Following an appearance on the Slacker 85's inaugural various artists EP earlier in 2023, Jackmaster returns to Seth Troxler’s celebratory new label with a full EP, ‘Party Going On’. Showcasing a trio of tracks worthy of the Glaswegian DJ and club music expert’s instinctive, genre-spanning DJ sets and also including a new remix from Tom Trago, thoroughly tried-and-tested internationally. Playful, powerful and elasticated with the Chicago influences that bounce close to his heart, ‘Party Going On’ unfolds as a Jackmaster calling card, a pleasure-seeking anthem built around a rousing B-girl vocal from singer Yvonne, responsible for a series of cult singles on New York’s prolific and influential house label, Cutting Records. With the assistance of a supremely cheeky original synth line, one that wouldn’t fail to move a crowd in any discotheque from 1989 until now, ‘Party Going On’ sees Jack Revill bridge generations of dance floors with contemporary energy. On the sturdy, sensual 'Freaky Like That', Jack teams up with longtime collaborator & regular B2B partner Jasper James, to pay homage to the outsized deep house of MK, Cajmere or Todd Terry with a seductive arrangement that builds and explodes on command, simmering and swinging towards valleys of jack that anchor then shake ravers with a powerful kick-drum. Finally, old friend and trusted voyager Tom Trago takes ‘Let’s Go’ on a cosmic journey. Initially appearing as a rolling anthem on the initial Slacker sampler, the versatile Dutchman’s extended reinvention offers a no-less than fifteen-minute trip that masterfully touches on territories including cosmic disco, Jersey garage and acid house. Continuing a mission to showcase the oddball, esoteric and diverse sounds that inspire Troxler, Jackmaster’s first solo EP perfectly captures the bubbling energy of Slacker 85’s vision. No posing, no pretense, just party. More

Early Experiments sees Jackmaster release a collection of music recorded during lockdown, a particularly abundant period spent getting to grips with his home studio. After years of honing his craft solely as a DJ, lockdown saw him dive headfirst into exploring music production and sound design. As you would hope, the results draw from as many strains of influence as his wide-ranging club mixes do. The A Side opens with ‘Face Your Fate’ which sees Jack call in Keith Tucker from Aux 88 and Blak Tony to further cement the Glasgow > Detroit bond with a classic short & sweet vocal delivery. Next up is the polished loopy techno of ‘Vizor’, reminiscent of close friend Artwork’s Grain project meeting Chain Reaction, the EP moves through Dutch electro-funk, Detroit influenced pads and chords and even the sounds of UK Garage. ‘SBS’ pairs a clever monologue sample with hard-hitting percussion and a floor friendly breakdown, inspired by his his formative years dancing and watching in awe when the likes of Lory D, Claude Young and Jeff Mills would pass through Glasgow. The tempo rises to 140 on the menacing ‘A Tribute’, with sharp synth programming recalling the foundational Mixed up in the Hague CD’s. More

Jaden Thompson returns to Crosstown Rebels with ‘Downtown’, with remixes from HoneyLuv and Ghoulish. Marking his first solo outing on the label following ‘Talking Walls’ alongside Seth Troxler, the fabric resident impresses once more following recent material on Classic Music Company, PIV and his own Midnight Parade imprint. A new school talent whose sound takes cues from Chicago while pointing to the future with forward-thinking allure and energy, Jaden Thompson’s ascent is well-documented, having been tipped by an endless list of industry heavyweights and global media outlets from an early age. Releasing on labels such as Cuttin’ Headz and Classic Music Company, amongst others, plus his own Midnight Parade imprint, Thompson’s sound and dynamic sets have seen the UK talent become a favourite for many while also hosting his ongoing Rinse FM show and curating mixes for the likes of Circoloco and Keinemusik through to Nike for it’s annual Air Max Day. Having made his label debut on Crosstown Rebels in 2022 with his standout collaboration ‘Talking Walls’ with Seth Troxler, Thompson now returns to Damian Lazarus’ legendary imprint as he serves up his first solo record on the label ‘Downtown’ - backed by remixes from surging US DJ/producer HoneyLuv and emerging UK talent Ghoulish, who makes his debut on the imprint. Merging various shades and sounds from across the electronic sphere, ‘Downtown’ brings vibrant vocals, energy-charged synths, and sharp metallic percussion, all balanced perfectly, to the fore. HoneyLuv’s remix brings jacking drums while warping the original’s vocals todeliver a peak-time interpretation before Ghoulish flips the script, utilising off-kilter drums and spiralling lasers amongst heavy low-ends. More

