Damian Lazarus celebrates the 20th anniversary of his world-renowned Crosstown Rebels imprint! For this, he has a special album project of unreleased cuts and fresh remixes. It features material from Black Coffee, Maceo Plex, Art Department, Dennis Cruz, and many more. He is undeniably one of the most influential record labels within underground dance music. He’s collaborated with Seth Troxler, Mathew Jonson, Laurent Garnier, Rósìn Murphy, Jennifer Cardini, and more.
About Crosstown Rebels
Incepted in 2003, Crosstown Rebels is a hub and platform for flourishing projects across the electronic spectrum. It’s more than just your everyday label. Its legacy has grown alongside its founder in equal measure. Head honcho Damian continually showcases, champions, and spotlights artists from across the globe with similar radiant, experimental visions for house music and beyond. 2023 sees the biggest year to date with this milestone and a series of to be unveiled summer projects. We start with CR20 The Album.
“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
CR20 The Album
The album is comprised of six stellar, high-profile remixes alongside two previously unreleased original gems. This is an eight-track package rich and exemplary of the far-reaching corners of the Crosstown Rebels sound. You have Lazarus’ own 2020 collaboration ‘Into The Sun’ with Jem Cooke given a cosmic rework by Major League DJz. Jamie Jones’ slick ‘Paradise 2011’ is given a new lease of life by Art Department. Opening the B-Side, Dennis Cruz brings his percussive Latin-infused signature sound palette to Pier Bucci’s ‘Hay Consuelo’. Audiojack’s ‘Feel Good’ is taken into synth-led territories as Michael Mayer reaches for an evolving bed of captivating tones.
The second half of the project brings both new and old material with GRAMMY-winning DJ/producer BlackCoffee. His first label’s release of 2023 is found in Made By Pete and Zoe Kypri’s emotive ‘HorizonRed’. Reworked melodies and sparkling keys deliver his interpretation of a track featured as a staple in his sets. Next, Adam Ten & Yamagucci’s playful yet off-kilter and wonky ‘The K Dance’ unveils itself as a production perfect for late night hours. Maceo Plex’s ‘Together (2011 Mix)’ brings a driving and zipping ride through sugary synths and soaring leads. To close, TibiDabo delivers a nimble minimal-led trip to Guti & Dubshape’s absorbing ‘Every Cow Has A Bird’. Enjoy lush pads and crisp percussion to round things out in style. Enjoy Damian Lazarus’ new album below.
