“A spectacle to behold”: Celebrating 25 years of Defected & Glitterbox at Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza

In the summer of 1999, legendary house label Defected made its debut on the White Isle. A fondly remembered period for many who frequented Ibiza in its golden years, Defected started as an intimate event before it grew into the globally recognised party that stands today, made by and for the people "who lived and breathed house music", according to label head honcho Wez Saunders. “We were pushing house music when it was still very much underground on the island. We started small, but the energy was electric. You could feel the passion from the crowd.”

Fast forward 15 years, Defected’s disco-focused little sister Glitterbox found its footing on the island, bringing with it a party that was “all about expression, freedom, and inclusivity”, Wez says, ever since its inception in 2014. “At those early Glitterbox parties, it wasn’t just about the music, it was about the experience, the dancers, the performers, and the unfiltered joy in the room. Even then, we knew we had something special. We were creating memories, not just moments,” he says, calling those parties a "spectacle to behold".

Both Glitterbox and Defected parties drew in a particular audience - fun, flamboyant, outrageously die-hard house and disco fans who brought with them an energy unmatched, and in the past 25 years, those events have become synonymous with the party island itself. In Ibiza today, amongst a myriad of events that span the breadth and width of the island, Defected and Glitterbox still remain leading Ibiza club nights. This year, Defected celebrates 25 years at Ushuaïa, while Glitterbox toasts to a monumental 10 years on the island, including seven years at Hï Ibiza.

“For Defected's 25th, we’ve gone all out with our ‘Together’ campaign. Bringing artists from the past 25 years together with those that will represent the brand for the next 25 years,” says Wez. “This summer in Ibiza across both Defected and Glitterbox in its 10th anniversary, we’ve taken things to a whole new level with our line-ups and production. We’re delivering events that reflect the history and legacy of the brands. It’s a celebration not just of the past, but of everything we’ve built and everything that’s still to come.”

Long-running Defected and Glitterbox affiliates including the likes of Floorplan, The Blessed Madonna, Kitty Amor, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, Arielle Free, Dan Shake, Kerri Chandler, Sam Divine, Todd Edwards, and dozens more have all passed through the doors of both Ushuaïa and Hï this summer for unruly anniversary celebrations, many of whom have been part of the Defected and Glitterbox family from the start.

“I’ve been with Defected for 16 years, so they’re my family,” says Sam Divine. “Simon Dunmore was my mentor for over 10 years, he took me on as a young artist and signed me to the DJ roster. I was with Defected when they were hosting less than 500 capacity venues, and now they host over 5,000. Every Defected party is unique, that’s the reason I believe we’ve had such a successful 25 years.”

Defected’s Director of Events & Talent, George Pritchard, credits Sam Divine's role in the history of the label so far, calling her an "instrumental part" of its journey. "She's been with Defected for nearly its entire history, and her loyalty and dedication have made her an integral part of our brand," he explains. "Sam is not only a fan favourite, but also a key driver of our success, consistently drawing in crowds and contributing to the energy and spirit of our events."

Speaking on her favourite parties over the years, DJ and radio host Arielle Free explains that she was a Defected punter long before she began playing the label’s parties. From her Defected Croatia debut to “swinging from the sails” at a boat party with Low Steppa, to being honoured with a slot at Defected’s Printworks closing party in 2023, Arielle has secured herself a long-running place on the label’s roster. “I remember that first gig for Defected and knowing I had to play before Sam Divine, I was so nervous. She saw how jittery I was and gave me the biggest hug of reassurance. But it’s like that from every DJ – we all watch each other’s sets, we all want to go B2B with each other, everyone really supports and hypes each other up. It’s how it should be!”

Thinking about the Defected family, New York DJ and producer Dennis Ferrer says it’s a “rarity” to find such a tight-knit, enduring circle in the music world. “The only way to build a family of any kind is to be aligned on core values. Defected stands for house music, inclusiveness and longevity. Therefore it attracts like-minded artists, repeatedly. And from that consistency, relationships are blossoming that are built on a solid foundation,” he adds. “I’ve been on many a Defected line-up to know it from experience.”

The same feeling of community holds true for label boss Wez Saunders, who’s been at the stern of the Defected ship since the departure of original founder Simon Dunmore in 2022. “Looking back, the evolution of Defected and Glitterbox in Ibiza has been quite remarkable,” he says. “Defected started as a house music label with the simple goal of bringing quality music to the dancefloor. Over the years, we’ve grown into a global brand, and our Ibiza parties have reflected that. What began as intimate gatherings of house heads has transformed into iconic events that still honour the roots of house music, but now with bigger production, more diverse line-ups, and an ever-expanding family of artists, performers, and fans. Glitterbox, on the other hand, brought something fresh and exciting with its fusion of disco, house, and the pure joy of the nightlife experience.”

Looking forward to the future, George Pritchard says the label has a vision to stay “firmly rooted in the club scene”. “We’re committed to maintaining the vibrant atmosphere that defines our events, while also expanding our reach,” he says. “One of our key ambitions is to see Defected selling out large-scale shows across the continent. We recognize there’s still work to be done, but we’re confident that we’re on the right path to achieving these goals.”

So far, the path to success for Defected and Glitterbox has been a story of grassroots to the global stage, a tale of growth from the ground up, and a deep-seated passion for house music with a loyal fanbase and roster alike who have kept the Defected spirit alive for 25 years on the White Isle. “Ibiza has always been central to our vision and operations, representing the pinnacle of our global influence," says George. "By hosting our events in such a prestigious location, we aim to amplify our reach and solidify our position as a leader in the industry, showcasing the very essence of what Defected and Glitterbox stand for on an international stage."

Defected Records is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a limited edition collector's book and vinyl boxset. Grab your copy of 'Defected: 25 Years In The House' here.

Grab your tickets to upcoming events at Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa Ibiza