Damian Lazarus celebrates 20 Years of Crosstown Rebels with an exclusive 8-tunes album, out now.
Crosstown Rebels is undeniably one of the most influential record labels within underground dance music.
Since its founding in 2003, the label has released music by artists ranging from Seth Troxler and Mathew Jonson to Laurent Garnier, Rósn Murphy, and Jennifer Cardini. Today, the label serves as a hub and platform for flourishing projects across the electronic spectrum, including via the sub-label Rebellion and across a long list of showcases all over the world.
The Crosstown Rebels’ history has evolved alongside its founder in equal measure, with head honcho Damian Lazarus consistently promoting, championing, and spotlighting musicians from over the globe that share his brilliant, creative vision for house music and beyond.
Damian Lazarus and the history of Crosstown Rebels over these 20 years
Lazarus and Crosstown will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their record label with a series of projects that are going to be revealed in the months leading up to summer 2023. ‘CR20 The Album‘ is scheduled to be released on the 12th of May 2023.
CR:20: The Album is OUT NOW. Featuring unreleased gems and remixes from @JamieJonesMusic, @MaceoPlex, @denniscruzdj and many more… https://t.co/D6NCmgSYt4 pic.twitter.com/82xY7KAgwH
— Crosstown Rebels (@crosstownrebels) May 12, 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.
The eight-track package is a rich and exemplary showcase of the far-flung corners of the Crosstown Rebels sound as well as its globally connected family of artists and close friends. It is comprised of six stellar, high-profile remixes of releases from the label’s catalogue, along with two previously unreleased original gems.
CR20: The Album To Be Released 12th May
Lazarus’ own 2020 collaboration ‘Into The Sun‘ with regular Crosstown vocalist Jem Cooke is given a cosmic rework by Johannesburg’s Major League DJz. Following that, Art Department’s hypnotic and heady sounds give Jamie Jones’ slick ‘Paradise 2011‘ a new lease on life by stripping it back and giving it a new lease on life.
A standout collaboration between Cooke and Audiojack, “Feel Good” is taken into synth-led territories by Michael Mayer, who is reaching for an evolving bed of captivating tones. This track opens the B-Side. Dennis Cruz brings his percussive Latin-infused signature sound palette to Chilean musician and producer Pier Bucci’s “Hay Consuelo.” After that, Audiojack’s “Feel Good” is taken into synth-led territories by Michael Mayer.
The second half of the project brings more excellently remixed material, both new and old. GRAMMY-winning DJ and producer Black Coffee turns his hand to the label’s first release of 2023 in Made By Pete and Zoe Kypri’s emotionally charged “Horizon Red.” He unveils reworked melodies and sparkling keys as he delivers an interpretation of a track that has featured as a staple in his sets.
After that, the project welcomes Adam Ten & Yamagucci’s playful yet off-kilter and wonky ‘The K Dance,’ which reveals itself as a production ideal for those late night hours and early afters, before Ellum boss Maceo Plex’s ‘Together (2011 Mix),’ which brings another lost production to the mix with a driving and zipping ride through sugary synths and soaring leads. To bring things to a close, Tibi Dabo focuses his attention on Guti & Dubshape’s captivating track titled “Every Cow Has A Bird.” He then proceeds to present a nimble minimal-led excursion through lush pads and sharp percussion in order to wrap things up in a stylish manner.
Not only music: 192-page hardcover book titled ‘20 Years Of Magic, Madness and Music‘
In addition to the album, the 20th-anniversary celebrations will also include the release of a 192-page hardcover book titled ‘20 Years Of Magic, Madness and Music‘, which will have words written by well-known journalist and important underground music musician Joe Muggs, as well as a full-length documentary that will be made by well-known director David Terranova.
From the magical cultural experience of Day Zero Tulum to the annual Music Week marathon Get Lost Miami, Crosstown has become known around the world for hosting some of the best parties in the world.
This philosophy of producing wonderful dancefloor moments carries over into the label’s 20-year celebration with its worldwide Get Lost tour. Get Lost Miami was the first stop on the tour, and it will be followed by stops in Bali, Tokyo, Ibiza, Dubai, Istanbul, Rome, Paris, London, Berlin, and other cities, in addition to a special London showcase that will be revealed later.
