The definitive Cuttin Headz label welcomes global house icon Jonny White aka Art Department for a new EP that boasts two vital house cuts. Art Department is one of the most recognisable names in the underground scene. The solo project of No.19 Music label boss and Canadian Jonny White has graced high profile magazine front covers, headlined all the key festivals and events, and turned out some of house and techno’s most essential cuts in the last few years. These two new missiles show yet another sound and style to White’s arsenal, and are destined to make a huge impact in the club. First out of the blocks is the rock solid ‘Shame’ with razor sharp hi hats and tough, punchy drums. The excellent physicality of the groove is off set by a super soulful vocal sample up top, and as the track barrels along smart filters and a hypnotic lead are sure to get the whole club under a spell. Then comes the superb ‘Fixation’, a totally different but equally original proposition that is built on restless drum programming and twitchy synths. It’s a freaky late night cut that brings muscular grooves and absorbing bass to the floor for maximum destruction. This is a powerful new EP from Cuttin’ Headz and Art Department, two giants in the scene. More

Hot on the heels of the recent Normalizm EP and 4-tracker that topped vinyl charts for Kerri Chandlers Kaoz Theory, Art Department drops a 3 track vinyl-only offering for this year’s Record Store Day, simply titled ‘A Record For Records Sake’. The release kicks off with a warm, filtered and looped sample work out featuring disco guitar licks and a simple, infectious key melody executed in typically raw Art Department fashion. The song comes with a “Dolled Up Mix” which sees subtle changes in filter work and mixdown to extract a different emotion from the record. The EP closes with a straight forward house offering in “d’igualada “, a stripped back and deep affair with muted jazz undertones and relentless rhythm section. A perfect vinyl contribution to celebrate Record Store Day from the veteran Art Department. More

Kerri Chandler’s mighty Kaoz Theory welcomes an appropriately colossal figure from the dance world for its next EP, with Canadian artist Art Department aka Jonny White serving up four fantastic new tracks.
Now the lone force behind the world-famous Art Department project, White also heads up the decade strong No.19 Music as well as more recent label additions Social Experiment & Sunday Money. On tour, he can be found at the world’s leading clubs and festivals laying down emotive, forward thinking sets of underground house and techno that continue to evolve and inspire. His CV doesn’t stop there, with a passionate commitment to wildlife conservation leading to the formation of Music Against Animal Cruelty (MAAC), a non-profit organization which has seen White rally support from the music industry to make a real difference to a vital cause. Add to this his recent partnership in leading label and distribution company Subwax Bcn and it’s clear that White is a man on a mission.
As ever with Art Department, these latest tracks show another subtle evolution of sound, kicking off with the superb ‘Industry.’ This is a roller coaster ride through raw organic grooves with swirling pads and subtle vocal cries all layering up the intensity and guaranteeing a huge reaction. The equally impactful ‘Exit to Eden’ takes on a more swinging house vibe, with brilliantly loose drums shuffling along with a New York feel. Again, soulful vocal samples add steaminess to the groove, delivering a cut that is destined to lift the mood wherever it’s dropped.
The kicking ‘Boa’ picks up the pace once more with smart drum programming that gets you on your toes. It’s upright and driving, with raw hits and huge kicks powering you along as a timeless and nimble bassline bounces about down low. Closing things down in style, the excellent ‘Madbar’ is another high impact house cut with edgy chord stabs and bristling drums. The whole thing brims with house charm and is a perfect closing opus to the accomplished package.
These latest four offerings from Art Department mark another high for Kerri Chandler’s always on-point Kaoz Theory.
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Sonny White’s Art Department returns this March with his first solo EP in nearly 3 years, the first of a string of releases planned for 2018. The record features three inventive new tracks, including one produced in association with New York house pioneer Toddy Terry and vocalist Roland Clark. First is ‘Sour Jazz’, a cut which intimately shows off White’s originality in the studio, delivering a sublime production rooted in driving, weighty drums and twisted bass. Up top, pained synths bring a sense of real emotion to the groove and as things unfold, keys run down the face of the arrange- ment. Clever breakdowns build the tension and the palpable heat, sweat and intensely of being lost in a packed dancefloor oozes out of the track, flooding you with feeling. The brilliantly bristling ‘721 (Queen St)’ shows off White’s ability to programme an essential and absorbing drum line: it is bouncy and big, elastic and lively, and cannot fail to get under your skin thanks to its instantly classic sound and old school flavour. The physical nature of those drums are offset with deft chords which dance up top and bring light to the track, while sax lines gently drift in and out for extra musical flavour.
And so to ‘Roots Deep’, a collaboration that spans the decades, back to the roots of house music with Todd Terry and Roland Clark. Reminiscent of earlier Art Department records with unforgettable hooks tied down with tough percussion, it is an immediately timeless anthem done as only this man can. Waves of synth and echoing vocal stabs set the stage, but it’s when the famous ‘in the beginning’ vocal starts that hands will go skyward and the club will erupt. It brings a near religious edge and gospel feel to the track, whilst a standout bassline tumbles down the scales to finish things in robust style. Once again here, Art Department combines a true understanding of dance-floor dynamics and house history with a unique sense of vision that ensures this is an EP packed with vital and inventive new sounds. More

