Defected Records is a multi award-winning independent British record label specialising in house music recordings, playlists, internationally syndicated radio shows, events and festivals, publishing, artist booking, artist management, promotions and more. Established in 1999 and now resembling more of a music media group with the label as its epicentre, the recipe for Defected Records’ success over 25 years has been its ability to evolve and adapt within the industry, while maintaining robust cultural values and musical identity. One of the longest running independent labels of its kind, Defected continues to advocate tirelessly for the cultural impact of house music in the UK and has remained a well-respected constant in the music industry for a quarter century.
With an online community of 12 million, Defected was one of the first house labels to embrace digital technologies and continues to be at the forefront of digital innovations, while cultivating a uniquely engaged audience, by far the largest of its kind. Doubling down on its efforts to set new industry standards for protecting artists’ intellectual property, Defected’s CEO Wez Saunders, appointed head in 2022 as part of a management acquisition, announced a transatlantic partnership with The Circuit Group in October 2023. Entering its 25th year in 2024 under the slogan ‘We Are House. You Are Defected’, Wez describes the company’s mission as ultimately “to service our community while helping artists build longer lasting, more impactful, and more profitable careers”.
