Defected

Since its founding in 1999, Defected Records has been a name whispered in the ears of house music lovers worldwide. What began as a passion project led by Simon Dunmore — a respected DJ, producer, and A&R specialist — has transformed into one of the most important independent labels in British dance music history. But what makes Defected more than just a label? Why, after 25 years, does its name still resonate so loudly across dancefloors, festivals, radio waves, and playlists?

Defected's origin story is one of passion meeting timing. Dunmore, then already known for his work with AM:PM and Cooltempo, had a clear vision: a label that would focus on quality house music. With financial backing from Ministry of Sound, Defected's very first release, Soulsearcher's "Can't Get Enough," soared to No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart — a rare feat for a new, independent house label. Soon after, Roger Sanchez's "Another Chance" hit No. 1 in the UK in 2001, setting the bar high for what Defected would represent. It wasn't just about finding big tracks; it was about defining the sound of modern house music for the next generation.

Over the years, the label signed and worked with names that would become synonymous with the scene: Masters at Work, Bob Sinclar, Dennis Ferrer, Kings of Tomorrow, MK, Inner City, and so many others. The label's catalog became a treasure trove for DJs and dancers alike, packed with music that blended soulful vocals, tight grooves, and dancefloor energy without ever feeling manufactured.

But Defected didn’t stay static. Alongside its releases, it built a reputation through its events. Club nights, festival stages, international tours — Defected knew that to truly live in the hearts of music lovers, you had to be in the clubs with them. From early Ibiza residencies at El Divino and Pacha, to landmark seasons at Amnesia, Eden, and now Ushuaïa, Defected's Ibiza story is inseparable from its brand. Those nights weren’t just about the big names — they were about creating a space where anyone, from first-time clubbers to house veterans, could find something real on the dancefloor.

The creation of Glitterbox in 2014 further expanded the brand's reach. While Defected focused on house, Glitterbox tapped into disco, funk, and soulful sounds, celebrating diversity and freedom of expression. It became a staple at Space and Hï Ibiza, pulling in crowds hungry for a party that was as much about the atmosphere as it was about the music.

Importantly, Defected has always kept pace with the changing industry. While many labels struggled to navigate the shift from vinyl to digital to streaming, Defected was one of the first house labels to embrace digital platforms, social media, and eventually livestreaming. Today, its online audience exceeds 12 million, a rare achievement in the electronic music world. These aren’t passive followers — they are engaged fans, tuning into Defected’s weekly radio shows, watching livestreamed sets, buying tickets to events, and collecting limited-edition merchandise.

Leadership has been a key factor in this growth. In 2022, Simon Dunmore handed over the reins to CEO and co-owner Wez Saunders, who has been instrumental in pushing the label into new markets and projects. Saunders’s vision revolves around strengthening Defected’s role not just as a label, but as a music media group — a home for artist development, publishing, artist management, events, and storytelling. The goal is clear: help artists build careers that last longer, reach farther, and bring meaningful experiences to fans.

The brand's 25th anniversary in 2024 wasn’t just marked by nostalgia; it was a forward-facing celebration. The Together series paired heritage artists like Todd Edwards and Kings of Tomorrow with newer names like Mochakk and TSHA, showing that Defected is as invested in the future as it is proud of its past. Special events spanned continents, from Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza to Printworks London, Warehouse Project Manchester, House of Yes in NYC, and new debuts in Argentina, Canada, Cyprus, Italy, and Poland. The energy behind these events — the carefully curated lineups, the production quality, the connection between artists and fans — showed why Defected remains one of the most trusted names in dance music.

What also sets Defected apart is its careful balance between underground respect and mainstream reach. While it has delivered commercial hits like Endor’s "Pump It Up" and CamelPhat & Elderbrook’s "Cola," the label has never relied solely on radio success. Instead, its credibility is built on decades of putting the music and the culture first, whether that’s through nurturing emerging talent, working with heritage acts, or championing underground hits that become dancefloor anthems.

The label’s sister brands — DFTD, Classic Music Company, Soulfuric, 4 To The Floor, and Stay True Sounds — further broaden its reach, allowing space for deeper sounds, experimental projects, and regional voices. Together, they make up a catalogue that reflects the wide-ranging spirit of house music, from soulful vocals to minimal grooves, from disco-tinged edits to percussive Afro house.

And let’s not forget Defected Croatia, the flagship summer festival that has become a pilgrimage site for house music fans. Each August, thousands descend on Tisno for four days of music, boat parties, after-hours events, and unforgettable moments with artists like Sam Divine, Claptone, Kenny Dope, Derrick Carter, and Basement Jaxx. Defected Malta has followed, alongside large-scale events in Dubai and beyond, turning the brand into a truly international operation.

Defected’s story is ultimately one of resilience, creativity, and deep respect for the culture it has helped shape. It is a brand that understands its audience — not just as consumers, but as part of a global community built on shared love for the music. Whether through a chart-topping single, a sunrise Ibiza set, a sold-out festival, or a carefully curated livestream, Defected continues to deliver experiences that connect, inspire, and move people.

As the label enters its next chapter, under Saunders’s leadership and with a new generation of artists and fans, its path forward seems as exciting as ever. Few brands in music have lasted this long with their identity so intact. For house music lovers, Defected isn’t just a label — it’s a home.