“Natural Selection” sees Art Department expand upon their previous release, building a deeper and more mature and experimental sound that unravels through the duo’s trademark murderous basslines, raw textures, expert production and distinctively melancholy vocals of Kenny Glasgow that have made them one of the most prolific writing/production teams in the industry .“Natural Selection” represents the music, the story and Art Department’s evolution from the projects inception until now, alongside Kenny and Johnny’s personal journeys as individuals. Strewn with themes that centre on the cyclical idiosyncrasy of ‘natural selection’, Art Department explore a defined narrative throughout the LP; feelings of spiritual awakening and tranquillity, indecision and turmoil tell a story in which the beginning could in fact be the end. “Natural Selection” is a diverse album in which Johnny and Kenny’s inherently seamless production is in-fact a prerequisite to their existence. More

“Natural Selection” sees Art Department expand upon their previous release, building a deeper and more mature and experimental sound that unravels through the duo’s trademark murderous basslines, raw textures, expert production and distinctively melancholy vocals of Kenny Glasgow that have made them one of the most prolific writing/production teams in the industry .“Natural Selection” represents the music, the story and Art Department’s evolution from the projects inception until now, alongside Kenny and Johnny’s personal journeys as individuals. Strewn with themes that centre on the cyclical idiosyncrasy of ‘natural selection’, Art Department explore a defined narrative throughout the LP; feelings of spiritual awakening and tranquillity, indecision and turmoil tell a story in which the beginning could in fact be the end. “Natural Selection” is a diverse album in which Johnny and Kenny’s inherently seamless production is in-fact a prerequisite to their existence. More

Barcode: 5060376935301

Art Department, one of electronic music's most recognizable dance outfits announce the release of their eagerly awaited second studio album, "Natural Selection", releasing through No.19 Music this November.
Natural Selection" sees Art Department expand upon their previous release, building a deeper and more mature and experimental sound that unravels through the duo's trademark murderous basslines, raw textures, expert production and distinctively melancholy vocals of Kenny Glasgow that have made them one of the most prolific writing/production teams in the industry .
Berlin based house producer, Aquarius Heaven and the infamous Seth Troxler, both partake with original vocal contributions in the form of "Kisses For Roses" and "Cruel Intentions" and blend effortlessly into Art Department's brooding, alternate reality.

TRACKLISTING:
1. Natural Selection Intro 2. It's Through 3. The Agent 4. Kisses For Roses featuring Aquarius Heaven 5. JD 4 AD (Interlude) 6. These Eyes 7. The Hunt featuring Blud 8. Crazy 9. Cruel Intentions featuring Seth Troxler 10. Breathe Easy 11. Walls 12. Macba (Interlude) 13. In The Wake 14. Catch You By Surprise
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Art Department are back on the mothership Crosstown to kick off 2012 in lurid style with a slice of slow burning, chugging disco-tech and pendulum beats in new single 'Touch You Gently'. The B-side is taken care of with a powerful Brenann Green rework of 'Tell Me Why', from the much lauded album 'The Drawing Board'. Fresh from topping the RA poll for best labels in 2011, Crosstown Rebels are launching the year with one of the finest duos to emerge out of the trailblazing Toronto scene, Jonny White and Kenny Glasgow aka Art Department. After two years of tearing up the global scene with their inimitable sound, one passionate debut album and stream of killer club tracks including 'Living The Life feat. Seth Troxler' and 'We Call Love', the duo earned a place as one of the years major success stories. A-side 'Touch You Gently' is an embryonic blend of spooky synths, gliding, sexy basslines and futuristic bleeps offset with the ever-presence of Kenny's hypnotic layered vox, as ever, a true testament to their individuality and off-kilter spirit. It's deeper than deep and a sensual brainteaser that shifts up a gear with a floaty melodic breakdown in the final phase. After attracting an impressive bag of remixers for 2011, including DJ Harvey, Daphi (aka Caribou), DBridge and TEED, It's no surprise that Crosstown have matched one of the most well-respected disco dons in the game with this release. Unlocking deeper dancefloor potential for 'Tell Me Why', NYC DJ and producer Brennan Green delivers his timeless groove with arpeggiated synths, syncopated drums, lush balaeric piano licks and whistles to boot. This remix is simply fantastic… come to that this single is simply superb!!
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Art Department have gone back to The Drawing Board and rewritten house music for a new generation. More

