After summer success everywhere from Austria, Ibiza and the Netherlands to Croatia and the Dominican Republic, not to mention several huge festivals within the UK, we're currently applying the finishing touches to our autumnal assault on clubland, and the Defected In The House tie-up with Strictly Rhythm on 17 October at London’s immersive Great Suffolk Street space – part of a wider tie-up with Cream and We Are FSTVL for their multi-event We Are WHSE season – is undoubtedly one of its flagship moments between now and Christmas.
Here are the five ridiculously fat reasons why you should be there...
1). An audience with Kings Of Tomorrow
Sandy Rivera is one of the global house scene’s most prolific performers, blessed with an insane knack for identifying killer 4-4 grooves whether in the studio or club booth. Of course, in recent times Rivera has usually appeared as Sandy Rivera, and his output has taken tech-ier twists and turns. Much of Rivera’s early career success was built upon his work under alias Kings Of Tomorrow – who can forget soulfully-inclined productions like ‘10 Minute High’, ‘Fade To Black’ and ‘Finally?’ Subsequent outings have included ‘Young Hearts’, ‘Trouble’, ‘Can’t Stop’ and now, as of this month, the sweeping disco pizzazz of ‘Burn So Deep’. The lick is something of a return for Kings Of Tomorrow, as is Defected’s party at Great Suffolk Street this month It’s super rare to hear Rivera DJ as his royal alter-ego –prepare, then, to bow before some rather majestic soul-tinged gorgeousness. Unmissable!
2). Warehouse raving
It’s easy to forget that despite appearing at clubs and festival all over the world, we've never thrown a proper warehouse rave. How it hasn’t happened before is a mystery – Defected DJs mixed with the dramatic ambience of an authentic warehouse space is surely a match made in heaven? Well, you’ll be able to determine all this for yourself come 17 October. The omens are incredibly good. The unique surrounds of Great Suffolk Street should inspire our star line-up to perform at its absolute creative best. As the house music renaissance continues, and clubland uses increasingly unique spaces to better engage contemporary club-goers, the imminent warehouse debut is perfectly timed.
3). The divine Divine....
From record shop minion to jet-setting DJ, label owner and, now, remixer-producer, Sam Divine’s ascent has been breathtaking. Since making her debut there in 2005, Sam has made Ibiza her own through an exhilarating combination of constantly evolving house expertise and passion for the dancefloor. Sam has toured Europe, South America and Asia whilst enjoying top festival billing at We Are FSTVL, Global Gathering and ADE. This year, she’s taken things to an even higher level via blistering Ibiza sets on the Amnesia Terrace for Defected In The House and the launch of her new label D-Vine Sounds. The We Are WHSE gig will cap off a sensational 12 months for Divine. Missing one of clubland’s hottest properties would be a cardinal sin.
4). The return of Strictly Rhythm
One of dance music’s most iconic record labels is back in party promoting business after a whopping five year hiatus. In truth, Strictly’s We Are WHSE mash-up with Defected follows an already sold-out Strictly Defected showcase at ADE the night before. But let’s call that a warm-up for London’s main event. Many of the same top-drawer DJs are playing both dates, ensuring Strictly’s comeback weekend is a return in the finest style. Strictly’s London line-up includes the ever exuberant Riva Starr and jazz-licked genius of Tim Deluxe, next to electronic mavericks Juan MacLean and Luke Solomon. Such dancefloor dynamism is to be commended. Combined with Defected’s own meaty team sheet, it’s hard to predict anything other than a resounding aural victory.
5). Defected back in London!
Did we really just say that!? But, yes, it’s true... we haven't played to our native city much during 2015, busy as we've been spreading the house gospel all over the world. Defected In The House’s We Are WHSE party is only our second appearance in London this year, which makes it an extra special occasion. Hustling alongside Strictly Rhythm with a line-up boasting Kings Of Tomorrow, Copyright, Sam Divine, DJ S.K.T and Simon Dunmore, we promise plenty of jaw-dropping, ear-quivering fireworks. Expect those fireworks to rocket even higher on a wave of loyal home support. Well it’s like football isn’t it? – playing at home makes all the difference. Game on!
Defected In The House is at Great Suffolk St. Warehouse, London Saturday 17 October - full line-up and tickets
