Aaron and Barak’s creative partnership began with a chance meeting on Koh Phangan in 2017, eventually growing into a shared musical vision shaped by years of friendship and studio experimentation. 

Their latest collaboration, ‘Cruise CNTRL,’ is a reflection of that natural chemistry, built around a driving groove, hypnotic textures, and subtle psychedelic details. Rather than chasing peak-time theatrics, the duo set out to capture the feeling of a dance floor fully in sync, where the rhythm takes over and the journey speaks for itself. 

We caught up with Aaron and Barak to discuss the story behind the track, their complementary approaches to production, and finding the sweet spot between simplicity and complexity.

WWD: Welcome to When We Dip, Aaron and Barak! How did you first connect, and what sparked the idea to make ‘Cruise CNTRL’ together?

We first met back in 2017 in Koh Phangan, Thailand, and instantly connected. What started as a friendship naturally evolved into a creative relationship. We stayed close over the years and eventually began producing music together, discovering a shared musical vision along the way.

Fast forward to 2026, and we’re sitting in the studio experimenting with ideas when this infectious groove starts taking shape. There wasn’t any particular plan or direction in mind. We just followed the energy of the session, and that groove eventually became what you now know as ‘Cruise CNTRL.’

WWD: What was the starting point for the track, and how did it evolve as you brought your individual ideas into the mix?

We’ve worked on quite a few tracks together over the years, gradually developing our own sonic palette and a natural understanding of each other’s creative instincts.

Our process usually starts with a strong, driving groove, something you feel in your stomach before anything else. From there, we begin layering hypnotic textures, psychedelic synths, and subtle details that slowly evolve throughout the arrangement.

For us, it’s about finding that balance between simplicity and complexity. Creating something that feels effortless on the dance floor but reveals more depth the longer you listen.

WWD: When you work together, what does each of you bring to the studio – and where do you push each other creatively?

Barak: “Aaron has a real instinct for creating solid, infectious grooves and shaping arrangements that keep the energy moving. He understands how to build tension and release without overcomplicating things.”

Aaron: “Barak has an incredible ear for detail. He’s always exploring unconventional sounds and creating intricate leads and textures that you wouldn’t necessarily hear in more traditional productions. He brings a level of complexity and experimentation that really adds another dimension to the music.”

We complement each other naturally. One of us might be focused on the overall flow and energy, while the other is diving deep into the finer details. That contrast is what makes the collaboration interesting and often takes the music somewhere neither of us would have gone individually.

WWD: ‘Cruise CNTRL’ is an evocative title. What does it mean to you, and how does it connect with the feeling you wanted the track to capture?

After a period of playing quite a few shows, we found ourselves drawn to the idea of creating a proper “ride-on” track. Something that doesn’t necessarily demand attention with huge breakdowns or dramatic moments, but instead locks you into a groove and keeps you moving.

We imagined that moment in the middle of a DJ set when the dance floor is completely connected, the energy is flowing, and everyone is just cruising together.

That’s really where the name ‘Cruise CNTRL’ came from. It’s about surrendering to the rhythm, finding that hypnotic flow, and letting the music take control.

WWD: Can you take us inside the production and share one sound, technique, or unexpected studio moment that helped define the track?

Interestingly, we actually hit a creative wall with this track after a few studio sessions. The groove was working, the foundation was solid, but we both felt something was missing. It needed another element to carry the energy forward and give the arrangement a stronger identity.

Eventually, we came up with this circular, gliding, analog-style sawtooth lead that enters just after the breakdown, towards the beginning of the second drop.

That sound became a defining moment in the production. It introduced this hypnotic, almost spiraling movement that completely transformed the energy of the track. Sometimes it’s just one element that makes everything fall into place, and for ‘Cruise CNTRL,’ that was definitely it.

WWD: How does ‘Cruise CNTRL’ reflect where you both are musically right now, and did this collaboration take either of you somewhere new?

We feel ‘Cruise CNTRL’ is a very honest representation of where we are musically right now.

Our sound has naturally evolved towards something deeper, more refined, and more hypnotic. We’re increasingly drawn to music that doesn’t need to do too much to make an impact. Music built around sophisticated grooves, subtle psychedelic elements, and an atmosphere that engages both the mind and body.

There’s a certain maturity in knowing when to hold back and allowing the groove itself to tell the story.

That’s exactly what we’re trying to express with this release. Something minimal yet intricate, deep yet powerful, and ultimately timeless. Music that creates a journey without forcing it.

WWD: Where do you imagine ‘Cruise CNTRL’ fitting into a DJ set, and what do you hope people feel when they hear it on the dance floor?

We actually had a very specific moment in mind while making this track: the middle of a set, when the dance floor has found its rhythm and everyone is completely locked into the music.

It’s not necessarily about creating a peak-time moment. It’s about maintaining that beautiful state of hypnosis where the groove feels endless and time almost disappears.

We want people to lose themselves in the rhythm, feel the subtle changes, and enjoy the journey without thinking too much about where it’s going.

That’s the essence of ‘Cruise CNTRL.’ Once you’re in that zone, you just let it ride.

WWD: That you do! Thanks for the chat 🙂 

‘Cruise CNTRL’ is available here