Joeski returns to Crosstown Rebels with ‘Music Is My Home’, featuring the vocals of Troy Dillard. The release, landing on 25th October 2024, features a remix by label regular Made By Pete alongside a ‘Dub’ mix. A pioneering ?gure in the house music scene for over two decades, Joeski continues to show his mastery in blending rhythmic grooves with emotional depth. Known for his signature fusion of classic house with Afro and Latin in?uences, the Brooklyn-born, Queens-raised DJ/producer and Maya label boss has maintained his in?uential presence globally, with releases on an endless list of leading labels. Here, he delivers once again with an impressive return to Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels imprint with ‘Music Is My Home’ —a track that merges rhythmic beats with regular collaborator Troy Dillard’s emotive vocals. ‘Music Is My Home’ is a sonic journey, paying homage to the roots of house while showcasing Joeski's seasoned touch. Led by Dillard’s impassioned vocals, the track’s soulful rhythm, deep bassline, and atmospheric melodies make it a standout and emotive slice of modern house music. Label favourite Made By Pete steps up on remix duties, with the UK talent delivering an expansive production aimed at the dance?oor with wonky grooves and swirling synths, perfect for after-hour moments. Rounding out the release is the ‘Dub’ mix, a stripped-back version that lets the groove speak for itself. More

Enigmatic producer bullet tooth makes Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘IF I CAN’T BE YOURS’. UKG meets melodic house on the four-track EP, featuring remixes from Enamour and SICARIA. If you haven’t heard of bullet tooth yet, you soon will. Brimming with UKG, rave, and rap influences made deviously dark with heavy low-end basslines, this faceless newcomer’s captivating sound has seen him enjoy a meteoric rise since emerging on the scene in 2023. Graduating from Soundcloud bootlegs, the elusive artist made his Parklife debut this summer alongside rapper Capo Lee, with whom he produced ‘Keep It Rolling’. Featuring in sets for the likes of Sammy Virji, Main Phase, and Interplanetary Criminal, the aforementioned collab proved an instant hit, gracing BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra airwaves via Sarah Story, Jeremiah Asiamah, DJ Target and more. Add supporters such as Floating Points, Laurent Garnier and Bicep to the mix, and it’s easy to see why there’s so much hype and intrigue. Concluding his summer with a bang, the UK artist joined Damian Lazarus for his Hï Ibiza residency alongside Black Coffee, and now the DJ/producer ventures into melodic landscapes via Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels with ‘IF I CAN’T BE YOURS’. The four-track EP also features additional remixes from LA-based talent Enamour and London’s hotly sought-after Moroccan dubstep favourite SICARIA. Leading with the powerful, ‘IF I CAN’T BE YOURS’, bullet tooth takes his sound to the club, featuring nostalgic 90s-esque vocals over dubby bass that lean towards the dancefloor. Second up is the uniquely melancholic-euphoric ‘YOU THINK YOU CAN FIX ME’, where UKG-style rhythms journey deep into melodic realms with purpose and precision. On the b-side, California’s Enamour reworks ‘IF I CAN’T BE YOURS’, directing his energy into a high-energy remix destined for festival grounds. To close out the EP, SICARIA leans into breakbeats with a climbing rendition of her own, infusing the track with lingering afro-leaning flavours. More

Powerful duo Henri Bergmann and Wennink make their Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Guardian Angel’. Stimming and Hardt Antoine take the single to darker territories on their remixes.

