It’s been a hectic few weeks over at Defected HQ. Since it was announced some time ago, it seems that pretty much every meeting, discussion, email and phone call every member of staff has been involved with has revolved around one thing; the Defected In The House Live Weekend. And now that the weekend has swept past us, leaving a trail of sore heads, ringing eardrums and hazy memories in its wake, a single questions stands out from all the rest; was it worth all the fuss? The answer, happily, is the most emphatic ‘yes’ that I could possibly muster the strength to bellow from the rooftops.
The weekend kicked off on Friday as part of the month long iTunes Festival which was, quite simply, stunning. The visuals on the towering screens behind the stage were at first staggering and later mesmerising, with slivers of the screens wrapping themselves around the curves of the Roundhouse’s circular walls, beams of light and LED flashes acting as perfectly synced support to the performing acts.
After the opening set from Simon Dunmore which featured Rae performing a superb cover of Kosheen’s seminal ‘Hide U’ and a Copyright set packed with pure house vocals and party tunes – as well as a headdress-wearing Shovell performing one of their earlier hits ‘Bulo’ – we were all ready to hear some live house music. And as the oh-so-familiar piano riff of Blaze’s ‘Most Precious Love’ kicked in and Barbara Tucker leapt onto the stage with her trademark giant afro, we knew we were in for something special.
Copyright
After Barbara had finished her second number ‘Beautiful People’, she made way for the legendary Candi Staton, who made her way on stage to perform ‘Young Hearts, Run Free’ – my personal highlight of the entire night. It is unfathomable to think that Candi is a, septuagenarian as her youthfulness and energy on while performing would have shown up people less than half her age.
Then came a truly defining moment in ‘You Got the Love’ – which was filmed live exclusively for ITV2. The fact is that after more than 20 years and countless performances, new versions, uses in TV shows and spins from DJs around the globe, this song simply doesn’t date, is still supremely uplifting and unites people from all different musical backgrounds. To be there to see Candi perform it live was a true privilege and one that I will never forget.
There was a chance – as with all peak moments in a night – that it would be difficult to keep the momentum going after such an epic moment, but the singers and songs that followed lived up to task superbly. Steve Edwards took control of the Steve with anthems ‘World, Hold On’ and ‘Love Generation’ before Julie McKnight wrapped up the band element of the night with ‘Diamond Life’ and the spine-tingling magic of ‘Finally’.
Steve Edwards
It was then time to unveil the as-yet-unannounced Shingai of Noisettes to perform a song that has been particularly close to our hearts over the last few months; Dennis Ferrer’s ‘Hey Hey’ before belting out her own ‘Don’t Upset the Rhythm’.
And then, as if to remind us of the first time we’d ever heard anything about the Shapeshifters, Cookie strode into view to the sweeping strings of ‘Lola’s Theme’ – a timeless house classic that evoked more than a little nostalgic, hands-in-the-air euphoria from myself and plenty of others around me; another unforgettable moment in a night that was full of them.
Later on, Steve Edwards took to the stage once more, this time backed by the Shapeshifters to perform their new track ‘Helter Skelter’, all three blackly silhouetted against the phenomenal accompanying video on the giant screen behind them.
The Shapeshifters
By the time the Shapes were an hour into their set my throat was raw from singing, my feet sore from stomping and my arms stiff from flinging them into the air. A worthy state to be in after a night of this stature. At least I didn’t have to go and do it all again the next night though eh!?
Oh yeah...
Click here to see all the photo from Defected In The House Live at The Roundhouse.
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So the next night we were doing it all again, but this time at London’s Ministry of Sound. I don’t mind admitting that the logistics of doing so had been the source of more than a couple of sleepless nights for a few of the Defected staff and the pressure was on to put on a memorable show, especially after the success the night before.
I arrived nice and early shortly after 10, and was immediately worried. There was hardly anyone in the Bar to enjoy the deep, soulful grooves that Aaron Ross was so thoughtfully laying down. Over the next couple of hours though the Bar filled up steadily, and curtains of the Box were drawn back to allow Copyright a few minutes building the tension before the band took the stage for the second time in as many days. DJ Gregory’s ‘Tropical Soundclash’ – the last tune they dropped before the band went on – sounded particularly awesome.
The atmosphere at this point was absolutely electric. Whereas iTunes had been the showcase, grandstand gig, it felt like everyone in Ministry was a hardcore Defected fan and were just itching for the chance to sing and dance along to tunes they had been listening to for years. Everyone was smiling, but I remember seeing one guy in particular who knew every word to every tune and seemed to be having the absolute time of his life, eyes closed, head back, arms outstretched. Hats off to you sir…I salute you!
Once again, Candi, Steve, and Julie did house music the justice it deserves with a string of faultless songs, but in a night of superb performances, though, there was one that stood out. Barbara Tucker has been the living embodiment of house music for a number of decades now; she literally lives and breathes house, and it is impossible not to become infected with the enthusiasm that blasts out from her. She was on fire on Saturday night and has left a lasting impression on me – as well as on everyone else lucky enough to be there I’m sure.
Barbara Tucker
After Aaron stepped down after his epic 4 hours in the Bar, Simon Dunmore took to the decks with Rae in tow followed closely by Andy Daniell, while Copyright and later the Shapeshifters took control of the Box. From a slow start I had never seen Ministry stay so packed until so late. Both dancefloors were heaving until well after 6am and there were reportedly over 700 people turned away from the door. If you were one of those people, I am truly sorry as you missed history in the making at one of the best Defected nights in memory.
Click here to see all the photo from Defected In The House Live at Minstry of Sound.
Over the two nights, the Defected In The House Live Weekend can only be seen as a massive, massive success and one that will hopefully continue to show that house music – despite what some may say – is still as strong and as vibrant a scene as it has ever been. To see so many legends on the stage at one time, backed by artists and DJs who are as talented as they are committed to the house cause was a life-affirming experience. If you were there, you’ll already know what I mean. If not, I’ll see you there next time…
6 of the best Live tracks have been selected for Defected's iTunes Live: London Festival '10 EP - click to listen & buy
