To speak about Mikel (Crusy) is to mention one of Spain’s more influential artists of recent years. The Madrid based artist started his journey back in 2011, mixing his first records and exploring his own productions at only 15 years old, even at that age he was already captivated by electronic dance music. Those early productions led him to get the attention of names like David Penn, who he eventually worked with on a remix in 2020.
2022 has been a game changing year for Crusy, as he positively enters the world stage, firstly with his monster record ‘SELECTA’ that dropped on Toolroom Trax, this was supported by artists like the legend Carl Cox, Nic Fanciulli & John Summit, quickly followed by his second release on Toolroom ‘Karma’.
Last year has also seen Crusy collaborate with some of the industry’s biggest names Mark Knight, Low Steppa & Dombresky, the latter joined him on this summer’s monster ‘El Beso’ already featured in the top 10 on Beatport.
We had a little interview with Crusy:
At first step we would like to thank you for accepting the invitation to be interviewed for our new magazine LoudLife.
Hi guys! Hows everything? It’s a pleasure for me to do it, thanks to you for inviting me.
Where to start? What A Year, 40+ events around the globe from America to Europe, Asia! Amazing! How was it?
Wow it was absolutely amazing! I feel really blessed to be able to show my music to so many great people around the globe.
Which gig was the highlight of 2023 for you? To make it not so hard give it a 3.
As you said it is really hard as there have been unreal ones. If I had to name three it would definitely be Motel Kamenec in Slovakia, Toolroom at Toronto & Tokyo, as I went there with my dad, which was an amazing experience.
You’re no newcomer to us as we’ve been following your journey since about 2018 and it’s amazing to see the progress you’ve made! Do you think the decision to switch from more progressive styles to tech house was the best decision or where did it all break down? Did it come with the track Selecta?
Wow, since 2018? Thank you very much then! I definitely think that. I was in a appoint of my personal life & career where I felt I needed to go back to my roots, which where Techno & Tech House, and go a step deeper into music. It already started in 2020, but I was not happy with what I was making, I wanted to have something to say, you know? Selecta was definitely the right song to start this change.
By 2018 your tracks were getting the groove that I personally still play today, specifically the track ”I Remember” with Jose De Mara. Have you based your current sound on these tracks?
I have always to sound fresh, so not really, but tribal has been always in me. My first refences where those old Toolroom & Cadenza vibes, so that is what I try to implement in my music every time.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Do you go strictly by your style? Or do you have artists that influence your sound and where do you find the best places to make music? Is it at home in Spain in the studio or do you have no problem making a track on a flight from Hong Kong to Madrid?
Good question, there have been a few through the years. Mark Knight is definitely one of them, I also loved Luciano’s label (Cadenza) vibes so I got inspired a lot by those grooves. Must say that older Spanish artists have played a key role in my inspiration like Chus & Ceballos, David Tort or Dennis Cruz. I must say that I am pretty fast producing, so I usually go every day to my studio because I am more comfortable there, but if I need to make a song on a plane there is absolutely no problem! Everything counts!
It’s impossible not to notice your sincere and nice relationship with the father of the legendary TOOLROOM Mark Knight. What has this man brought to your life over the years?
It is hard to explain that as there are many things that people cant see online. But to start with, he opened the doors of a whole new level of my career to me, guided me through the industry and helped me to gain the position I have today. I am really thankful to him.
Check the Crusy’s tracks on Spotify
The 31st place in the 1001 tracklist of the most supported producers for 2023 is a great achievement. What are your plans for 2024? Do you have any singles or collaborations planned that will shoot you into the top 10?
Thank you very much, it was truly unbelievable for me; to share that list together with such big names, 2023 has been a massive year supportiwise, thanks to all the DJs out there for playing my music. Well, there’s maaany of them signed, but I can say yet I have 3 singles on Toolroom and one on Defected in the first half of the year, as well as my new solo single Sound Of The Underground, which is out now on Incorrect. So go check it out ☺
If you could choose one single artist – producer, singer or even a whole band to do your dream collab with. Who would it be?
I already did it, with bossman Mark, but apart from that, I’d say Fatboy Slim & Hot Since 82. They ’are one of my biggest inspirations as an artist, and career wise.
You started music in 2013 which will now be 10 years according to the release. Did you start music thinking that you wanted to be a successful dj and producer who would travel the world? Or was it just a hobby you had alongside your studies?
I already started in 2009, but with another name and other type of music 😉 but not many people know that. As Crusy, it has been now 10 years, if I am completely honest I knew I would do something nice in this world. You never know how nice, because it not only depends on you, but I knew my drive & passion would lead me to nice things here. If you truly believe on yourself and you work consistently, you can achieve anything you want!
The world is speeding up and technology is evolving and we are coming into contact with AI more and more. How do you think this will affect our music world, production and maybe even live performances? Are we replaceable?
I think everything that has no soul is replaceable, but people feel connected to the person, more even tan the art itself, and I think that it not replaceable. There will always be a certain amount of connection not possible to re make with AI.
Where we might see you in 2024?
I am staring my US & Canada tour this Saturday (Feb 17th.). Miami, Dallas, Phoenix, Montreal, Toronto.. check all of them in my socials @crusyofficial