Magnetic husband-and-wife duo Henri Bergmann and Wennink blend Bergmann’s taste for melodic realms with Wennink’s etherealv vocals and experimental left-leaning sound. Focusing on supporting up-and-coming talent via her label Automatik, Bergmann has also recruited some of the most notable producers in melodic house and techno for remixes, including The Element, Hernan Cattaneo, and Betical, while the duo's compelling collaborative work has caught the attention of heavyweights like Afterlife - featuring on the label’s ‘Realm Of Consciousness Pt.VI’ VA. Now, following Bergmann’s recent Hï Ibiza appearance and ahead of forthcoming sets at the likes of Zamna Mexico City, KOKO and Amsterdam Dance Event, the London-based couple bring their talents to Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels with ‘Guardian Angel’. Set to captivate audiences, the enchanting vocal single lands this September with remixes from German house DJ/producer Stimming and fellow London-based eclectic talent Hardt Antoine.

Melancholic yet uplifting ‘Guardian Angel’ opens with richly textured choric percussion that rises to meet Wennink's angelic vocals to powerful emotive effect. Stimming’s remix enters second, reaching for intensity over a stripped-back rendition through the driving rhythm and ethereal SFX. Closing out the record, Hard Antoine's remix pulsates with darker basslines and sharper synths, leaning into the otherworldly and stretching the melody into satisfyingly strange sci-fi-esque planes. More

Mexican supergroup Secret Echoes releases debut single ‘Bring My Beat Back’ on Crosstown Rebels. The project combining a trio of revered talents from the Mexican electronic landscape sees Estefani Brolo, Diego Cevallos, and Marco Anaya unite to reveal a first glimpse into their forthcoming debut album, with the single remixed by Zombies In Miami focus on the song's hypnotic vocals and raw emotive energy.

Secret Echoes is a dynamic collaboration of three acclaimed artists from Mexico’s electronic music scene: Estefani Brolo (of BROLORZIO & I.M YONI), Diego Cevallos (AKA Métrika), and Marco Balcazar (AKA Balcazar of Balcazar & Sordo). With each member bringing a distinct musical background to the group, creating a unique fusion of sound set to resonate with electronic music enthusiasts worldwide, Secret Echoes creates music that blends house foundations with melodic innovation.

The origins of the project trace back to the height of the pandemic, when Cevallos and Balcazar began collaborating on an album they had always envisioned. Renting a unique studio in Jiutepec, Mexico, equipped with analogue tape machines and high-end studio gear, and inviting their talented friends to contribute, Brolo soon joined the project - adding her melodic and lyrical expertise. The result was the recording of 11 tracks that were put on hold until the time was right. After revisiting the tracks and performing them live, ‘Bring My Beat Back’ caught the attention of Crosstown Rebels founder Damian Lazarus during 2024’s Day Zero performance. Inspired by its energy and potential, Lazarus signed the entire album, and this first single provides a first glimpse of what is to come from the enigmatic trio on an imprint known for continually pushing boundaries within house music.

‘Bring My Beat Back’ showcases the group’s distinctive blend of house music foundations, guided by Brolo’s captivating vocals above shimmering synths and refined percussion grooves to deliver a silky-smooth production balancing classic nuances with contemporary touches for the dance floor. Creatures Of The Night founders and Permanent Vacation regulars Zombies In Miami provide an extra layer to the package, with the renowned duo’s remix drawing for neon-lit synths and hazy tones for a deep dive into the late-night hours. More

