Defected Croatia

When ravers think of dancing to premiere house music under the warm summer sun by the shores of the Adriatic Sea, chances are they’re thinking of Defected Croatia.

Started in 1999, Defected is surely one of the most influential house music labels in history. Over the years they’ve signed practically every notable four-on-the-floor artist from seasoned veterans like Armin Van Buuren and Gene Farris to exciting newcomers like SIDEPIECE and Dom Dolla.

(Plus its Defected that trademarked the proclamation “House Music All Life Long”)

Like many solid labels around the world, events have become a standard offering from their repertoire, serving as another avenue to promote their artists. Except now over 20 years after the label launch, Defected events are some of the most respected and sought after in the scene, and the Croatia festival—which first took place in 2016—is at the top of that list.

Running from August 4-9, 2022, six days in total, at The Garden, Tisno, over 80 of the world’s best in dance music will perform in a variety of different settings. But before the hedonism begins, there are mindfulness sessions on the beach with meditation and yoga to ensure everyone’s minds and bodies are ready for what’s coming next.

When it is time to dance, all six days include two different boat parties for some raucous action on the water with more than enough time after returning to the beach to keep the evening going.

Inside the main garden there are four primary stages, each with its own expert curation. Playing on the main stage this year are various impressive artists including the Aussie alternative electronic project, Flight Facilities, Chicago’s prince of house music John Summit, and the piano queen LP Giobbi.

Those who would prefer to stay waterside after getting off the boat can stick to the beach stage with the funky sounds of Derrick Carter, Jayda G, Louie Vega, and more. For a break in the shade, the Olive Grove is the place to be, welcoming rising talents like Ash Lauryn and TSHA.

It wouldn’t be a proper house music function without after hours, and Barbarella’s night club delivers all anyone could want from an authentic clubbing experience. Numerous artists who are playing the larger stages during the day like Eats Everything and Darius Syrossian will play again at night, keeping the music going until 7AM or later.

Throughout all of this four-on-the-floor goodness, however, the core of Defected Croatia is the original values of house music: inclusivity, togetherness and escapism. There is no VIP in this festival. Everyone dances together, shares the moment together, enjoys the beautiful setting together. Anyone who wasn’t preaching “House Music All Life Long” before this festival will certainly adopt the philosophy once the security forces them to leave the final DJ leaves the decks.