Dennis Cruz continues his standout run-of-form in 2021 with the release of his latest single, ‘What U Doing’, taken from his forthcoming album ‘Roots’ on Crosstown Rebels that is set for release October 29th. ‘What U Doing’ is a collaboration with UK singer-songwritwer Leo Wood and includes a remix by iconic German house producer Mousse T. We caught up with Dennis to chat about the single ahead of the album release, here’s how it went!

WWD: Hi Dennis! Welcome to When We Dip. Great to have you with us today. How’s it going?

All good, thanks! I’m currently in Madrid chilling for a few days at home before heading to ADE.

WWD: We’re chatting with you ahead of your forthcoming album ‘Roots’ on Crosstown Rebels. We’ve really enjoyed the singles that have been dropping over the last few months, particularly the latest one, ‘What U Doing’. Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect from the full album?

The album features ten tracks with different vibes across each. Some are more Latin inspired and influenced, whereas others are funkier, combining house and minimal. I think it showcases a great mix between my music influences; some tracks are designed more for the club, and others more for streaming and listening.

WWD: ‘What U Doing’ features a beautiful vocal performance from Leo Wood. When did you and Leo first start working together, what’s the creative process like together?

It’s always a pleasure to work with Leo. She has an amazing voice and so much talent. ‘What U Doing’ is our second track together, following ‘To Burn’ last year. She sent me the vocal stems that she recorded with a different beat from another track. I listened to the vocal, and it instantly gave me the inspiration to start working on ‘What U Doing’. I then sent her the idea, we made some changes, and the track was finished!

WWD: Mousse T provides a brilliant remix, adding his characteristic party vibes to the track. What were your thoughts when you first heard his take on the track?

I love Mousse T’s remix! The first time I heard it, I thought, “Yes, this is exactly what we need for the remix of this track”. It’s a really housey track with rich pianos and a truly happy feeling throughout.

There’s been a great cast of remixers over the singles so far, the aforementioned Mousse T, as well as Gorgon City who remixed the collaboration with Josh Butler, ‘Ahora Todo Va’. What has the process been like in selecting remixers on this project?
The remixes are both excellent and have worked so well on the dancefloor. We chose the remixes with all of the Crosstown team involved and considered who we thought would be a great fit for each track, and I think it worked out perfectly.

WWD: Crosstown Rebels is a label that you have released on many many times now, a testament to both the strength of your sound and your work rate. What’s your relationship like with the Crosstown family?

For me, it’s a dream come true to release music on one of my favourite labels and to be able to have done so over multiple years in this industry. I have been following Crosstown as a label and their output since forever!

I have to thank Damian for supporting me and my music. During 2020 and the first half of 2021, I was focused on writing and producing the album, and I was sending the tracks to Damian as I was making them. He would check them and help me with new ideas or ways to improve the tracks. Sometimes, I thought it was potentially a bad idea or something I wouldn’t have thought of, but I tried them, and he was always right!

WWD; It’s amazing to see events returning. We saw some great footage of you rocking it at the recent Solid Grooves event in London. How has it felt to return to gigging after the absence of events during the height of the pandemic?

It’s so good to be back on stage and in the booth again. That Solid Grooves party in London was my first big event after the pandemic; the crowd’s energy that day was incredible. I still have goosebumps… I really can’t wait to be back in London!

WWD: Thanks a lot for chatting with us today Dennis! To round things off, is there anything else on the way from yourself that you would like to share with us?

It’s my pleasure! I hope you enjoy the whole album and I’ll see you soon on the dancefloor. Cheers!

Dennis Cruz ft. Leo Wood – What U Doing with Mousse T remix is OUT NOW on Crosstown Rebels.

Buy/Stream it here: https://lnk.to/crm261

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