WORDS: TRACY KAWALIK

For 21 years, Defected Records has delivered the finest in house, from its own label and numerous associated imprints to its festivals and club nights worldwide. 

The labels unprecedented legacy of dominating dancefloors goes without saying, but the head of A&R Simon Dunmore is quick to clarify Defected's not only for house heads and club kids. 

The lush, musical dexterity of newly signed artists like DAVIE and his breakout track 'Testify' are proof of Dunmore's dedication and skills to continue to seek out fresh talent more than two decades in the game.

Dig a bit deeper into the label's catalogue, and you'll find a long line of cult gems that have broken the mould. 

Whether that's Belgian duo FCL’s remix of "It's You" becoming one of the most sought-after dance tracks in history, to Sophie Lloyd's 2019 disco-laced masterpiece ‘'Calling Out’ with soul trio Dames Brown.

The clubs might be closed, but here are 13 definitive tracks that your summer playlist can't live without.

DAVIE - Testify [Defected]

In times of trouble and uncertainty music has always had the power to uplift the soul, and Brooklyn artist DAVIE's Defected debut 'Testify' does just that. The funk-laden, gospel-infused record is inspired by the artist's upbringing in the church where his father was a pastor. But on 'Testify' DAVIE delivers his own sermon by laying out his soulful vocals over a heady dose of hand-clapping and rich arrangements that radiate the energy of Sunday service. 

Unquestionably captivating, if it sounds like you've heard DAVIE's voice before, it isn't divine intervention. Simon Dunmore clocked the track at the cinema in an ad for Wild Turkey alongside Matthew McConaughey and got to work tracking down the unsigned artist...and not long after inking him to Defected.

Sophie Lloyd featuring Dames Brown - Calling Out [Classic Music Company]

Sophie Lloyd produced 'Calling Out' at the top January 2019's dreary winter as an antidote to the pervading doom and gloom of the news. But fast forward a year, and her disco-laced masterpiece feels like the sun-soaked, sonic remedy all us dancers need to resurrect our summer! 

The no-holds-barred anthem she's Sophie Lloyd flex her prowess as a triple threat when its comes to disco, house and soul. Combine that with vocal trio Dames Brown, powerful organ chords, opulent keyboard breaks and understated kick drum, and Sophie Lloyd not only summons the power of the most joy-filled sound of all but takes gospel to higher levels.

Josh One - Contemplation [4 To The Floor / DFTD]

Josh One made a name for himself in the '90s sharing stages with the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Kelis, Cypress Hill and Anthony Hamilton. But despite his established success, it's unlikely that even he could have ever predicted the cultural impact, his record 'Contemplation' would have.  

King Britt's Funke Remix cemented 'Contemplation' in the house music halls of fame. Now in 2020 Athens-born rising talent, Philip Z' bootleg has given is a bass-driven, bumpy lick, while Dario D'Attis has pumped it up with filtered drops and synth.

Minus all the bells and whistles, on the original version here, the Long Beach California DJ and producer summons listeners to tune out and tune in. As the lyrics "Exercise your mind" and "Contemplate" ripple over honeyed vocal riffs and four to the floor it's near to impossible to not be transfixed. 

The Vision featuring Andreya Triana - Heaven (Nightmares On Wax Remix) [Defected]

Bristol-Boston collab The Vision already shelled out a sax heavy, house classic with their sold-out ‘Heaven' backed by the flawless vocals of long-time collaborator Andreya Triana.

Here, pioneering Leeds native Nightmares On Wax put’s his stamp on the blissful original by giving the remix his signature funk-flavoured groove with a hint of lo-fi noughties Latin flavour that taunts listeners to get up and dance. 

FCL - It's You (San Soda's Panorama Bar Acca Version) [Defected]

'It's You' was first recorded in 1986 on an eight-track tape by a Chicago house duo called ESP. Largely forgotten, it was luckily dug out from obscurity by French techno maestro Laurent Garnier a decade or so later. His mix caught the ear of Red D and his musical partner in crime San Soda.

Together the duo got to work making 'San Soda's Panorama Bar Acca Version' as FCL. They started bumping the original version of 'It's You' in their live show as far back as 2003. Still, it wasn't until they pressed 150 "one-off" vinyl copies (intended only for friends and family) that they realised exactly what kind of hype the record could generate.

FCL debuted the mix at Berlin's Panorama Bar, and soon masses of fans were rushing the decks. The remix became one of the most sought after dance records in history. Word is, copies of the limited original release sold for upwards of £500 on Discogs, MP3 rips of the track were going for £30 a pop, and not long after...Defected agreed to give the track a digital release.

Wallflower - Say You Won't Ever [Defected]

English artists Alison Marks and Leah Flowers come together on collaborative project Wallflower. The result of which is a dark and ethereal beauty accompanied by crisp grand piano ‘Say You Won’t Ever’ acts as a masterclass in songwriting while paying subtle homage to the likes of Lana Del Rey and early Tori Amos.

‘Say You Won’t Ever’ was later reworked by Chicago house icon Larry Heard. The record was flipped into swinging four-to-the-floor by Deetron’s T-Line, and finally given a pummelling baseline by Asadinho (who coincidentally wrapped up remixes for Lana Del Rey previously). Albeit it’s famous renditions, it’s the stripped back here in its original form, when the record truly feels in its element. 

