Record label The Cross rebonds in collaboration with Island EMI for its comeback
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, The Cross - the joint venture between Club Class and Island EMI - is back with a bang, heralding a new era of dance releases. The comeback is spearheaded by Grammy-nominated producers Bag Raiders, who released the first single of this new chapter titled "Hold Me" last month.
This fresh rebrand and renewed vision for The Cross is under the guidance of Matt Smallwood, the former head of A&R at Toolroom Records and now head of music at Club Class. Smallwood aims to elevate both established and emerging talent in the house music scene, focusing on a spectrum that ranges from underground to radio-friendly house music.
The spirit of collaboration between Club Class and Island EMI shines brightly in The Cross' relaunch. While Bag Raiders' "Hold Me" is the current standout release, Smallwood's strategy emphasizes a continuous stream of music from various artists, supporting both budding and established names across different facets of house music. As of early August 2025, no other specific upcoming releases have been detailed beyond this initial launch single.
Callum Ross, senior A&R manager at Island EMI, has formed an amazing working relationship with Kev and Serg from Club Class. Ross, who has known and respected Smallwood for a long time, is thrilled about the synergy between the two teams. He finds the relaunch of The Cross Records very exciting.
Club Class, a management company that represents artists such as Meduza, James Hype, Genesi, and Tita Lau, is a key partner in this venture. Matt Smallwood, with his exceptional relationships within dance music, is steering The Cross towards success. Smallwood expressed his excitement about the current state of dance music and the return of The Cross.
The Cross is a dance label that is eager to release new music, and the anticipation surrounding its relaunch is palpable. With its passionate, experienced, and talented team, The Cross is set to make a significant impact on the dance music scene in the near future.
The Cross, under the guidance of Matt Smallwood, strives to deliver a diverse range of music, incorporating both established and emerging talent in the house music scene, thereby offering an entertaining mix of underground and radio-friendly house music. With the release of Bag Raiders' "Hold Me", The Cross is set to provide a continuous stream of music, creating an exciting experience for music enthusiasts.