto this by the legend Timo Maas, who featured this track on his recent Crosstown Mix Show.
Hard Antoine, “Mama”
Antoine has been on my radar for many years after I was introduced to his sound by Maglia. You may have heard me playing his incredible edit of Moloko’s “Sing it Back” last year. “Mama” is a belter and sounds so big on the dancefloor.
Jay Cara, “Tulum”
A relatively new name in our scene, Jay Cara delivers here a blissed-out roller named after one of my favorite places on earth: Tulum. On January 10, 2026, we’ll return to the Mayan jungle in Tulum for the next instalment of the revered Day Zero Festival, where this track can be heard in its natural habitat.
Secret Echoes, “Particles” (Angelos Remix)
Comprised of three very talented Mexicans, Secret Echoes is the live-band project from one of my dearest Latino producers, Metrika. This is their second single release on Crosstown Rebels and features this amazing remix from Angelos. This one turns the party inside out.
La Pointe - Umbra (Jonny Rock Remix)
Jonny Rock is one of the few selectors around that quantifies as the immortal title of “the dj’s DJ”. Much loved for his eclectic taste and enlightning musical abilities, Jonny delivers here a killer remix for new band La Pointe on the excellent Secret Teachings label. Jonny will join me as a guest this summer at my weekly Saturday night residency at Hi Ibiza.
Budakid, “Freedom” (Patrice Baumel Remix)
This track is so deep it should come with its own snorkel. Trippy, ethereal, and uplifting, I love this record. Keep an eye on Crosstown Rebels these next months for another very special moment from the legendary producer and DJ, Patrice Baumel.
Tommy Gold, “Do It Right”
Tommy is a young up-and-coming producer from London with a very bright future. This bass line gets under your skin and hits all the right nerves—you’ll be singing the vocal “Listen to my heart” for days after hearing this one. It’s so infectious.
Daniel Steinberg, “Sacrifice”
A disco stomper of the finest order with just enough weird flips and turns to make it suitable to rock any dancefloor. This is a monster from one of Berlin’s best kept secrets.
Lil Mo Yin Yang, “Reach” (Basement Jaxx Firecracker Remix)
A stone-cold classic. Remember, it’s dangerous to play with firecrackers in the club!