Defected Records, founded in 1999 by Simon Dunmore, is one of the most influential independent labels in house music. Known for blending underground house with mainstream appeal, the label has evolved into a global brand. Here’s a quick overview of their journey:
- Launch and Early Success: Started with hits like Soulsearcher’s "I Can’t Get Enough" and Masters at Work’s "To Be in Love."
- 2000s: Defined by vocal house hits like Roger Sanchez’s "Another Chance" and Bob Sinclar’s "Love Generation."
- 2010s: Shifted towards deeper sounds with tracks like CamelPhat’s "Cola" and Dennis Ferrer’s "Hey Hey."
- 2020s: Expanded into tech house and progressive sounds, achieving over 2.4 billion streams and hosting global events.
Beyond music, Defected runs festivals, DJ education programs, and the Glitterbox sub-label, shaping modern DJ culture with its curated tracks, remixes, and community-driven initiatives.
Starting Defected Records
Simon Dunmore’s Start
Simon Dunmore’s path to creating Defected Records was shaped by his years as an A&R specialist at AM:PM and Cooltempo Records [1]. When Universal Music Group took over A&M in the late 1990s, Dunmore spotted an opportunity: a label that could connect underground house music with a broader, mainstream audience [1][4].
Defected Records launched in 1999, thanks to initial funding from Ministry of Sound. This partnership offered the financial support and industry connections needed to get things off the ground [1]. With this backing, Dunmore was able to bring his vision to life – balancing artistic credibility with commercial success. This strong start laid the groundwork for Defected’s impactful debut year.
First Major Releases
Defected’s early releases set the tone for its future. Tracks like Masters at Work’s soulful "To Be in Love", Paul Johnson’s dancefloor anthem "Get Get Down", and Kings of Tomorrow’s classic "Finally" featuring Julie McKnight became instant hits [1][4]. These songs not only dominated DJ sets but also hinted at the label’s growing influence on the house music scene.
Dunmore’s knack for selecting tracks with catchy vocals and club-ready beats became Defected’s signature. Lenny Fontana’s "What You Need", which climbed into the Top 15, marked the label’s first major success in crossing over to the mainstream [1].
How Defected became a global music empire
Label Growth: 1999-Present
Defected has built on its explosive start to become a key player in house music, evolving through three distinct periods.
2000s: Vocal House Dominance
The 2000s solidified Defected’s signature style: soulful vocals paired with energetic beats. Tracks like Roger Sanchez’s UK chart-topping "Another Chance" (2001) and Bob Sinclar’s "Love Generation" (2005), which sold over a million copies, became defining examples of this era. Shakedown’s "At Night" (2002) also made waves, becoming a global club anthem [1] [2].
2010s: A Shift to Deeper Sounds
In the 2010s, Defected embraced evolving musical trends while staying true to its house roots. Dennis Ferrer’s "Hey Hey" in 2010 marked a move toward deeper, more underground vibes. This transition gained momentum with Storm Queen’s "Look Right Through" (MK Dub III) in 2012, which reached #1 on the UK charts [2].
A major highlight came in 2017 with CamelPhat & Elderbrook’s "Cola." The track not only earned a Grammy nomination but also achieved platinum certification in several countries, becoming a festival favorite across the globe [1].
2020s: Expanding Horizons
Defected has continued to evolve, entering its third decade with a fresh direction under new ownership since 2022. The label has broadened its reach into tech house and progressive sounds while maintaining its influence in the house music scene [1].
"By 2022, Defected had achieved over 2.4 billion global streams, sold more than 600,000 event tickets, and built an online community of over 10 million followers" [3]
Recent successes include Endor’s "Pump It Up!", which stayed on the charts for 18 weeks. The track highlights Defected’s ability to consistently produce hits and shape modern DJ playlists with forward-thinking releases [1].
Key Releases and Hits
Defected’s catalog is packed with tracks that have shaped dance music culture and influenced the tools DJs use to energize dancefloors.
Classic House Tracks
In its early days, Defected struck a balance between mainstream appeal and underground vibes. This approach helped solidify its reputation and made its remixes essential for DJs. By the mid-2000s, the label had broadened its sound, becoming a force across both club scenes and radio airwaves [1].
Club Hits
Defected has a knack for breathing new life into classic tracks, making them resonate with modern audiences. For instance, Blaze’s "Lovelee Dae" got a fresh twist with Amine Edge & DANCE’s 2017 remix [3]. Similarly, Pete Heller’s "Big Love" was reimagined in 2019 by David Penn, bringing it to a new generation of listeners [3].
The label’s recent hits include Roberto Surace’s "Joys", which climbed to the top of Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart [1]. Another standout is John Summit’s "La Danza", a track with Latin influences that reflects Defected’s ongoing evolution [3]. These remixes and releases not only keep the label relevant but also connect different generations of dance music fans, shaping how DJs curate their sets today.