Airrica makes her Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Hi Speed Lover’, featuring Nick Morgan and KinAhau remixes. Balancing experimental musical curiosity with her playful take on house and techno, Los Angeles’ Airrica may only be two releases into her blossoming journey as a producer, but she has already showcased her growing sound and vision while aligning with her own powerful DJ sets. Following her collaborative release alongside Ashee on Diplo’s Higher Ground and building on her debut via Crosstown’s sister label Rebellion, Damian Lazarus now welcomes her to Crosstown Rebels for the first time ahead of her appearance alongside the label boss at Hï Ibiza as she unveils her ‘Hi Speed Lover’ EP - accompanied by remixes from Canadian-born DJ/producer Nick Morgan and hotly-tipped talent KinAhau, as both also make their label debuts. Bumping and trippy, ‘Hi Speed Lover’ is a snaking, bass-heavy cut loaded with energy as warped vocals are accompanied by slinking drums, icy hats and resonant chords and strings, while Nick Morgan’s take brings a stylish, hazy glow to the track as dubby low-ends and delicate keys work amongst the mix. Second original ‘Cherries’ is another impactful production merging metallic drums with further vocal murmurs and an infectious acid-dipped bassline, while KinAhau’s remix strips things back to deliver a classy journey through rich textures with an ethereal trip to close the package. More

Returning to Damian Lazarus’ renowned label for their seventh EP on the label, the Gruuv bosses showcase the latest evolution of their rich and diverse sound, with the dancefloor-driven quartet of hot cuts! From their early beginnings between Ibiza and their hometown of Leeds to a near twenty-year-long career that has taken them from Space (Ibiza) to Womb (Tokyo), fabric (London) to Zouk (Singapore), UK duo Audiojack have remained and continue to prove themselves as both ever-present dancefloor hit makers, but artists that have helped carry the UK’s evolving house sound. From their initial releases on Leftroom and 2020vision through to their Crosstown Rebels debut in 2016, and then fast-forwarding to recent music on Solid Grooves, Knee Deep In Sound and their own Gruuv imprint, the pair’s unwavering passion for fresh sounds continues to burn bright. Now regulars on Damian Lazarus’ iconic imprint, serving up five EPs, numerous remixes, and their 2021 album ‘Surface Tension’ on the label to date, the end of May welcomes the duo’s latest chapter on Crosstown with their latest EP, ‘Play With My Mind’. The skippy and vibrant ‘Play With My Mind’ opens the package with an abundance of nostalgia, channelling 90s sonics via the infectious organ melody and hooky vocals at its core, while ‘Casual Verve’ is trippy and loose while delivering a slice of driving funk to the mix. Next, ‘Connect’ provides a vocal-led, garage-dipped cut that keeps the energy levels sizzling before ‘Delirium’ closes the show with a swathe of pure dancefloor ecstasy. More

Parallelle & Nicolas Masseyeff return to Crosstown Rebels to deliver the excellent ‘Surrender’, backed by a remix from Axel Boman. Returning to the iconic imprint following the trio’s stand-out ‘Renegade’ EP in 2023, the new collaborative release, set for release on 10th May 2024, welcomes two hypnotic cuts alongside a slick rework from the Studio Barnhus co-founder.

Three talents with a long-standing and innate musical connection stretching back years, Dutch brother duo Parallelle and French DJ/producer Nicolas Masseyef have been connecting and collaborating to shape a series of lauded projects released via renowned imprints such as DGTL, Systematic, and Masseyef’s own Diversions Music. Reuniting for a second outing on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown
Rebels imprint, following the success of their 2023 debut with the heavily championed ‘Renegade’, the trio return in style with two fresh, original productions backed by an ever-stylish remix from Studio Barnhus co-founder Axel Boman, who returns to deliver his second remix on the label following his debut remixing Dinky in 2016.

The EP’s title track ‘Surrender’ is a rumbling and impactful percussive journey through the darker territories of the night, with skittering synths and echoed vocal interjections adding glimpses of brightness to the otherwise murky sound. Meanwhile, ‘She Says’ keeps the playful vocal elements front and centre, introducing warping melodies and dub-tinged textures. Providing his flip on the latter, Boman’s take on ‘She Says’ is classy and engaging from the off, stripping the track back to expose a raw yet polished interpretation while drawing on hazy pads, eerie tones and sweeping atmospherics for a wonky and trippy excursion. More

Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels imprint announces, ‘Portrait of the Obscure’, the stunning new album from Oceanvs Orientalis.

