Defected announces 25th anniversary vinyl boxset and book
The limited edition book will cover the evolution of the label including archival photography and flyers
Defected Records is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a limited edition collector's book and vinyl boxset.
The label’s first-ever hardback coffee table book, Defected: 25 Years In The House, has been split into 25 chapters exploring its origin, financial struggles, the power of house music, stories behind some of its most famed releases, and more.
The book has been written by former Mixmag editor Nick Gordon Brown who shares: “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”.
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Inside the book, is also a range of interviews from DJs, artists, staff members and Defected community members.
Simon Dawson, General Manager at Defected says: “Initially Nick 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.”
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As well as the new book, the new vinyl boxset - which is part of the ‘Together’ series will - honour a quarter of a decade of the label with 25 new tracks and remixes spread across 13 double-sided 12” singles.
Tracks featured include Fish Go Deep & Tracey K ‘The Cure & The Cause’ (Idris Elba Remix), Kings Of Tomorrow feat. April Morgan ‘Fall For You’ (Hot Since 82 Remix) and Hannah Wants x Sam Divine x Jem Cooke ‘Cruel Intentions’.
Defected’s CEO Wez Saunders has shared: “The concept behind Together was to celebrate unity and collective creativity. In a time when 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.”
He adds: “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.”
Defected: 25 Years In The House will be released next month via Defected's store at £50 and the ‘Together Boxset’ is available here for £150.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter
'****Together' boxset tracklist: A. Dennis Ferrer ‘Hey Hey’ (Da Capo & Kitty Amor Remix) B. Hannah Wants x Sam Divine x Jem Cooke ‘Cruel Intentions’ C. Fish Go Deep & Tracey K ‘The Cure & The Cause’ (Idris Elba Remix) D. Todd Edwards x Shermanology x Rudimental ‘Rain’ E. Cristoph x Sandy Rivera feat. Hayze ‘Changes’ F. Low Steppa & Crusy ‘Bullerengue’ G. Kings Of Tomorrow feat. Julie McKnight ‘Finally’ (Mochakk, Jay Mariani Cesar Nardini Remix) H. Zach Witness ‘Can't Get It Outta My Head’ (MK Remix) I. Soulsearcher ‘Can’t Get Enough!’ (Prunk Remix) J. YOURS ‘DÓNDE ESTÁ’ (Masters At Work Rowdy Remix) K. DJ Gregory ‘Elle’ (Henrik Schwarz Remix) - vinyl exclusive L. MEDUZA X Ferreck Dawn X Clementine Douglas ‘I Got Nothing’ (Ferreck Dawn Mix) M. Intruder (A Murk Production) feat. Jei ‘Amame’ (Dunmore Brothers Remix) N. Hot Since 82 feat. Ron Carroll ‘Preach’ O. Jack Back & THEMBA (SA) ‘Give Me Something To Hold’ P. Johnny Corporate ‘Sunday Shoutin'’ (TSHA Remix) Q. Dennis Ferrer feat. Janelle Kroll ‘Mind Ur Step’ (Sam Divine Remix) R. David Penn x Vintage Culture x Raphaella ‘Just Stay The Night’ - vinyl exclusive S. Candi Staton ‘Hallelujah Anyway’ (Larse EVIP) T. Darius Syrossian & Olive F feat. Fountain Sound ‘Cereal Groover’ U. Kings Of Tomorrow feat. April Morgan ‘Fall For You’ (Hot Since 82 Remix) V. FCL ‘It’s You’ (Alex Wann Remix) W. Riva Starr X Hilit Kolet feat. NEZ ‘Twerq It’ X. Kid Fonque X Sio ‘Rekindled’ Y. Sandy Rivera ‘I Can’t Stop’ (Joseph Capriati Groove Mix) Z. Defected XXV – Etched vinyl