In 2024, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to attend a show without everyone in the crowd staring at their smartphone screens, recording videos and taking selfies. But for many, the excessive use of phones at raves is beginning to erode the authenticity of the atmosphere and disrupt the audience’s connection to the music, the artists and each other.
Damian Lazarus, the celebrated DJ and creator of Crosstown Rebels, Day Zero and Get Lost, has now announced the implementation of a no-phone policy during his summer residency at the world-acclaimed club Hï Ibiza.
“From opening to closing we pride ourselves on creating a totally unique environment, centered on the mystical Temple, it is a session of our own where we lose our inhibitions and can enjoy a feeling of freedom while applying our innovative ‘No Phones’ policy within the room,” Lazarus wrote in an Instagram post.
Fans will be able to see Lazarus playing on Saturdays at Hï Ibiza’s Club Room from May 18th to October 5th. Other summer residents include Black Coffee, FISHER, The Martinez Brothers and Tale of Us, although the no-phone policy will only be in effect for Lazarus sets.
Other artists performing at Hï Ibiza this summer include James Hype and MEDUZA, who in October announced their own campaign against excessive phone use at concerts.
“Musicians and artists often find it discouraging to see audiences through the lens of a camera rather than through their eyes,” the DJs said in a joint statement at the time. “It can disrupt the intimate connection between artist and audience that makes house music so powerful as a musical genre.”
