Out now on Crosstown Rebels: lnk.to/denniscruzroots

Longstanding Spanish talent Dennis Cruz achieves a career milestone this October with the release of his debut album, Roots. The ten-track LP draws inspiration from Cruz’s life experiences, resulting in a body of work that encapsulates the sounds and musical styles that have led him to where he is today.

Dennis spoke on what this moment represents, stating: "I wanted to work on a broader project, the cornerstone of my artist career, and this is what Roots is. The album is a convergence of influences taken from music that I've been listening to all my life, from funk, salsa, and flamenco to house and disco. I am so happy this project could finally come to life. I want to thank the several friends and artists that worked on it with me; Damian Lazarus for believing in it from the beginning and helping it reach the world on Crosstown Rebels." - Dennis Cruz

The journey begins with La Ratonera, a Spanish-themed cut that sets the tone with a warm underlying groove and P. Rivas’ enchanting vocal hooks. Los Tamales soon arrives, released as a July single ahead of the album, before Good Old Days completes proceedings on the A Side. A collaboration with minimal-maestro Ian Ludvig, the result is a stripped-back dancefloor number that feels ripe for the late night hours.

Ecua takes charge on the B Side, upping the tempo with resonant kick-hat combos and plenty of flamenco-inspired swing. What U Doing comes next, as Leo Wood’s harmonic vocal tones perfectly complement Cruz’s hard-edged, groove-led bassline, opening neatly into Bend. The three-minute piece showcases the Spaniard’s love of jazz and salsa throughout.

We’re treated to another piece of teamwork on Go Down, with iconic Jamaican singer Lee Scratch Perry featuring on top of a low-slung, rhythmic backbone, paving the way for Ahora Todo Va (Dub). Josh Butler’s influence can be felt right from the get go, as four-four drum patterns converge on spicy, latin-fuelled lyrical samples.

Te Quiero Cantar acts as the penultimate track, bringing us more funky, house-driven flavours before Back Again brings things to an ebullient close. The final collaborative offering with Iuliano Mambo takes us on a journey through punchy percussion and swinging synth build ups, rounding off an eclectic body of work that looks set to light up dancefloors across the world this year.

Roots showcases the many facets of Dennis Cruz’s production capabilities. The album embodies the life experiences that have defined his career; the moments of progression and elation, from fresh-faced up-and-comer to established musical presence. At the heart of the LP lies an inherent Spanish theme - a nod to the country and culture that Dennis calls home. It’s playful, joyful and built to make people dance, three traits personify this talented producer today.

MÜSE co-founder Dennis Cruz has cemented his reputation as one of global dance music’s most-esteemed talents, in a career that spans decades. Regular industry awards and nominations (including Beatport, RA, Vicious Magazine, and DJ Awards: Best Tech House 2018, Best Deep Tech 2019 and winner of Best Producer in 2017), showcase the skill with which Dennis has become a tastemaker for quality house music, whilst consistent appearances across the worldwide festival circuit have brought his sound to international audiences. BPM, Tomorrowland, ADE, Kappa Futur and WMC are just a few examples, a testament to Dennis’ esteemed presence in the scene.

Dennis Cruz

Good Old Days

Dennis Cruz & Ian Ludvig - Good Old Days

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: lnk.to/_CRMLP049

The release of Crosstown Rebels’ SPIRITS compilation is always a bastion moment for the label. The first edition came to prominence in 2017 and we’ve been graced with an annual compilation ever since, showcasing a consistent habit to champion established artists and breakthrough ones alike. Now, Crosstown Rebels’ lauded SPIRITS series will see the light of day once more in June, with the release of SPIRITS V.

“Compiling the Spirits compilations and sourcing the artists that create the artwork for the sleeves is one of my favourite annual jobs for Crosstown. I get to sift through all the best music being sent to me and find a way to make a cohesive one stop shop full of underground battle weapons and future club hits whilst also setting the tone for the sound of the label in any given year. Spirits V is one of the strongest of the series”. Damian Lazarus

NYC-native Layla Benitez leads proceedings with Fides, a progressive leaning, introspective number that retains an inherent danceability throughout. It kicks off the compilation with a driving energy, one that’s perfectly matched by Trabajar - the Crosstown Rebels debut of recent Hot Creations inductee Mr.Diamond. 