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Business Growth Beyond Music
Defected Records has gone beyond its musical roots, branching into experiences that amplify its influence. By stepping into events, education, and community-driven projects, the label has evolved into a hub for music and culture.
Events and Festivals
Defected has made waves in the live music scene with standout events like Defected Croatia, which kicked off in 2016 and quickly became a must-attend festival. Its Ibiza residencies at iconic venues like Pacha (since 2004) and the upcoming Ushuaïa residency in 2024 have further cemented its reputation in the club scene. Even during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Defected adapted with the Virtual Festival, which attracted a staggering 14 million global viewers through multi-continent streams [1][2].
These events showcase how Defected has shaped DJ culture, offering more than just recorded music.
Glitterbox Sub-Label
In 2014, Defected launched Glitterbox, a sub-label that brought a bold, theatrical vibe to the forefront. Known for its disco-house focus and vibrant, colorful style, Glitterbox has become synonymous with classic disco and vocal house music [4].
This sub-label has taken Defected’s reach even further, hosting events in over 20 countries while promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity and diversity [3].
DJ Education
True to its commitment to artist development, Defected has introduced educational programs aimed at both preserving house music’s legacy and equipping the next generation of DJs and producers. These programs include:
- Video tutorials led by artists, sharing mixing techniques
- Collaborations with platforms to make learning resources widely accessible
- Production tools like sample packs and remix stems
Defected also provides hands-on learning opportunities at its events, giving participants access to real-world equipment while celebrating house music’s history and empowering aspiring producer-DJs [5].
Impact on DJ Methods
Defected has left a lasting mark on DJ culture, reshaping how DJs choose and play music. Beyond just releasing tracks, the label has influenced the art of DJing in profound ways.
Music Selection
Defected’s vast catalog has become a go-to resource for DJs worldwide. By focusing on high-quality and emotionally engaging tracks, the label has raised the bar for what makes it into a DJ’s set.
Through its approach to curation, Defected has shown DJs how to:
- Blend mainstream appeal with underground vibes
- Use vocal tracks to connect with a wide range of listeners
Sound Evolution
Defected’s remix strategy has changed the way classic tracks are reimagined. By merging different eras of house music, the label has encouraged DJs to mix older sounds with modern styles, creating dynamic and fresh sets.
The label’s high production standards have also set a new level of expectation. DJs are now more focused on achieving clear, polished sound while balancing vintage and contemporary techniques – an ethos rooted in Defected’s early releases.
DJ Networks
Defected has built a strong community that redefines how DJs interact and collaborate. This network is supported by mentorship programs, artist development efforts like those in the Glitterbox sub-label, and various educational initiatives.
The label’s impact on networking includes:
- Events that connect seasoned professionals with up-and-coming talent
- Online platforms that enable DJs to collaborate across the globe
- Projects that bring together artists from different generations
This community-first approach has created an environment where DJs can thrive while keeping house music’s legacy alive. It aligns perfectly with Defected’s mission to celebrate and push forward the culture of house music.
Conclusion
Defected Records has left a lasting mark on house music, blending its soulful origins with decades of evolution. Over the past 30 years, the label has managed to stay current while staying true to the genre’s roots.
What makes Defected stand out is its approach to connecting artists, DJs, and fans across multiple platforms. By building a network that supports all parts of the house music community, the label has created a space where traditions are respected, and new ideas thrive. This vision is reflected in everything they do, from curating tracks to hosting events and nurturing talent.
You can feel Defected’s influence in DJ sets across the globe. Their mix of heartfelt vocals and energetic beats continues to power dancefloors everywhere. As a key player in the world of dance music, Defected shapes not just the sound of house music but how it’s shared and celebrated.
At its core, Defected remains focused on artist growth, high-quality production, and fostering community. Its ongoing mission is to strengthen the connection between artists, DJs, and audiences, ensuring house music’s influence grows for generations to come.
FAQs
What happened to Defected Records?
Defected Records remains active and continues to build on its legacy, especially following its sale to an investment group led by Chief Executive Wez Saunders [1].
To mark its 25th anniversary, the label has launched a series of global initiatives, including:
- A world tour spanning 25 countries
- A podcast series delving into the label’s history
- New artist collaborations under the "Together" series [2]
One standout example of Defected’s genre-crossing efforts is the 2020 release "No More Looking Back" with Idris Elba [1]. Now under new leadership, Defected Records stays true to its roots in UK house music while pushing the genre forward and preserving its cultural essence.
These celebrations highlight Defected’s lasting impact on DJ culture through its focus on creativity, community, and high-quality music.
