Reflecting on our rich legacy, the 320+ page 12” x 12” hardback book charts the story of the label through first-hand accounts and archival photography of twenty-five years.
Alongside the book, Defected also reveals the Defected Together vinyl boxset, rounding off the landmark 25thanniversary with two limited edition collectors’ items.
“These are authentic, genuine tales from a quarter century on the front line for house music.” - Simon Dawson, General Manager, Defected
As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024, we can now reveal the full details of our 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 including 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 centre 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 visualised 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 where 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