A techy-inspired cut, punchy four-four drum patterns create a distinctive late-night feel, as UK-talent Denney soon arrives with Kill The Soundboy. Showcasing the groove-laced house sound with which he’s become best known, the near seven-minute piece is sure to light up many a club setting this year, paving the way for Talk To Me. It’s a collaborative venture between Munich-based artist ASK:ME and El Muerto, with Soulfoot featuring on vocals. Retaining a vintage Detroit style, the fast-paced tempo creates a natural excitement before Romanian-born mainstay GruuvElement’s gifts us the minimal-toned Boom Room.

Building with tribal-like percussion and salsa-inspired instrumentals, it’s a playful excursion into dance music’s outer realms, paving the way for young Peruvian producer Chinonegro with My Moment. Whether it be the pluck of a guitar string or a jazzy trumpet solo, there’s an inherent authenticity to the six-minute piece, as a mid track breakdown gives way to whispering hats and a rhythmic underlying backbone.

The penultimate offering comes from French-born, London-based regular Maglia, who serves up the shamanic Rayiys. The chirping of birds reside atop an ever-changing bassline, leaving us open and ready for the VA’s closing saga: Thanks Moon, by Spain’s I AM JAS. A heady combination of beautiful lyrical contributions combine with softly moving electronic elements, to leave us in a state of calm, inward reflection. Rounding off proceedings on a note of quietude, it reminds us of the final moments in clubland, transporting our psyche to sunrise, fond memories and everything in between.

Over a period of nineteen years, Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels has evolved into a world-renowned institution, garnering global audiences thanks to a consistent schedule of quality releases. In years since it’s earliest beginnings, the likes of Maceo Plex, Art Department, Seth Troxler, Ali Love, Mathew Jonson, Pier Bucci, Acid Pauli, Dennis Kurtel, Francesca Lombardo, Glimpse, Aphrohead, Fur Coat and a plethora of other figureheads have all found their home on the label.

The roster is international, showcasing how Crosstown has shaped a truly global scene. Releases are born in different continents by artists who hail from different countries, resulting in a sound that resonates worldwide. Perhaps most-pivotal to the label’s success is its musical output: no part is governed by boundary or genre. It’s underpinned by a truly eclectic sound, one that reflects the diversity of Damian’s love for music itself. An album from drum and bass icon DJ Krust here, a maiden LP from Audiojack there... traversing genres has been Damian’s forte for decades - and Crosstown epitomises that as a result.

Various Artists

My Moment

Chinonegro - My Moment

Boom Room

GruuvElement's - Boom Room

Audiojack - Begin Again

Out Now: https://lnk.to/CRMLP20YR3

Full Album: https://orcd.co/CRMLP20YR

Damian Lazarus celebrates 20 Years of his world-renowned Crosstown Rebels imprint with a special album  project of unreleased cuts and fresh remixes, featuring material from Black Coffee, Maceo Plex, Art Department,  Dennis Cruz and many more. 

Ringing in a major milestone in style, 2023 will see Lazarus and Crosstown mark  the 20th Anniversary of the label with a series of celebratory projects unveiled in the lead-up to summer, with ‘CR20 The Album’ set for  release on 12th May 2023.  

“20 years ago, I dreamed a dream of creating a family of like-minded, crazy individuals from all corners of the planet - releasing  music to the world and making people dance. That dream was Crosstown Rebels, and this year we are 20. Over these years, I have  forged beautiful friendships, discovered very talented artists and tried my best to help, advise and support some of the most  colourful characters in dance music. Crosstown Rebels is more than a record label, it is family. 

So 2023 will mark the label’s 20th Anniversary. This is an opportunity for the Crosstown Rebels family, a global community of  artists, DJs and creatives, and the label’s myriad of followers to celebrate this momentous milestone. There will be parties and  events around the world. A killer compilation of exclusives and special remixes, a beautiful coffee table book, a short film, and a  special launch event are planned to bring together the sights and sounds of the label’s unique and influential history. There’s lots to  share, announce and reminisce. 20 years young.” - Damian Lazarus. 

Opening the package, Lazarus’ own 2020 collaboration ‘Into The Sun’ with regular Crosstown vocalist Jem Cooke is given a cosmic rework  by Johannesburg’s Major League DJz, while Jamie Jones’ slick ‘Paradise 2011’ is stripped back and given a new lease of life by the  hypnotic and heady sounds of Art Department. Opening the B-Side, Dennis Cruz brings his percussive Latin-infused signature sound  palette to Chilean musician and producer Pier Bucci’s ‘Hay Consuelo’, before Audiojack’s ‘Feel Good’, another standout collaboration  alongside Cooke, is taken into synth-led territories as Michael Mayer reaches for an evolving bed of captivating tones. 

