To celebrate the release of ‘Wild Style’ featuring Aaron Veal on Defected, we catch up with Polish Pets Recordings bosses Catz ‘N Dogz, as their impeccable set from Croatia 2024 appears on YouTube today.

Released last Friday, 15th November, ‘Wild Style’ makes the inclusive producer and DJ duo the first artists to ever release across Defected, DFTD and Glitterbox, a major achievement rounding off another incredible year for Catz ‘N Dogz.

2024 saw the pair bring their powerful yet always-danceable sound across the US, take on Defected at Ushuaïa Ibiza and Glitterbox Hï Ibiza, and celebrate 20 years of Catz ‘N Dogz with a long-awaited boat party at Defected Croatia.

The duo then played The Beach Stage the very same day, with the set now available thanks to Defected Broadcasting House. You can also catch Catz 'N Dogz next year at Defected Croatia 2025. Book tickets and browse accomodation over at our dedicated Croatia festival website.

But for now, get to know Catz ‘N Dogz a little better as our In Conversation With series continues…

1. How would you describe the Catz ‘N Dogz brand?

Our brand is all about connection and authenticity. 'Music Not Genres' is our motto. We aim to unite people through music, creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone can freely express themselves. We love new challenges when we produce music and when we DJ. Connection with the people in the club or at the festivals is always essential for us, its our fuel and boosts our creativity.

2. What is the key to your ongoing success, as both a professional duo and a beautiful friendship?

Respect and communication. We’ve known each other for more than half our lives, and we understand each other. It’s not just about music but supporting each other personally. We are best friends and we still love to share the music, work in the studio and travel. Also, we are both good in different areas and together we create, after all those years, a pretty complete project :)

3. Having experienced your sets, you foster such an inclusive atmosphere through music. Can you tell us more about that?

Inclusivity is central to who we are as people and as artists. When we DJ, we’re creating a dialogue with the crowd—a communal energy. We select tracks that resonate emotionally and transcend barriers, whether cultural, gender, or otherwise. Music is universal, and we want every person on the dancefloor to feel like they belong, like they’re part of something bigger.

4. You are the only artists to release across Defected, Glitterbox, and DFTD… why do you think that is?

Oh wow, we actually didn’t realize that!? To be honest, it’s amazing for us that we can do that and that you understand and respect our vision. This is who we are, and we love experimenting with different genres and styles that we feel in the moment. The same goes for DJ’ing at different events. At Glitterbox, we can truly lose ourselves and go deeper, while at Defected and DFTD parties, we can play more energetic sets and explore our groovier side. Each of these labels has its own vibe, and we love exploring the different corners of the house music spectrum.

5. You’ve been part of the Defected Croatia family a very long time. With its ninth year coming in summer 2025, what can attendees expect from you and the festival?

Defected Croatia is special—it feels like a family reunion every year. For 2025, we’re bringing some surprises for sure. Expect a journey through house music. The festival itself is an amazing celebration of the culture, so we’re just grateful to be part of something so meaningful.

6. Who do you think are the most exciting acts on the scene right now?

There’s so much incredible talent right now, but a few names that come to mind are Bawrut, Honey Luv, Edvvin, Marie Montexier, Bontan… They’re bringing fresh perspectives to the scene, which is super inspiring.

7. Favourite house record at the moment?

It’s always tough to pick just one, but right now we really like ANOTR.

8. What do you have planned for the next 20 years of Catz ‘N Dogz?

 For sure more studio work, more collaborations and more traveling. We still love music and its giving us goosebumps every time we listen to a cool record or play a good party.

'Wild Style' by Catz 'N Dogz featuring Aaron Veal is out now via Defected. Stream their Croatia 2024 set over on YouTube.