Artist Spotlight
Wade’s remarkable rise to the top of the tech-house game over a few years has been marked by a string of thumping releases on highly respected labels. His slinky beats are informed by a hip-hop sensibility and anchored by wavy basslines. He’s become a sought-after producer. And with collaborations on the books with coveted artists like Solardo, Cloonee, and Jay Lumen he’s undoubtedly captured a sound that pulsates with a unique spirit. He grew up listening to flamenco music, a traditional southern Spanish musical style. He still finds inspiration in Spanish music and grasps at any opportunity to use traditional instruments in his music. You can hear it in the slinky Spanish horn sample in “Mi Amor” his recent collaboration with UK tech-house heavyweight. His background in music goes back to his school days. He says he studied music but, “I never focused on music outside of classes.” It wasn’t until he attended his first dance music event that he fell in love with house and began to soak up everything that the culture could offer him. “I remember the first time I went to an electronic music party, I totally fell in love with that music. I realized it was the music that I liked the most, the one that I most identified with.” He picked up Djing soon after but wasn’t truly devoted to any one musical style. He drifted between pop, electro, and Latin house. He didn’t dedicate focus to one musical style until he began producing tech-house in 2011. His trajectory follows the old adage “overnight success takes about ten years.” In the last five, he’s racked up an impressive resume of accolades. He’s released music with revered labels like Relief, Sola, Armada Subjekt, Snatch!, and Black Book. He’s held down remix duties for fellow Spanish artist David Guetta and had the kings of UK progressive Camelphat remix him. “When great artists of the electronic scene started playing my music,” he says of the support he’s received from the likes of Richie Hawtin, Marco Corolla, Chris Lake, and Paco Osuna, “I realized that I could really take advantage of my talent and make a career in the music industry.” He’s since logged an impressive amount of frequent flyer miles playing in clubs from Australia to Argentina. But his favorite shows are with his beloved hot hometown brand, elrow. He’s most at home on the elrow stage among the pageantry and non-stop barrage of colorful performers. He says, “I like what elrow parties transmit. I always enjoy them because the theme is super fun.” As the gigs begin to flood back in, Wade will continue to see the fruits of his labor flourish. He’s stayed busy throughout quarantine. He’s released music at an impressive clip. And as we begin to return to normal, Wade’s name will undoubtedly stay on the lips of the industry.
Overview
From humble beginnings to the world stage, Wade has consistently outperformed expectation through a combination of talent and driving focus.
The man born Juan Carlos Cruz Lopez had a modest upbringing in rural southern Spain. Young Wade may not have been surrounded by luxuries growing up, but he had a gift far more precious: exposure to a variety of music from many different cultures.
During those formative years, a passion for music would take hold. Wade set sights on breaking out of his environment and moving to the bright lights of the city. Nothing could cage his ambition.
To the wider dance music community, Wade first came to prominence as part of the Solid Grooves set-up.
Alongside co-founders Michael Bibi and PAWSA, he was responsible for bringing the brand to the forefront of London’s underground scene in the early days. Nowadays he is largely disassociated with the party, but you can still hear that distinct "groover" signature that runs through his productions.
No doubt those early interactions planted the seed for Wade to start his own platform. Criterio is his own label and party series. Talk about making an impact, Criterio managed the feat of selling-out Fabrik Madrid on its very first showcase - especially impressive when you consider the venue's 4000 person capacity. The Spanish capital sure knows how to party.
The label is also going from strength to strength. Shortly after launching, Criterio was snapped-up as a concession to Universal Music. Such a global force throwing their support behind Wade's artistic vision should tell you all you need to know about where he’s headed.
Such is his versatility as a DJ, Wade is just as capable playing a headline set in an intimate bunker club as he is on a festival main stage. Whether sharing the bill with Marco Carola or Solardo, or warming up for FISHER or David Guetta, he is adept at both.
In spite of his unassuming nature, when he gets behind the decks, Wade has a taste for the theatrical and he isn't afraid to put audiences outside their comfort zone.
When you consider his background, Wade's rise to international stardom is nothing short of spectacular. There's nothing average about him. Pretty good going for a kid from the sleepy end of town.