Damian Lazarus’ Tuscany Studio Destroyed by Lightning Strike
Electronic music producer and Crosstown Rebels founder Damian Lazarus has revealed that his Tuscany-based creative hub, Monastic Studios, was destroyed over the weekend after being struck by lightning. The incident, which occurred during a storm, sparked a fire that rapidly consumed the interior of the building.
In an Instagram post shared on August 9th, the artist detailed the aftermath of the blaze. While the structure of the building remained standing—largely due to the fire-resistant soundproofing Lazarus had previously installed—the interior was devastated. Photos shared by the DJ show significant damage to his production equipment, including various synthesizers and studio gear.
Despite the loss of the physical space, Lazarus maintained a philosophical outlook on the situation. “I’m devastated, of course, but I’m reminded that everything is impermanent,” he wrote. “As a wise Buddhist once said, ‘The barn has burned down. Now I can see the moon’.”
Crucially, the artist confirmed that his upcoming musical projects remain safe. He had recently completed work on a new single, and he assured fans that the project files were backed up and unaffected by the fire. The release is still scheduled to arrive later this year as originally planned.
“RIP Monastic Studios, we made some magic together that will forever be remembered,” Lazarus added, reflecting on the history of the space. While the loss of the studio is a significant blow, the resilience of the artist’s work ensures that his creative output will continue uninterrupted.

