DJ Cruz was born and raised in Zurich Switzerland to a Swiss mother and an American father. He was first exposed to ‘scratching’ while listening to the DJ at the downhill skateboard races he used to compete in. In 2005 at the age of 15 a friend gave him an old turntable and ever since that day Cruz has been working the decks – starting with vinyl, digging in the crates at the local record stores forever, spending all he had on the music he loved. The producer has come a long way since those early days, DMCWORLD check in with the main man as he drops his new single ‘CHAOS’…
Hi Vince, thanks for joining us! Tell us about your new single ‘Chaos’.
Great to be here DMCWORLD! ‘Chaos’ is my first release for a year, as it just didn’t feel right to drop new music while being locked down. But now I’m truly excited to finally share new music with the world!
It features Connecticut rapper Anoyd and it’s a high energy Hip Hop track for people to turn up to. Most of my inspiration while working on music comes from the clubs, crowds going crazy. And although clubs and festivals are still closed, I hope people listening to the track get that same feeling.
Fan link: https://songwhip.com/djcruz/chaos
How did the collaboration with Anoyd come about?
I’ve had him on my radar for a while and just loved his music. He’s a really talented rapper with a unique voice and dope writing skills. He got Bars for days! I reached out to him on Instagram and we started to vibe out. Eventually he picked one of the Beats I had sent him and started writing and recording. He sent me the track and I flipped out when I heard how he bodied it!
How have you spent lockdown?
Mainly finish building my studio and then working in it. After all these years of traveling for my DJ Gigs, I must say I’ve been enjoying the less stressful days with so much studio time. It’s less pressure for outcome and more fun.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not liking being locked down, I’m just making the best out of it and trying to work out, eat healthy, get good sleep and be inspired in the studio.
Tell us more about your brand Unashamed?
Unashamed started as a club party label back in 2011. Legendary Club Kaufleuten (your favorite DJ might have played there before) in Zurich offered me to do my own event, after I had DJ’d many parties there and filling up the venue. It then evolved into a Day party, Radio Show and Record label. I’m currently designing merchandise for the 10-Year anniversary drop.
When can we expect a new edition of the Unashamed event?
If the rules allow in July, the annual Unashamed Dayparty at Strozzi’s in Zurich. Here’s an After-Movie of one of the Parties, it’s always so much fun…
I might also expand the concept and do some other events at different venues, but currently it’s hard to plan as no one knows how the restrictions are going to change.
Do you have any performances scheduled this year?
I was booked at a private Party in St Barths for NYE, so my year started off incredibly well. As of now not many performances scheduled due to the situation. But I’m in contact with all the bookers so once venues do reopen I’m ready to go back at it full speed!
You’ve DJ’d in some incredible locations, which are your favourite venues to DJ and why? Is there one place you’re desperate to get back to?
I would say I love South of France the most. I have a particularly special relationship with Cannes. I’ve played at Gotha, an insane Nightclub, many times and spun at many amazing private Parties during the Cannes Film Festivals. St Tropez is wild too and of course DJing at Jimmyz during the Monaco GP is always a highlight.
Other than that I love Base Club Dubai, 1OAK NY / LV, Armani Milan and the Fratelli Clubs in Romania are sick too. I’d love to go DJ any place where the weather is good. I need some sun!
What’s been your favourite performance ever?
DJing for ASAP Rocky’s Show at Gotha in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival!
I’ll remember that night forever.
Watch the Video here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-2i8sQD_Qq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What would you say this last year has taught you?
Mainly I learned how to relax. Pre-Corona I was always on the run and working day and night. I never really knew nor wanted to just take it easy. Then I was forced to slow down and started to appreciate other aspects of life. We need to be grateful for everything we have and not take anything for granted. It’s easy to do so in the fast lane, but living consciously is very important.
What does the rest of 2021 look like for you – any more projects you can tell us about?
Shortly after CHAOS I’ll drop the follow up single called NO KIZZY and then push those records. I also started a new alias for electronic music, I’ve been producing a lot of melodic techno tracks for fun and going to start releasing those under a new name. Also, I’m going to be the Artistic Director and one of the resident DJs at a new venue which is opening in Zurich. I’m also Head of Sounds at a Start-Up called ‘Lucky Punch’, a group boxing / full body work out experience with music. A lot more is going on, but right now its full focus on CHAOS! Go check it out and let me know on Instagram @djcruz__ what you think of it!
Main photo by Philipp Raheem
