Throughout the summer of 2016, there was a name consistently dominating Beatport’s top 100 chart. That name was Dennis Cruz, and his grooving style of house music took the dance music scene by storm. He had three different tracks trend into the Top 10 this summer, and is poised to continue his dominance as the weather cools down. We had the chance to catch up with the Spaniard about his tracks’ performance, the importance of Ibiza and much more. Enjoy!

Where do you find your inspiration as an artist?

The main inspiration, is the support from the crowd on the clubs, this motivate me to work harder. That means they like my sound and it coming from funky, Latin music, Hiphop… well, I love all types of music.

Who has been your greatest mentor as you built your career?

I didn’t have a mentor, Me and my manager Alberto started working together 4 years ago without any contact and any help, just worked hard and learned along the way really!

What was your immediate reaction to seeing your tracks fare so well on the Beatport charts?

I couldn’t believe it; I never expected this much huge support, I’m so glad about it, I want to say thank to all the people who buy my music, Thank you so much!

What experience in your musical career have you learned from the most?

I think the experience I have learned from the most would be the 14 years working as a sound engineer in the studio, recording all types of music, foley FX for movies, vocals for spots, etc.

Can you describe how you go about turning your production ideas into a finished product?

Sometimes I started with an idea, but with others I just go along with it and see what happens, I always try to keep the groove of the track, just focus on it and add vocals, percussion and synths. Then I mix and master it.

In the summer, dance music fans fixate on Ibiza. As a Spaniard, what is it like to have the island be at the center of summer nightlife?

I love Ibiza, it’s a special place. It’s great that in summer the island is the center of electronic music, it makes me proud to know that we can host such an important place in dance music.

How is a Dennis Cruz DJ set unique compared to other performances?

If I have to describe my set in one word it would be grooving! I try to to keep all people dancing, nonstop…i think this is what sets my sets aside from some others

How do you manage all of the hectic responsibilities and schedules of DJing and producing?

It’s hard to produce music and DJ every week, sometimes I need a break so that i can concentrate on working a few weeks in the studio

How do you feel about the current state of the dance music industry? Do you think things like the DJ Mag Top 100 poll are still relevant and important?

I don’t really believe in polls and charts of DJs, etc.

What’s in store for Dennis Cruz as the summer starts to wind down? Any secrets you can let us in on?

I have a new EP coming out on Suara which is going to be the bomb!

About Thursday Thoughts:

At Dance Rebels, we strive to bring our readers as close to their favorite artists as possible. One of the best ways to make that connection is to discuss a wide range of topics with the biggest names in the dance music scene. If there is an artist that you think we need to talk to, reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter!