After a two-year hiatus, The Cross Records is making a strategic comeback, and it’s clear they’re not just back—they’re back with some serious firepower. Spearheaded by Matt Smallwood, former Head of A&R at Toolroom Records and now Head of Music at Club Class, The Cross is poised to become a major player again in the house music scene.
What sets this relaunch apart is the label’s deep ties to some of dance music’s biggest names. With management heavyweights like MEDUZA, James Hype, GENESI, and Tita Lau under Club Class’s wing, and major label muscle from Island Records, The Cross benefits from a unique blend of artistic credibility and industry power.
Smallwood’s vision for The Cross is clear: a platform that prioritizes artist development while delivering a diverse range of house music—everything from the radio-friendly bangers fans crave to the underground cuts that keep the scene fresh. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for dance music,” Smallwood says, “and with the passion and talent around the label, we’re ready to make waves.”
Island Records’ senior A&R Callum Ross echoes this sentiment but adds a dose of realism. Having worked closely with Club Class for years, Ross acknowledges the challenge ahead but is confident in the synergy between the teams. “This feels like the start of something great,” he says.
The label’s first release back into the spotlight comes from Grammy-nominated Australian duo Bag Raiders—no small choice for a flagship single. Known globally for their breakthrough hit “Shooting Stars,” Bag Raiders’ involvement signals The Cross’s ambition to blend established talent with fresh perspectives.
But what does this relaunch really mean for the dance music landscape? The Cross sits at a crossroads: will it reclaim its place as a tastemaker and artist incubator, or will it reinvent itself to adapt to the genre’s rapid evolution? With names like MEDUZA and James Hype already in the orbit, and Smallwood’s steady hand at the helm, there’s plenty of reason to be curious—and optimistic.
The coming months will show whether The Cross can not only meet expectations but set new ones. For now, the stage is set, the players are in position, and the music world waits to see what comes next.