Our In Conversation With series continues with a versatile producer, DJ and friend of Defected, OFFAIAH.
Michael Wood aka OFFAIAH has been at the forefront of dance music for many years. From his early work in the 2000s under different aliases, to producing the UK No.1 ‘Changed The Way You Kiss Me’ by rapper Example, to then signing with Defected and championing a new, modern house sonic as OFFAIAH - this talented electronic artist has showed his worth at every turn.
His Defected releases since 2018, including hits like ‘Soldier’, ‘Find A Way’ and ‘Push Pull’, have made a lasting impact on the club scene - with his prolific body of work as a whole making OFFAIAH a radio and festival favourite in the UK and across the globe.
With his modern house classic ‘Trouble’ recently joining the Defected catalogue, plus an upcoming release - ‘This Feeling’ with Breeve - arriving on sister label D4 D4NCE on 21st February, we thought what better time to hear more from the man himself...
Hey OFFAIAH, thanks for chatting with us today. How did you start your 2025?
Thanks for having me! I kicked off 2025 with an amazing show in Costa Rica for New Year’s Eve. The energy was unreal—the crowd was fully locked in, and it was the perfect way to start the year.
The only thing I wasn’t expecting? The bugs! There were these massive grasshoppers all around me while I was playing—definitely a new kind of audience! But once I got used to it, I just embraced the moment and had a blast. It was an unforgettable way to welcome 2025, and now I’m straight back into the studio, gearing up for my new release and some big shows ahead.
Since first signing with Defected, how have you seen the music industry change?
Since first signing with Defected in 2018, the music industry has evolved in so many ways. Streaming has continued to dominate, making it easier for artists to reach global audiences, but also making it more competitive. Social media and short-form content have become major tools for engagement—DJs and producers now need to think beyond just making music; they have to be content creators too.
On the house music side, there’s been a resurgence of that raw, soulful, and groove-driven sound, which is great to see. Defected has played a huge role in keeping the culture alive while also pushing fresh talent. I’ve also noticed that the pandemic really shifted how people consume music—live streams blew up, and now there’s an even bigger appreciation for real club experiences.
For me personally, the journey with Defected has been about consistency and evolution. The industry moves fast, but at the core, it’s still about making great music that connects with people on the dancefloor.
‘Trouble’ has become one of the most recognisable modern club tracks, why do you think it’s stood the test of time?
‘Trouble’ has this timeless energy that just connects with people, whether they’re on the dancefloor or hearing it on the radio. I can’t tell you how many messages I get from fans telling me how much they love the record and the first time and place they heard it. I think a big part of its longevity is the groove—it’s simple but infectious, and the vocal hook is instantly recognizable. It’s one of those tracks that DJs can drop at any moment in a set, and it still gets a reaction, which is the ultimate test of a club record.
Another reason it’s stood the test of time is that it bridges that gap between underground and mainstream. It had big radio play, but it never lost its club credibility. That balance is hard to get right, but when you do, the track has a life way beyond its initial release.
You often post tutorials on your Instagram to help aspiring DJs, what inspires you to do this?
When I was starting out in my professional music career, a well-known producer gave me lots of key advice that really helped shape my career. That kind of mentorship was invaluable, and it stuck with me. Now, I feel like I want to give back in the same way.
Posting tutorials on Instagram is my way of sharing what I’ve learned over the years with aspiring DJs. Even small tips can make a big difference when you're starting out, and I know how important it is to have guidance. Plus, I just enjoy breaking things down and making music production more accessible. Seeing people improve and get inspired from my content is really rewarding.
Describe your dream set, where would you play, how long, and who would be there?
My dream set would be a massive, high-energy show with top-tier production—huge visuals, lasers, fireworks, the full experience. A place like Ushuaïa in Ibiza, the main stage at Creamfields, or EDC would be perfect. But I’d also love to do something truly unique, like a set in an epic outdoor location—maybe on a rooftop overlooking a city skyline or even a floating stage on the water.
I’d play for at least three hours—long enough to take the crowd on a proper journey. It would be a mix of house grooves, big energy moments, and some special edits of my tracks that people wouldn’t hear anywhere else.
Most importantly, I’d have my family there. My sister, who’s also in the music industry, would be there vibing, and my kids—because they’re so interested in what I do, and I’d love for them to see me in my element on that kind of stage. And of course, I’d want my favorite DJs in the crowd too—guys like Calvin Harris, MK, and Sam Divine. That would be the ultimate moment.
Favourite house track at the moment?
Right now, my favorite house track has to be ‘Bodyshake’ by Goosey. It’s got that perfect balance of groove and energy—proper infectious bassline, tight percussion, and a rhythm that just makes you want to move. It’s one of those tracks that fits into any set, whether it’s a peak-time club moment or a festival stage, and it always gets a reaction from the crowd.
Your new track ‘This Feeling’ with Breeve is out on D4 D4NCE on 21st February. How did you and Breeve end up working together?
Breeve originally sent ‘This Feeling’ as a demo to my label, ALL FIRE. When I heard it, I could tell it had something special, it had a special vibe and energy about it, and that uplifting feel. I worked with him to develop the track a bit more, tweaking certain elements to really bring out its full potential.
Not long after, D4 D4NCE heard 'This Feeling' and loved it so much they wanted to sign it straight away. It’s always great when a track naturally finds the right home like that. Breeve is a really talented artist, and it’s been great collaborating on this one. I can’t wait for people to hear it when it drops on February 21st!
Looking to the future, what’s next for OFFAIAH?
There’s a lot in the pipeline right now. I’m working on more music, both solo and collaborations, and really focusing on building up my label, ALL FIRE. I want it to be a platform for fresh talent as well as my own releases.
I’m also working on some sample packs, which is something I’m really excited about. It’s a way for other DJs and producers to tap into my sound and bring their own creativity to it.
And of course, I’m looking forward to playing more shows—one of the big highlights coming up is Miami WMC, where I’ll definitely be dropping ‘This Feeling’ and testing out some new material. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year!
'This Feeling' by OFFAIAH & Breeve is out via D4 D4NCE on 21st February 2025.