Following three superb singles on the label across the past four months, the nine-track LP offers a comprehensive exploration of the Instanbul-based talent’s rich, globally-infused and captivating sound, with the project set for release on 26th April 2024.

Safak Oz Kutle, known as Oceanvs Orientalis, is a producer and live performer based in Istanbul. His musical style intricately weaves together diverse sonic tapestries of wide-spanning genres and cultures, and through his creative fusion of these influences, he crafts an immersive world that takes you far away from the usual club music references. His music serves as a celebration of his musical heritage, and this has never been truer than on his superb new album ‘Portrait of the Obscure’, which again pushes traditional boundaries within the electronic sphere. Set for release on 26th April via Damian Lazarus’ renowned and celebrated Crosstown Rebels imprint, the nine-track LP project features a showcase of solo and collaborative material alongside close friends such as Tooker, Idil Mese and Tilahun Gessesse, delivering a journey into the creative mind of one of
the scene’s most intriguing talents.

The bold and riveting project kicks off with the captivating synthscapes, fluttering strings and plucked bass of the gorgeous ‘Pulse Antique’, before ‘Ministry Of Midnight’ cuts loose on more jumbled rhythms and intricate organic lines warmed with wordless vocals. Next up are two of the lead
singles - the tense and intricate house sonics of ‘Neutrality’ and the haunting atmospheres and ethereal synth lines of ‘IL Lupo’ featuring Tooker, while ‘Conritmo’ continues to bring exotic new string sounds, leftfield melodies and warped bass to this most vibrant exploration of candle-lit house sounds. ‘Soul of Calypso’ blisses out on far-sighted cosmic chords with sonorous bells and late-night spoken word musings that add all-new character to the innovative grooves. Then comes the laid-back, jazz-infused house of ‘Heart Pieces’ feat. Idil Mese, a deep and jazzy jungle shuffler
in ‘Mercury’ and the playful horns and lumpy, dub-wise swagger of ‘Lanchi Biye’.

An album project encompassing its title perfectly, ‘Portrait of the Obscure’ is just that - a magnificent snapshot of the unique musical mind of Oceanvs Orientalis. More

HoneyLuv impresses on her Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Right Spot’, accompanied by remixes from house heavyweights Dennis Ferrer and Byron The Aquarius Unveiling her first solo production of 2024, the DJ Mag North America ‘Best Breakthrough Producer’ 2023 winner showcases a deeper side to her growing sound, backed by a pair of unorthodox remixes from two of house music’s favourite names.

One of the most hotly-tipped artists within the current house landscape, it’s safe to say Cleveland-born, London-based DJ/producer HoneyLuv arrived in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. Riding high following a whirlwind twelve months, featuring as one of Radio 1’s Future Stars, Tomorrowland’s ‘20 of 2023’, and as a DJ Mag North America cover star, plus being selected as one of Beatport’s ‘Beatport Next: Class of 2023’ and most recently as one of Spotify’s ‘Mint Artists To Watch’, her 2024 account opens with a big label debut as she heads to Damian Lazarus’ iconic Crosstown Rebel for the first time. Paying homage to the rich house history of Chicago, she unveils her latest single, ‘Right Spot’ - joined by a double-dose all-star remix cast in the form of house icons Dennis Ferrer and Byron The Aquarius, two individuals who need little introduction.

Groove-laden and rich, harnessed by the alluring vocal at the heart of the production, ‘Right Spot’ is an excellently crafted trip through varying shades of house music as slick percussion and vibrant leads accent hazy textures to offer up a future-focused cut with nods to the past.

Dennis Ferrer’s interpretation sees the NYC icon switch things up as he veers towards the after-hours with a bubbly, stripped-back take that leans on colourful stabs, sweeping melodies and off-kilter drum shots. To close, Alabama’s finest, Byron The Aquarius’ remix ups the tempo and launches right into the action as tunnelling grooves and skippy hats take hold for an energy-charged ride. More

Oceanvs Orientalis teases his highly anticipated album 'Portrait of the Obscure’ on Crosstown Rebels with the third and penultimate single ‘Neurality’, remixed by 8Bit and Cecile head honcho Nick Curly. Istanbul-based Safak Oz Kutle, aka Oceanvs Orientalis, is a producer and live act who blends the rich sonic cultures of Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian and Arabic music to curate his take on electronic music. The first two singles from his forthcoming album on Damian Lazarus’ legendary Crosstown Rebels have showcased his diverse sound at its fullest, and now the third offering and final single ahead of the LPs release confirms him once again to be a standout talent as he unveils the captivating sonics of ‘Neurality’.

