In Studio and On Stage with Crusy
Madrid’s Crusy has positioned himself as one of house music’s most consistent forces on dancefloors around the world. From releasing his breakout track “SELECTA” to now performing across major cities like Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Ibiza, Crusy’s momentum hasn’t slowed. With support from industry icons like Carl Cox, Dom Dolla, John Summit, and Fatboy Slim, his records have landed on respected labels including Toolroom, Defected, and Knee Deep in Sound.
Ranked as the 26th top producer in the world in 2024—based purely on DJ support—Crusy’s catalog reflects a sharp understanding of what works in clubs: charged, floor-ready music that crosses stylistic boundaries. Tracks like “The Unknown,” “El Beso,” and “Bullerengue” have not only charted but stayed in rotation with top DJs around the world.
In this interview, Crusy opens up about his journey from his bedroom in Bilbao to half a million monthly Spotify listeners, his collaborations with names like Mark Knight and Tony Romera, and his minimalist but highly functional studio setup. From earthquake wake-ups in Japan to his deep love for cars and sunrise sets, Crusy’s responses are thoughtful, real, and sometimes hilarious.
Keep reading for the full Q&A.
Your debut track "SELECTA" was a massive success with support from major names like Carl Cox and Dom Dolla. What was the initial spark that led to creating that track?
I wanted to make a song that every DJ could play, regardless of the genre/style that that DJ was playing. Found a sweet spot between Latin House and high-energy house when Latin House was not even a thing worldwide, and translated it into a song I would play anywhere. I am so happy that all these amazing DJ names are still playing it nowadays, that’s what the song was made for.
You've released music on iconic labels like Toolroom, Defected, and Knee Deep in Sound. How do you decide which label is the right fit for each track?
I try to look for what that label is known for, whether it’s a sound in particular or a vibe, and I try to imagine the boss artist of the label playing my record out there. I’m a person that listens to music from the moment I wake up until I go back to sleep, so I do a lot of research—highly recommend that to any aspiring artist.
With shows spanning across cities like Madrid, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Bali, which crowd has surprised you the most in terms of energy and vibe?
I am very thankful to the crowd I have worldwide, it’s something I dreamt about when I was starting on this, but I must say LA, Toronto & Madrid are three cities that I have forever with me—great memories definitely there! Last year Avalon with Mark Knight, Tony & Martin Ikin was next level, and Toronto and Madrid are always amazing!
You were ranked as the 26th top producer in the world in 2024. What do you think contributed most to achieving that recognition?
That was something I thought about a lot. I was extremely thankful for that as it’s an award that can’t be bought, tricked or influenced in any way, as it measures the amount of times your music has been played by other DJs. I guess releasing records that are very effective on the dancefloor must have had the biggest impact on it alongside working with the best labels in the industry.
Collaborating with artists like Hugel, Mark Knight, and Tony Romera must bring different creative energies. How do you adapt your process when working with other producers?
It’s something that inspires me a lot, and something where I have taken a lot from for myself too. Every artist has their way to produce and I learn a lot from each one. Some are very technical, others very intuitive choosing sounds, others very good at marketing their records when they are out… I try to just let the energy flow and see where the path takes us!
"Bullerengue," "Fallin'," and "Things" on Defected brought you even more attention. What drew you to work with Defected, and what makes it different from other labels?
It is one of the most legendary labels ever, and I felt extremely proud to have released a few records with them. "Bullerengue" especially, was released on vinyl in the collector’s edition of their 25-year anniversary, which is a fantastic honor taking into consideration the level of names that have released at Defected.
You’ve now got over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. How does seeing that number influence your approach to making music?
Spoke with my mom about this last week, and it feels like a lot to me. I’m an artist that started from nowhere in my bedroom at my parents’ house in Bilbao, so having half a million people listening to my music every month feels highly overwhelming to me. Thanks to everyone out there listening to my music!
What’s your studio setup like? Any piece of gear you can’t live without?
My studio is very simple actually. I know my room very well and have been making music for 13–14 years, so that helps you know when something is sounding good and when it is not. If I had to highlight something, that would be my speakers. I highly miss them while I am making music on the road. They are nothing really expensive, a pair of Focal Alpha80, but I think there is nothing close out there when comparing them with other similar budget speakers.
When you’re not touring or in the studio, how do you decompress and find inspiration for your next project?
I love to work out and cars. Sometimes I just go to the gym, drive one of my cars and enjoy that moment. I like to see my family and friends too and laugh for some time, that is one of the best treatments out there!
Is there a specific genre or style outside of house music that you’d like to explore in the future?
I listen to a lot of different genres! I vary into rock / alternative rock from the 2000s so don’t be surprised if I mix or co-produce something in the future!
You’ve toured cities all around the globe. Any unexpected travel stories that still make you laugh?
I have too many stories, but most of them can’t be told hahahaha. I remember once I woke up in an earthquake in Japan. It was very scary but now I laugh about it, could have been terrible but luckily nothing happened and it’s another story to write in my memories someday.
If you had to choose just one city to perform in for the rest of your career, which one would it be and why?
Couldn’t do that, every place gives you certain vibes and I could not get rid of them.
House music is constantly evolving. What do you think is the next big shift in the scene?
I am seeing House coming back. Hard Techno and Afro House have been dominating the scene for so long but I am seeing some of the biggest artists in the scene playing House again, and those crowds need to evolve and that usually makes them go back to House. That’s my bet!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a fellow artist?
Don’t lose time trying to please people that would never pay a ticket to see you.
If you could play b2b with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Which track of yours would you consider your secret weapon during a live set?
"Pills." Such a special track.
Would you rather only play sunrise sets for the rest of your life or only play afterparties?
Sunrise, definitely.
If you weren’t making music, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Something related to cars, I would probably have a dealership.
Finish the sentence: If Crusy is DJing, you can always expect...
A DJ that is bringing you on a journey through his set.
