Six New Stages & Surprises at Defected Croatia 2022

Defected Croatia has chartered a creative path all its own along the Adriatic Coast. Returning for its sixth year this August, the festival brings together more than 100 artists and 5,000 festivalgoers for a self-described “six days and seven nights of house hedonism” from the world’s largest house label.

Featuring Honey Dijon, Vintage Culture, Harry Romero, Gorgon City, Danny Tenaglia, and more Defected has paved the way for an influx of music festivals hosted in Croatia in recent years. But it still has some fresh tricks up its sleeve for this year’s go-round. In 2022, Defected has curated several unique experiences and stages throughout the weeklong festival in Tisno.

Here are six things that house heads can expect from Defected Croatia this year.

Defected x Detroit Motor City Takeover

Carl Craig

Cristian Di Stefano

Likely the festival’s flashiest new feature, Carl Craig’s Detroit Love will be hosting Defected Croatia's first-ever day-and-night takeover of the iconic Barbarellas Discotheque in Pirovac, a short drive from the festival’s main site at the Garden Resort.

On Saturday, Barbarellas, which regularly functions as the after-hours, will host a curated lineup of DJs and artists from the Motor City, including Moodyman, Ash Lauryn, Octave One, DJ Holographic, Rimarkable, and a live performance by vocal trio Dames Brown, whose groovy hit “What Would You Do?” is currently rocketing through the house and disco charts.

Glitterbox x House of Yes Will Finish Out the Festival

This year, the Big Apple has planted a firm stake in Croatia. New York’s quintessential club-meets-aerial-performance venue, House of Yes, is teaming up with one of the largest disco-exclusive labels in world, Glitterbox, for what’s sure to be a soulful, psychedelic, and glitter-fueled final night on Defected's Beach Stage. The lineup includes New York disco and house icons Louie Vega and Jellybean Benitez alongside up-and-coming talent Anna Collecta (founder of Brooklyn's wildly popular Hot Honey Sundays) and returning artists Natasha Diggs and Jayda G.

Defected’s "Unsung Heroes” Takeover Tisno

In February, Defected announced its inaugural Unsung Heroes competition, supported by Pioneer, offering up-and-coming DJs around the world a chance to become the label's newest residents for 2022. Entrants were asked to submit a 60-minute mix showcasing their ability to warm up a crowd in addition to a recommendation from a club owner, promoter, or established DJ. The judging panel, which included Roger Sanchez, Sef Kombo, Melvo Baptiste, Sam Divine, and others—selected seven rising stars who will play several sets throughout the week in Tisno.

Winners include LA-based underground house DJ and producer Juliet Mendoza, London-based radio host Melle Brown, and eclectic house DJ Rio Tashan, who, together, will spin at a 3-hour boat party on the festival’s final day.

Brazil Boat Party Takeover

Defected Croatia Boat Party

Julien Duval Photo

Throughout the week, Defected holds a series of separately ticketed boat parties chartered along the Croatian coast. These parties foster a more intimate experience, allowing fans to commune with some of the festival’s biggest names as well as up-and-coming artists. Announced just weeks ago, the first-ever Brazil Takeover Boat Party will feature the internationally acclaimed Vintage Culture, who is making his Defected Croatia debut this year. Best known for his tech house vocal hits “You Give Me a Feeling” (in collaboration with James Hype) and “Slow Down” (featuring British vocalist Jorja Smith), the artist will team up with fellow Brazilians Doozie and Aline Rocha (another winner of the Unsung Heroes contest) for the sunset party.

Defected x The Remedy Project

In 2021, the face of Glitterbox and dance music tastemaker Melvo Baptiste launched his label The Remedy Project with the mission to further elevate and showcase rising stars in the funk, disco, house, and dance music world. Since, the London-based imprint has released several acclaimed singles, including “Hot Flavor" and “Balance” by the Atlanta-based vocalist Hadiya George, known for her features on tracks by Honey Dijon and Horse Meat Disco. This year, The Remedy Project will host a party at the resort's Olive Grove stage, featuring a DJ set from lo-fi band Girls of the Internet.

PIV Records Takeover

PIV Records was founded in 2015 with a “soft spot” for house music built upon the foundation of its Chicago and New York roots. The imprint, founded by Dutch DJ and producer Prunk, organizes events in the vibrant nightlife scene of Amsterdam. This year, PIV will host a 12-hour takeover at the Olive Grove stage, featuring Prunk alongside German funk and soul DJ, DJOKO, and S.A.M., whose acclaimed cover of Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” with British vocalist Sarah Ikumu has been one of Defected’s biggest hits of the year.