An absorbing and stirring production, ‘Neutrality’ brings a darkly involving groove that is multi-layered and hypnotic, with several shimmering vocals, jangling percussive lines and ethereal pads all locking you in for an enthralling ride. A remixer who needs little introduction, Nick Curly is as integral to the tech house genre as anyone in the scene, heading up key labels such as 8Bit and Cecile while helping to define the genre as we know it today. His interpretation is deep and warm, with slinky drums carefully deployed amongst vocal whispers that bring human soul. An excellent final preview into what’s still to come, ‘Neurality’ delivers another exceptional production, leading perfectly into the release of the full-length project this April. More

Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels invites Jonathan Kaspar back to the imprint for another round ofcaptivating and melodic techno across his latest EP, ‘We Come’.A fixture on acclaimed labels such as Cocoon, Kompakt, and Innervisions, Cologne-based DJ and producer Jonathan Kaspar continues to demonstrate his versatile talent while also remixing for notable names like Acid Pauli, John Digweed, Joris Voorn, and Sven Väth. Six years after dropping his initial single on the label, he now makes a triumphant return to Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels for his fourth outing, mesmerising audiences once again with the three-track EP 'We Come,' revealing his deeper and hypnotic side.Diving deep with surging synths and impactful chords, 'We Come' unfolds itself with wailing sirens and asoaring hook, crafting a hypnotic and thrilling ride. Next, 'Flash Point' propels the listener into a hypnotic haze, building tension through melodic synth loops and laser stabs before the uplifting ‘Transposed’ delivers emotive keys and wispy pads, with Paul Brenning’s vocals at the forefront. More

Made By Pete makes a highly anticipated return to Crosstown Rebels with ‘Fires’, accompanied by remixes from Bushwacka! and Victor Calderone & Mykol.With the likes of Black Coffee, Solomun, and Damian Lazarus remixing his music and support from artists such as Sasha, Bedouin, the Keinemusik crew and Pete Tong, Made By Pete’s ascent across recent years has seen his global demand soar. Following on from his anthem ‘Horizon Red’ alongside Zoe Kypri, with the captivating record picking up international acclaim and featuring in DJ Mag’s Top Tracks of 2023’ the London-based DJ/producer makes a welcome return to Lazarus’ renowned Crosstown Rebels imprint as he unveils his latest single ‘Fires’.Emerging via a warping bassline and his own intoxicating vocals before launching into a twisting, heady trip, ‘Fires’ showcases a darker side to the exciting producer’s sound as he serves up a rousing cut crafted for hazy hours. UK house icon Bushwacka! delivers his ‘Magic Mix’ next, stripping the track back to work a tunnelling, snaking groove in amongst dreamy melodies, while NYC legend Victor Calderone and Mykol toughen the production up with reinforced kicks before layering trippy effects on top of the vocals. Not finished there, the package is rounded out with a Dub mix, providing another go-to dancefloor anthem across yet another stacked offering on Crosstown. More