Norwegian talent Meera makes her Crosstown Rebelsdebut with the atmospheric ‘Stikk’. Landing on 30th August, the EP sees the young artist flex her production prowess with remixes from Dennis Cruz and Tripolism. Riding the success of her debut single ‘Music For Humans’ in 2023, Norway’s Meera was swiftly recruited by Damian Lazarus, joining him at his Hï Ibiza residency before heading to Rebellion for the release of the resonant ‘Teflon’. The sought-after artist has shown no signs of slowing, releasing a series of remixes this year amongst European shows, festival appearances, and Ibiza pit stops. Continuing this momentum, she now makes her label debut on Lazarus’ renowned Crosstown Rebels with ‘Stikk’, with imprint regular Dennis Cruz joining on remix duties alongside melodic Danish trio and former collaborators Tripolism, who also make their first outing on Crosstown. Landing in realms of afro-house, Meera’s production is cool, confident, and creative. With eclectic influences audible throughout her standout sound, her ‘Stikk’ EP proves why she first garnered the attention of artists such as Jimi Jules and John Digweed. The title track leads with minimal climbing percussion, introspective piano melodies and delicate, dreamlike vocals. In contrast, Tripolism’s remix turns up the intensity to a biting crescendo, adding sharp synths for a more dancefloor-focused feeling. ‘Sykkelkurv’ reaches for higher planes of emotion with its atmospheric soundscape, moody chords and driving drums, toeing the line between light and dark. Next, Dennis Cruz’s interpretation drives the track off the line and into deeper rhythms with chunky low-ends, picking up the pace for peak time. Digital purchasers are treated to a bonus track titled ‘Stikk Reprise’, a pulsating trip back into the lead single, with a heightened focus on the song's hypnotic vocals and raw emotive energy. More

Damian Lazarus invites Kristin Velvet to Crosstown Rebels for ‘Wasp Nest/Get Down’, featuring and remixed by house icon Fred P. Delivering her first material on the iconic label, the Arms & Legs boss serves up two diverse productions, including a collaboration with Fred P, with the New York favourite also providing two slick interpretations of his own.Warping and twisting, armed with robust drums and ever-evolving synths, ‘Wasp Nest’ is a trippy excursion through an amalgamation of textures, delivering a driving production with twists and turns at every moment, while the slick ‘Get Down pairs crisp percussion and smooth grooves with Fred P’s iconic vocal for a classy house outing. Delivering his own takes on the production, Fred P’s first reshape is a delightful dive through dubby pads and hazy chords before serving up a cosmic excursion across his ‘Deepness’ reshape to close things in style. More

Innovative multi-instrumentalist and electronic luminary Mathew Jonson returns to Crosstown Rebels with ‘Tako Tako’. The Canadian synth wizard returns to Damian Lazarus' renowned imprint with two magical and absorbing new productions, with the most excellent two-tracker. Mathew Jonson has developed one of the most distinctive voices in electronic dance music. His take on house and techno is rich in synth craft and high on captivating emotions, all shaped by his notoriously extensive collection of analogue and hardware gear that he can play, manipulate and use like few others. An electronic mastermind renowned for releasing countless seminal tracks and albums, both solo and as a member of Cobblestone Jazz, he returns to a label that has been a constant throughout his career. With his ‘Tako Tako’ EP, he offers two more superb journeys on Crosstown Rebels. The fantastic ‘Tako Tako’ kicks off with Jonson’s signature mix of elegant and refined synth craft, with dancing melodies bringing futuristic energy and neon colour to crunchy beats. They are smeared and smudged in a painterly fashion and help make this production a pulsating dancefloor thrill. Equally standout is ‘Just a Little Bit’, powered by a jostling broken beat with a warm bassline and wordless vocals sampled throughout. It’s funky, kinetic, always on the move, and rounds out another one of Jonson’s fantastically inventive yet effective EPs. 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

A globally-renowned selector whose ‘Mastermix’ series and impactful, diverse DJ sets have garnered a cult following for the past decade, Numbers co-founder Jackmaster has seen his focus shifted towards his blossoming discography of late, releasing material via Seth Troxler’s Slacker 85, The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin’ Headz and CircoLoco Records, plus his own TDSR imprint. Here, he continues to showcase his studio nouse with an impressive label debut on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels, unveiling two new original productions across his latest EP, ‘Don’t You Want My Lovin’.

Vibrant, deep and jackin’, featuring resonant stabs, skippy drums and soulful vocals at its core, the bubbly ‘Don’t You Want My Lovin’ is a punchy slice of house crafted for bustling dancefloors, while the airy and trippy ‘Ode 2 U’ takes things into more paired back territories and journeys through vast textures to unveil a wormhole of a production.

Needing little introduction, Chicago’s finest and house music icon, Mike Dunn, steps up on remix duties as he makes his first outing on the renowned imprint. His aptly titled ‘Blackball 303’ interpretation is precisely that: a wicked, acid-laced trip harnessing the original’s infectious vocal while offering an instrumental for those looking to keep things darker. 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