Legendary label and producer team up for a debut release together, as Hard Times celebrate their Italian connection by welcoming Cricco Castelli & Di Saronno to the family.

With over three decades of groundbreaking releases on labels including NRK, Junior Boys Own, and Defected, Cricco Castelli has created some of house music’s most beloved anthems. The glittering keys of 1998’s ‘Life Is Changing’ and the warm, salsa-infused horns of ‘A Day in Copacabana’ have become timeless, transporting listeners to sun-drenched shores and sparking memories on countless dancefloors.

Driven by a love for blending live instrumentation with 4×4 beats, Castelli has crafted a signature sound that is soulful, jazz-infused, and unmistakably timeless..  Now, after an extended hiatus, he returns to the studio, teaming up with genre-bending producer Di Saronno, known for his diverse releases on Moveltraxx, Peppermint Jam, SIMMA Black, Dopewax, and more.

The duo’s new three-track release delivers classic Italo-house vibes, pairing Castelli’s trademark style with Di Saronno’s fresh perspective. Titled ‘The Italian Mob’ (in true Hard Times style, said with a Yorkshire accent rather than a Brando drawl), the EP can transport listeners from sweat-soaked basement clubs on a wet weekend in Leeds,  to sunset-lit terraces on the Italian Riviera, in just a few beats. Expect a release that is pure house magic, made to lift spirits and move feet – wherever you are.

You can now listen to the full premiere of ‘The Italian Mob’ exclusively on When We Dip. Enjoy!