Damian Lazarus presents the sixth volume of his Crosstown Rebels SPIRITS compilation series, boasting an impressive lineup of Lauren Lane, Cristina Lazic, AJ Christou, TMPLE and more. Since its debut in 2017, Damian Lazarus’ annual ‘SPIRITS’ series on Crosstown Rebels has been a beacon for breakthrough artists, setting the label’s agenda for the year ahead. The sixth instalment in February is another meticulously curated lineup with ‘SPIRITS VI’ featuring a blend of new and recognisable talents, including Lauren Lane, Cristina Lazic, Iñigo Vontier, AJ Christou and many more. London-based talent Cameron Jack kicks off what looks set to be a breakout year with ‘The Vision’, a bubbly and tropical cut with cosmic synths and loose, jumbled rhythms. Chris Bowl then brings his emotional style to the deep, rolling beats and fresh melodies of ‘Silent Plain’, while NY-born, LA-based house tastemaker Lauren Lane layers in smoky pads and tender whispers to her sublime deep house cut, ‘Fair Game.’ Next, German talent and Degree Records head Marc Lenz brings darker vibes to his track ‘People Are People’, while Rebellion artist Cristina Lazic and previous Lazarus collaborator Leia Contois combine for the alluring vocal soul and gritty minimal drums of ‘So Deep’. Mexican Iñigo Vontier is a pioneer in his homeland after crafting a global reputation, and his twisted synths, shiny textures and steely drums on ‘That Trippy Sound’ prove why as they work you into a trance. Next is influential Manchester-based DJ/producer AJ Christou, who has released on the likes of Hot Creations and Cuttin’ Headz. His track ‘Back & Forth’ brings an infectious groove with plenty of flair and catchy drum funk, before TMPLE shuts things down with the deft, airy grooves and floating bass of ‘The Girl In The Room’, complete with its tender male vocals. At the forefront of electronic innovation, Crosstown Rebels stands as a pivotal platform and record label, reflecting the genre’s diversity and housing an impressive roster that includes renowned artists and household names like Art Department, Maceo Plex, and Jamie Jones. With sub-labels Rebellion and Secret Teachings in tow, the imprint consistently and continuously expands its musical canvas, creating an immersive landscape for leading and emerging talents to thrive. The elegant ‘Mundo’ channels the machine soul of early Detroit techno, before ‘Mangabeira Manifesto’ featuring Dudu Bongo layers up wonky drums and bass with curling, soft acid sounds and a playful vocal line. ‘Triple Frontier’ picks up the pace and heads out on a high-speed cosmic house journey, all before ‘Overture’, another far-sighted astral trip with starry melodies and rich, rubbery bass, closes the package in fine style. An expressive and adventurous yet coherent long player with a range of moods, feelings and grooves taking you to all corners of the house world, ‘Vista’ showcases Dabo’s most in-depth project to date and an album which provides the perfect platform for him to display his rich sonic universe. More

Oceanvs Orientalis reveals the second single from his forthcoming album on Crosstown Rebels with ‘Heart Pieces’ feat. Idil Mese, accompanied by remixes from Mustafa Ismaeel and Nightmares On Wax. A producer, live performer and solo act whose productions merge influences spanning Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian and Arabic sonics and beyond, Safak Oz Kutle, aka Oceanvs Orientalis, has crafted a sound that is entirely his own ever since making his debut back in 2014. Following on from his impressive debut appearance on the imprint with ‘Il Lupo’ alongside Italian talent Tooker, revealing the first single from his forthcoming album, the Istanbul-based talent is back on Crosstown Rebels with another gem taken from the project as he reunites with singer-songwriter Idil Mese for the excellent ‘Heart Pieces’ - with remixes from Crosstown and Rebellion regular Mustafa Ismaael, and legendary house talent and Warp favourite Nightmares On Wax. Slow-blooming and resonant throughout, guided by Mese’s soulful and emotive vocals, vibrant sax melodies and trippy background samples, ‘Heart Pieces’ is a dazzling slice of laid-back, jazz-infused house music full of subtle elements. Remixing the record, Mustafa Ismaeel leans towards late-night hours with a remix drenched in rolling percussion and sweeping leads, while Nightmares On Wax takes the track in two directions - opting for loose drums, hazy tones and chugging grooves across his first take before laying the focus solely on the musical elements with his ‘Club Dub’. More

Oceanvs Orientalis teams up with Italian artist Tooker and joins the Crosstown Rebels roster with ‘II Lupo’, including a remix from Acid Pauli. Hailing from Istanbul, Safak Oz Kutle, also known as Oceanvs Orientalis, is a true maestro at crafting hypnotic, evolving sounds while blending a diverse mix of Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic and Armenian influences. Unfolding after a busy year of performances at venues across the globe, including a notable appearance at Crosstown Rebels’ Rebel Rave at Club Space Miami, he now combines his signature downtempo sound with the talents of Italian native Tooker, a partnership two years in the making. With their joint creation teased across their sets, both artists now unveil their first collaboration on the label with the soul-stirring, ‘II Lupo’ including a remix from Damian Lazarus’ longstanding friend Acid Pauli. ‘II Lupo’ weaves a haunting atmosphere through ethereal synth-lines, echoing wolf howls and low rumbling drum hits, transporting you to a realm of intrigue and allure. Infusing his unique touch, Acid Pauli adds an extra layer of sonic flare to the release by layering cosmic stabs and shimmering chimes, enriching the melodic experience. More

