Beyond The Beats: Defected Chronicles Its House Legacy

Twenty-five years of house music history demands more than just another compilation album.

Defected Records understands this, which is why their anniversary offering comes in the form of a stunning 12″ x 12″ hardback tome that feels as weighty as their influence on dance music.

“DEFECTED: 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSE” isn’t your typical sanitized label biography. Written by former Mixmag editor Nick Gordon Brown and edited by Defected’s General Manager Simon Dawson, the book lets the stories tell themselves through first-hand accounts from the label’s sprawling family of artists, DJs, and staff.

“The concept behind Together was to celebrate unity and collective creativity. In a time where 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. Together is about collaboration, 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.” – Wez Saunders, CEO, Defected.

Across 320+ pages, designed by Steve Rowland and wrapped in Trevor Jackson’s distinctive art direction, the book chronicles everything from the label’s birth pangs to its current position as a global house music institution.

But Defected isn’t just looking backward. Alongside the book’s limited 1500-copy run, they’re releasing the Together boxset – a forward-thinking project that pairs label veterans with emerging talents across thirteen vinyl records.

DEFECTED: 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSE and The Together Boxset is currently shipping via the DStore store.defected.com

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

Categories: Music