Reflecting on Defected’s rich legacy, the 12” x 12” hardback book charts the label’s story through first-hand accounts
and archival photography from the past twenty-five years.
“These are authentic, genuine tales from a quarter century on the front line for house music.” – Simon Dawson, General Manager, Defected
Alongside the book, Defected also reveals the Defected Together vinyl box set, rounding off the landmark 25th anniversary
with two limited edition collectors’ items.
As Defected Records continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, the label announces the full details of its first-ever coffee table book, DEFECTED: 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSE, which will be released in October (£50 RRP).
Covering topics such as the birth of the label, financial struggles in an evolving industry, commitment to community, the enduring power of house music and global growth, as well as the stories behind some if its most iconic releases and club residencies, the deluxe book condenses twenty-five years into twenty-five detailed chapters.
Written by former Mixmag editor Nick Gordon Brown, who explains: “We let the interviewee’s words take center stage – an oral history if you will, the commentary is kept to a minimum, used primarily to set up the storytelling,” the book interviews Defected staff members past and present. As well as staff, DJs, artists, and members of the Defected community also give first-hand accounts of the ups and downs of the last quarter of a century of the label.
DEFECTED: 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSE is visualized by archival photography, flyers from Defected’s international events, and release artwork. With the cover and creative direction led by renowned visual artist and designer Trevor Jackson as part of the label’s 25th-anniversary rebrand, acclaimed book designer Steve Rowland curated the 320+ pages of the 12” x 12” hardback, which was manufactured and printed in Italy. Defected General Manager Simon Dawson devised the concept from the off, and took on the role of Editor in Chief to oversee the project as a whole.
“Initially Nick (the writer) and I thought perhaps we may have bitten off more than we can chew. Hundreds of releases, perhaps the same number of global events and festivals. Where do we even start, how do we get that into an entertaining, honest and informative read? But there was no going back and as the interviews rolled and the soundbites flowed, we thought, hang on this might actually be really good. So here we have it: 25 years of Defected across 25 chapters – authentic, genuine tales from a quarter century on the front line for house music.” – Simon Dawson, General Manager, Defected
A collectors’ item, limited to just 1500 copies and self-published by Defected, DEFECTED: 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSE is an unmissable purchase for fans of the label and house music lovers just in time for the festive gifting season.
Alongside the book, Defected will also release a limited edition vinyl boxset of the Together series, the flagship recordings activity for its 25th anniversary. Integrating talent from the label’s storied past and the stars of its future for a series of unmissable collaborative releases and remixes that have been plotted throughout 2024, the twenty-five new productions will be presented across thirteen double-sided 12” singles, individually sleeved and housed in one solid, silver outer case.
“The concept behind Together was to celebrate unity and collective creativity. In a time when the music industry often feels fragmented, we wanted to create a platform that brings artists, producers, and fans together. Celebrating the past 25 years of Defected with the next 25 years. Together is about collaboration; it’s about breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of shared purpose and passion. It’s a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, championing a wide range of voices and styles within the house music genre.” – Wez Saunders, CEO, Defected.
DEFECTED: 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSE will be released in October, shipping via the DStore, Rough Trade and more stores. The Together Boxset is currently shipping via the DStore store.defected.com
Together Boxset tracklist
A. Dennis Ferrer ‘Hey Hey’ (Da Capo & Kitty Amor Remix)
B. Hannah Wants x Sam Divine x Jem Cooke ‘Cruel Intentions’
C. Fish Go Deep & Tracey K ‘The Cure & The Cause’ (Idris Elba Remix)
D. Todd Edwards x Shermanology x Rudimental ‘Rain’
E. Cristoph x Sandy Rivera feat. Hayze ‘Changes’
F. Low Steppa & Crusy ‘Bullerengue’
G. Kings Of Tomorrow feat. Julie McKnight ‘Finally’ (Mochakk, Jay Mariani Cesar Nardini Remix)
H. Zach Witness ‘Can’t Get It Outta My Head’ (MK Remix)
I. Soulsearcher ‘Can’t Get Enough!’ (Prunk Remix)
J. YOURS ‘DÓNDE ESTÁ’ (Masters At Work Rowdy Remix)
K. DJ Gregory ‘Elle’ (Henrik Schwarz Remix) – vinyl exclusive
L. MEDUZA X Ferreck Dawn X Clementine Douglas ‘I Got Nothing’ (Ferreck Dawn Mix)
M. Intruder (A Murk Production) feat. Jei ‘Amame’ (Dunmore Brothers Remix)
N. Hot Since 82 feat. Ron Carroll ‘Preach’
O. Jack Back & THEMBA (SA) ‘Give Me Something To Hold’
P. Johnny Corporate ‘Sunday Shoutin’’ (TSHA Remix)
Q. Dennis Ferrer feat. Janelle Kroll ‘Mind Ur Step’ (Sam Divine Remix)
R. David Penn x Vintage Culture x Raphaella ‘Just Stay The Night’ – vinyl exclusive
S. Candi Staton ‘Hallelujah Anyway’ (Larse EVIP)
T. Darius Syrossian & Olive F feat. Fountain Sound ‘Cereal Groover’
U. Kings Of Tomorrow feat. April Morgan ‘Fall For You’ (Hot Since 82 Remix)
V. FCL ‘It’s You’ (Alex Wann Remix)
W. Riva Starr X Hilit Kolet feat. NEZ ‘Twerq It’
X. Kid Fonque X Sio ‘Rekindled’
Y. Sandy Rivera ‘I Can’t Stop’ (Joseph Capriati Groove Mix)
Z. Defected XXV – Etched vinyl
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