Laolu makes his Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Now I See’, combining with Off The Meds frontman Kamohelo Khoaripe across the two-track release. Having emerged via his versatile and dynamic DJ sets for the likes of Circoloco, with releases via labels such as Keinemusik, Innervisions and Anjunadeep, Swiss DJ/producer Laolu has stamped his mark while racking up support from Dixon and Black Coffee. Arriving in fine form, he closes out November with a classy label debut on Damian Lazarus’ renowned Crosstown Rebels as he serves up his latest two-track release ‘Now I See’ - a vibrant and personal release shaped and finalised after a decade following the birth of his daughter. Spirited and resonant, combining soulful female vocals with organic percussion and sweeping melodies throughout, ‘Now I See’ is a warm and sonorous production set for heartfelt dancefloor moments, while ‘Monday To Sunday’ featuring the impactful vocals of Kamohelo takes a darker path as swirling bass patterns, menacing synths and warped tones merge around the commanding flute for a powerful late night cut. More

Harry Romero returns to Crosstown Rebels as he links with vocalist Shyam P for ‘Mind Games’. With a catalogue as rich as any and continuing at the top of his game two decades after his emergence within New York’s fabled nightlife scene, Harry Romero continues to serve up his own take of Latin-inspired and percussive- driven house music via a long list of the industry’s leading imprints. Having previously remixed Chilean favourite Francisco Allendes on the label last year alongside his collaborative ‘It Hurts’ EP with Jessica Eve in 2021 and his contribution to the ‘Spirits III’ compilation before that, the Bambossa Records head honcho is back on Damian Lazarus’ revered Crosstown Rebels for his latest EP project, uniting London-bon, Dubai based singer/ songwriter Shyam P for the excellent ‘Mind Games’. Crafting a slick and heady groove before launching into a hypnotic haze accenting by a bubbling bassline, ‘Mind Games’ is an infectious and vibrant house cut as Shyam P’s alluring vocals take hold amongst emotive builds and breaks. Nest, ‘Mira’ is a classic Romero o?ering as the focus shifts to crisp organic percussion arrangements, carnival-esque whistles and hooky Latin vocals for a bustling terrace number, before ‘Analog Bugz’ takes cues from its title as crisp drum shots and sharp stabs unite to create a no-nonsense builder made for the main room. More

Dennis Cruz delivers the landmark 300th release on Damian Lazarus’ iconic Crosstown Rebels imprint with ‘The Snake Charmer’ EP, featuring collaborations with Ian Ludvig and the label boss himself. An artist at the height of his powers, arriving o? the back of his busiest Ibiza season to date, it’s safe to say that Dennis Cruz is a man in extremely high demand within the global electronic landscape. Founder of his own labels MÜSE and CRZ, while featuring as a key member of the Solid Grooves Family, Cruz’s longstanding ties to Crosstown Rebels date back to his debut in 2018. Returning to the imprint following his excellent album ‘Roots’ in 2021, plus his recent contribution to the 20th Anniversary compilation with his remix of Pier Bucci’s ‘Hay Consuelo’, Cruz is back in emphatic fashion as he marks the 300th release in the label’s revered catalogue with his latest EP ‘The Snake Charmer’ - featuring two solo tracks alongside collaborations with fellow Crosstown signee Ian Ludvig and label founder Damian Lazarus himself. A master of crafting rolling arrangements with subtle nuances that keep dancefloors locked in unison, the four tracks across the package see Cruz experiment even further as he showcases a global array of influences. Opening track ‘Snake Charmer’ welcomes a crisp organic percussion arrangement accented by eastern flutes through to snaking grooves and hooky female vocal samples throughout, while ‘Revolution’ welcomes an all-star cast as he links with Damian Lazarus for a heady, skippy slice of house merging hazy chords and bright stabs with vocals from contemporary Detroit nightlife icon and staple DJ Holographic. On the flip, the Spaniard once again steps out solo and dives deep into a low-slung and playful groove on ‘Time Out’, introducing a wealth of vibrant vocals amongst blossoming melodies and soulful organ ri?s, before closing the show as he joins Ian Ludvig to present an o?-kilter, impactful and warping closer guided by provocative vocal snippets across ‘Pain Away’. More

