Since 2008, Defected’s House Masters series has delved deep into the catalogues of the finest house music producers, and carefully curated compilations of music that celebrate their work. This collection of over thirty timeless and deeply-dug editions have chronicled the highlights of house music past, present and future.
The House Masters series also provides an education in exemplary house music, as well as filling the gaps of people’s personal collections. Each release building the legacy of the series and the artists involved ever further.
The series boasts a list of electronic artists that reads like the house music hall of fame, with compilations from household names like Frankie Knuckles, Masters at Work and MK, as well as underground legends like Murk, Osunlade, Dennis Ferrer, Derrick Carter and Blaze. Covering the full house music spectrum, there have also been House Masters compilations from Sandy Rivera, DJ Gregory, Henrik Schwarz, Joey Negro, Armand Van Helden, DJ Spen, Karizma, DJ Gregory and Mousse T.
The series presents a comprehensive collection of the finest productions and remixes of these artists’ careers, celebrating their work and collating a retrospective of their musical journey. They also make the perfect DJ companion, with each track 100% un-edited and un-mixed, presenting the tracks as they were intended to be.
Over the years we’ve sat down and discussed with some of these famed producers the ins and outs of their careers. Check them out below…
House Masters | Frankie Knuckles
In September 2011, Defected Records' Simon Dunmore spoke with Frankie Knuckles, The Godfather of House. During that interview, they spoke about Frankie's life, career and the past, present and future of house music. Frankie’s House Masters compilation chronicled the career of an artist that has shaped and influenced house music more than most, and is still missed dearly today.
House Masters | Henrik Schwarz
Lauded producer and visionary performer, Henrik Schwarz pushes the boundaries of electronic music. This interview from 2014 gives an insight into his creative mind, discussing his House Masters compilation and his approach to music-making. The video also includes footage from the Innervisions party at Oval Space in 2013.
House Masters | Masters at Work
Kenny Dope and Louie Vega have both had separate projects with House Masters, but their Masters at Work edition has been lauded as one of the favourites in the catalogue. In this candid interview they reminisce on the beginnings of their working relationship and the many long nights spent at the studio perfecting their craft, as they trace back 25 years of house mastery.
House Masters | Todd Terry
Output Recordings boss Trevor Jackson meets house legend Todd Terry, as they look back on his career, from his musical beginnings of listening to his sister’s soul music, to becoming an underground hero. He embodies the meaning of a House Master, and the compilation celebrates the sublime highlights of his career, curated to demonstrate every intriguing facet of his musical explorations.
House Masters | Armand Van Helden
With Simon Dunmore taking control, Armand Van Helden is interviewed alongside Todd Terry ahead of his House Masters compilation, as Simon delves into their music, influences, and the art of sampling, giving a unique insight into the minds of dance music royalty.
House Masters | MK
We talk to MK, one of the most referenced producers of the last two decades and one of the most influential producers on the scene. During the halcyon period of house music in the early 90s, Marc Kinchen became one of the genre's most respected producers and in-demand remixers, here he delves into why he began to make house music and how he felt about being named a House Master.
House Masters | MURK
Here we speak to Miami legends MURK ahead of their breath-taking performance at London’s Ministry Of Sound. Released a few months later, their House Masters compilation was heralded as a celebration of the under-the-radar duo’s slamming, classic house.
House Masters | DJ Gregory
DJ Gregory’s House Masters came as the tenth edition of the series. Here, the Parisian born DJ/Producer talks about his travels to Brazil and Rwanda, and how the rhythms and vocals he heard inspired his work. He also reflects on the changing landscape of the DJ world, which still stands today after ten years.