The second half of the project brings more excellently remixed material, both new and old, with GRAMMY-winning DJ/producer Black Coffee  turning his hand to the label’s first release of 2023 in Made By Pete and Zoe Kypri’s emotive ‘Horizon Red’, unveiling reworked melodies and  sparkling keys as he delivers an interpretation of a track which has featured as a staple in his sets. Next, the project welcomes Adam Ten &  Yamagucci’s playful yet off-kilter and wonky ‘The K Dance’ which unveils itself as a production perfect for those late night hours and early  afters, before Ellum boss Maceo Plex’s ‘Together (2011 Mix)’ brings another lost production to the mix with a driving and zipping ride through  sugary synths and soaring leads. To close, Tibi Dabo turns his attention to Guti & Dubshape’s absorbing ‘Every Cow Has A Bird’, delivering a  nimble minimal-led trip through lush pads and crisp percussion to round things out in style.

Pier Bucci - Hay Consuelo (Dennis Cruz Remix)

Leland McWilliams - Viva La Revolucion (Matthew Dekay Remix)

Un sampler, deux synthés, une caravane...

Inferno Disco - Delecto

El Mundo & Satori - Jazz Tango (Original Mix)

I created this remix before the desert hearts festival this year. Two weeks later I heard of the sad news that Philippe Zdar passed. They were one of my favorite electronic acts growing up and I'm releasing this today in tribute to them. 

RIP Philippe Zdar & thank you for the music you brought into this world! <3

The Sound Of Violence (m.O.N.R.O.E. Remix) - Cassius

DAMIAN LAZARUS 'Emanuel Satie is Ace!’
DJ HARVEY ‘Would love to play it’
DUSKY 'Gerd Janson’s mix sounding great’
SOLOMUN ‘Very cool, thank you'
BEDOUIN ‘Great release !’
CLAPTONE ‘Would love a download link’
MARCUS WORGULL ‘Love it’
ADRIATIQUE ‘Very cool. probably emanuels remix for us. ‘
STEVE LAWLER 'All tracks sound great’
DAVE AJU 'Dope varied mix set of the legend!’
DAVE DK 'Emanuel Satie Rmx is great!'
DARIO D’ATTIS 'the emanuel satie remix is fire’
PETE HERBERT 'This is superb, all sounding great’
RENATO COHEN 'What a pack!!! All remixes sounding really amazing!’
GERALD ELMS 'Wow what a breath of fresh air ! Billy Cobham meets Deodato…2 heroes of mine ! The Emanuel Satie mix is definitely the one for me’
GENE FARRIS ‘Sounds good !’
CROWDPLEASER 'Amazing release’

Billy Cobham feat. Novecento - The Vibe Inside (Emanuel Satie Remix)

TU | www.trueunderground.one electronic music news and entertainment! A true desktop magazine experience on computer, mobile, tablet and VR.

Buy link https://darkroomdubs.bandcamp.com/album/right-on-right-on

Warmer than it’s ever sounded before, the new Glowcast remaster comes complete with remixes from Matthias Tanzmann and Fango. Originally released in 2012 as part of Soma’s own 20 year anniversary, Tanzmann squeezes every ounce of soul possible from the percussion elements while Italian Fango gives ‘Right On Right On’ a right old shoeing with a massive lolloping disco bassline, marching pianos and an injection of funk positivity 2020 has sorely missed so far.

Silicone Soul - Right On, Right On (Fango / Matthias Tanzmann Remixes)

Buy link

Premiere | Silicone Soul - Right On, Right On (Matthias Tanzmann 2020 Remix)  Darkroom Dubs

Crosstown Rebels deliver a unique underground music experience. Firmly dedicated to the support and development of the best cutting edge electronic dance music, Crosstown Rebels, run by artist and dj Damian Lazarus, loves quality alternative sounds, adores a great party and thrives on creative, young people armed with something new to say.

Dennis Cruz & Ian Ludvig - Good Old Days

Crosstown Rebels

Recent comments

yogishelly

Patrick Lanowy

Related tracks