Ferreck Dawn, Robosonic & Nikki Ambers - In My Arms (Bolier's After Hour Remix) [Defected]

Freek Coppens aka Ferreck Dawn’s Defected debut ‘In My Arms’ hit dance floors at a breakneck pace. Partnered with Nikki Ambers infectious vocal hook, the track became one of the most played tracks of 2018 in Ibiza, reached the overall #1 on Beatport then racked up 15 million streams and counting on Spotify.  

But if you somehow managed to not clock ‘In Your Arms’ until now, the remix above see’s out of this world, genre-defying beat-maker ROBOSONIC put his spin on it alongside Dutch classically trained trance composer, DJ, and record producer Bolier. Get to know. 

Shakedown - At Night (Afterlife Mix) [Defected]

'At Night' was originally crafted by Swiss house music project Shakedown in 2002. The record exploded onto the noughties club scene and racked up prime positions on the UK Singles Chart, number one on the UK Dance Chart, then sent shockwaves within Europe and across the globe. 

American singer Terra Deva lent her skills to what became one of the most recognisable, and sampled vocal hook's in clubbing history. While the highly stylised video riffed on MJ's Thriller and gained an underground cult following. 

Since it's the original release, 'At Night' has been remixed by internationally renowned DJ and producer Kid Crème, given a chopped up, acid-drenched, blistering baseline thanks to Peggy Gou, then a long-awaited cooldown thanks to the above. Leading electronic chill-out DJ Afterlife ranges to rework 'At Night' into a melancholic hustle that we've yet to hear. His uplifting, beachy percussion the track no doubt comes from his time spent honing with the Cafe Del Mar series, or the astounding 500 other complications in which his work is featured. Enjoyed best at sunrise or sunset.

Honey Dijon & Tim K. featuring John Mendelsohn - Thunda [Classic Music Company]

Honey’s brazen style melts blends with splashing high hats, warped vocal runs, and thumping kick drums in her after-dark gem ‘Thunda’.  Deep, hypnotic and feverishly fresh two years on ‘Thunda’ is one of many examples of Honey Dijon’s abilities to jump on collabs with the top DJ’s on the scene without compromising her USP.  With a new album on the horizon, there’s no time like the present to warm up with a trip through Honey’s back catalogue. Be ready.

Blaze featuring Palmer Brown - My Beat (Frankie Valentine Studio 21 Mix) [Slip 'N Slide]

West London's Slip 'n' Slide set the benchmark for homegrown house back in 1994 as one of the UK's first imprints with early releases from artists such as Blaze, Masters At Work and Kings Of Tomorrow. Before sthey signed to Defected, Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan (aka Blaze) were one of Slip' n' Slide's most prolific acts. 'My Beat' was written and produced by the pair and sees Hedge don his alter ego Palmer Brown for vocal duties by inviting his fellow dancers  “So as you struggle to catch the rhythm with your feet. Ask yourself............can you really dance to my beat” 

Up for the challenge, Frankie Valentine links up with Blaze on this remix fusing an up-tempo jazz beat, with latin breaks, complex piano arrangements and multi-layered percussion interludes. 

Osunlade - Dionne [Yoruba Records]

Traditional bata drums mix with layered grooves making 2013 release ‘Dionne’ a one of a kind rarity. Respected New York producer, DJ and Yoruba Records label chief Osunlade starts with a subtle nod to his stint behind the piano and in church choir. Then pulls and draws from the lovely days of old,  paying homage to deep house as it once was, when vocal edits were the vibe and pulse of an emerging sound. 

Ron Hall & The Muthafunkas featuring Marc Evans - The Way You Love Me [Glitterbox Recordings]

Ron Hall & The Muthafunkaz 'The Way You Love Me' is a modern day soul classic. Marc Evans provides the velvet-smooth vocals complimented by background harmonies and timeless disco production despite being released in 2006.  Since it's inception 'The Way You Love Me' continues to pack out dancefloors thanks to Glitterbox DJ Dimitri from Paris. He enlisted the help of Salsoul Orchestra founder Vincent Montana, Jr. and remixing pioneer Tom Moulton to breath new life into the track. Together the trio has since reworked 'The Way You Love Me' with everything from a full orchestra arrangement to dreamy harp, and xylophone.

Candi Staton - Hallelujah Anyway [Defected]

If there was ever a record that might hold the uplifting capabilities, reassurance and unifying power needed to salvage 2020 and bring the most diverse communities together to throw there hands up and dance, it's Candi Staton's 2012 record 'Hallelujah Anyway." 

Speaking to Defected about the spiritual message she delivers in her lyrics, Staton recalls "Yeah, the church is my foundation, my life was built on the church. I was going to church before I even know where I was, even in my mother's womb I knew 'Amazing Grace' probably because that what they always sung. So it's been a great foundation for my belief system, for my faith, it made me who I am today." 

The lyrics "You gotta lift up your voice and say: Hallelujah anyway! Hallelujah anyway!" linger past the bassline as Candi's feel-good soul vocals call out positive message after message. 

A legend on multiple levels, Candi Staton is responsible for some of the most memorable and best-loved soul records of all time. In 2020 her voice captivates a new generation of music lovers just as it did when she first oooed and ahhed as a soul siren in the '70s.

When given the freedom to play, Larse dives deep with a club-ready cut that a melancholic, spiritual piece of production as well as manages to give Staton's voice centre stage where it belongs. Amen.