Serge Devant returns to Crosstown Rebels with his mesmerising new single ‘A Little Bit Of Love’, complete with a remix from Art Department & MDL Child. Thanks to his fresh house sound, New York resident Serge Devant has turned the heads of tastemakers like Jamie Jones and Damian Lazarus for several years. A regular on Crosstown Rebels dating back to his label debut in 2015, dropping a string of EPs on the label since, he arrives in fine form once again as he unveils his latest single. His brilliant ‘A Little Bit Of Love’ is an inventive rhythm that soon sweeps you up with its wavy beats and slick hits. Gorgeous chords are draped over it next to steamy vocals to ensure a truly emotive dance floor trip, while the dub version strips out the lead vocal to lay the focus on the remaining musical elements. The remix comes from Jonny White, aka pioneering underground artist and No. 19 Music boss Art Department, and fellow Canadian talent MDL Child. They flip the production into seven minutes of emotionally intense house music with muted acid lines undulating throughout the mix, while immense percussive energy and lush cosmic keys make for a fulsome dancefloor rush. More

Tibi Dabo unveils his long-awaited full-length ‘Vista’ on Crosstown Rebels this September, with the kaleidoscopic nine-track album showcasing his diverse and rich sound palette. Born in Barcelona, DJ, producer, and musician Tibi Dabo has proven himself adept at mixing the classic and the cutting-edge. From his early days touring Europe and the US with a band in which he plays the drums, the foundation for his experimentation for his work within the electronic sphere, he has since grown to become an exciting and much-loved DJ and producer, adding to his growing reputation as a Crosstown Rebels favourite. Stepping things up once more, his spirited new album ‘Vista’ is a perfect fusion of futuristic synths and compelling house grooves, all of which are masterfully designed and full of character. Following three well-received singles across the summer, the full-length is a complete sonic statement that explores deep house, leftfield sonics and widescreen cosmic vistas. Opener ‘Water Is’ layers up fresh sound sources and playful melodies on nimble basslines that soon make you move. ‘Somewhere Beach’ is then a silky groove layered up with diffuse pads and aching synths that convey real romance, while ‘Licht’ is another masterful display of original drum programming with bursts of cosmic synth and elastic bass. ‘Useless Ideas’ then gets deeper on more low-key drums and bass. Instead, the focus is on the deft percussion and well-treated vocals that swirl and smudge around the mix to a woozy late-night effect. The elegant ‘Mundo’ channels the machine soul of early Detroit techno, before ‘Mangabeira Manifesto’ featuring Dudu Bongo layers up wonky drums and bass with curling, soft acid sounds and a playful vocal line. ‘Triple Frontier’ picks up the pace and heads out on a high-speed cosmic house journey, all before ‘Overture’, another far-sighted astral trip with starry melodies and rich, rubbery bass, closes the package in fine style. An expressive and adventurous yet coherent long player with a range of moods, feelings and grooves taking you to all corners of the house world, ‘Vista’ showcases Dabo’s most in-depth project to date and an album which provides the perfect platform for him to display his rich sonic universe. More

It's been 32 years since Hyper Go Go's 'High' crashed into life, combining the best of Italo House and rave into an exuberant, floor destroying piano anthem.

Fast forward to 2024 and HOOJ reissue this 92 classic with the Original & Cloud 9 Mixes on the A side with 2 newer remixes on the B side.

Remixes come from Fast rising Scottish duo Testpress, who strip things back a bit, working the original riffs around a thumping kick and hooky new synth line & Kyle Starkey, the youngster takes no prisoners, tearing into the OG with slamming 135bpm drums, big drops, the odd snare roll, and lots of drama, for an energy driven update. More

Inspired by revolutionary efforts against oppressive hegemonies in Detroit, and in Black locales around the world, Memoirs of Hi-Tech Jazz is a sound score evocative of that resistance. It is also a reminder that although violence and injustice looms, it is not the only story: we are much more than what oppresses us. The album celebrates Black leisure and play; the mundane joys that persist in spite of the depleting realities of the world.

Movement, and the very mobility of the car specifically is integral to Memoirs of Hi Tech Jazz. Timed perfectly to match the duration of a round trip drive from Underground Music Academy in the North End, to Detroit’s island park, Belle Isle - the album is undoubtedly best experienced while driving.

That journey signifies the transition from labor to pleasure: from the neighborhood of the Techno Museum in North End to an outdoor park that has long been a destination for Black Detroiters to cookout, park their boats, play spades, and listen to local music.

Memoirs of Hi-Tech Jazz embodies the feeling this place engenders—a reprieve from the midwestern work ethic, and a reminder to ground in the pleasures of your body and the land. More