Simon Dunmore Interview: The label is extremely healthy at the moment

As the man behind Defected Records, Simon Dunmore has certainly become synonymous with house music excellence. The record label, running for almost fifteen years, has been at the epicentre of high quality dance music, primarily on the more accessible side of the genre but also managing to maintain an underground zeal and credibility in the process.

They also have a hugely successful events arm as well, Defected in the House, which has been resident in Ibiza for years and also at London's world renowned Ministry of Sound, ensuring they are one of the most revered and respected brands in electronic music. This groove gravitas also extends to Dunmore's clout behind the ones and twos, his talent as a selector ensuring he's a jock with genuine pedigree, and one of the consistent presences at Defected i the House over the years.

Simon is due to make his Circus debut in Liverpool shortly at East Village Arts Club, teaming up with Yousef once again after successfully releasing singles off his recent longplayer A Product of your environment. We caught up with him to discuss the label and how much he was looking forward to playing in Liverpool (event details here).

Defected In The House Radio 19.08.13 - Guest Mix Simon Dunmore by Defected Records on Mixcloud

Hi Simon, you’re due to play Liverpool soon for Circus. When was the last time you played with the city and are you looking forward to the show?

This is the first time that we’ve taken Defected In The House to the city, so I’m really looking forward to it. Yousef has built up a great scene doing his thing there for over a decade with Circus and it’s come to be a major part of both his own career and for house and techno in Liverpool, so I can’t wait to see the man in action on his home turf.

Can you tell us some more about your relationship with Yousef and how it started, seeing as you have been very behind his music with Defected over the course of his career?

Yousef is someone I’ve always held in high regard. He has a fantastic work ethic and everything he does with his music comes from the heart. Our first official business together was his release on Defected ‘Beg’ (watch the video for the Hot Since 82 remix below) which became a massive club hit. He is now about to celebrate a hat trick on the label with ‘I See’ scheduled to drop next month. I have huge respect for him both as a producer and a DJ.

Can you tell us about your feelings about the position the label is in at the minute?

The label is extremely healthy at the moment. The rebrand was extremely well-received and, ignoring a few initial setbacks, we had a rewarding season in Ibiza. We also launched our sub-imprint DFTD which has seen great success and this year we had a string of quality releases from people like Huxley & Shenoda, Dennis Ferrer, FCL, Kings of Tomorrow and Rachel Row. I think people’s perception of Defected has started to shift for the better, which is obviously sometime I welcome. 

What else have you got lined up on the imprint in the future?

We have ADE this coming weekend at which our event has sold out in record time. I believe we are the only event at the club to have sold-out, which is something to be proud of considering the company we’re keeping. As we enter into 2014 the label will also be celebrating 15 years which is a massive landmark for any record label. We also have some exciting releases coming from Copyright, Sonny Fodera, Name One & Maxxi Soundsystem, Guti & Mark Fanciulli and of course Yousef plus a House Masters album on its way from Henrik Schwarz.

The summer was a difficult one for Defected but you still pulled through in Ibiza with some great shows. Did the experience change the label’s thinking on the island?

This year was an interesting one to say the least, with new clubs cropping up and DJs seemingly playing for everyone. Every year is a different experience and to survive you need to adapt with the times and we certainly learned many lessons this year which we will be carrying into 2014.

Our delayed start in Ibiza at Booom! was initially frustrating but as soon as the doors opened we proved to be the most popular night at the venue and regularly filled the clubs capacity (often by 2am!) which just goes to show how loyal our fans are, and how hard we all worked to ensure the season was a success. 

Moving away, as a label you’ve always managed to provide a great balance between the accessible strain of dance music and credibility. How tough has this been, and do you look at the current infusion of pop with deep house as a good or bad example of this?

I wouldn’t say providing that balance has ever been particularly tough because we’ve always been focusing on one main thing which is putting out quality music. The genre itself is constantly evolving and what prides me about Defected is it has the ability to reinvent itself with it which is perhaps why we have such longevity. Even with the drastic changes within the music industry the ethos of the label has remained consistent throughout. 

In regards to the deep house movement I personally see it as a great thing as it provides a gateway between the underground scene and those unfamiliar with house. There is a big debate about the legitimacy of the term “deep house” at the moment and how it is being misapplied but ultimately today’s “deep house” is simply a blanket term for the house genre’s revival and increase in popularity.

Where else have you been DJing recently?

All over the place really, Belgium, Amsterdam, Lakedance festival, Frankfurt, India, Singapore and Hong Kong. I have also got Bangkok, Tokyo, Jakarta and Bali in the pipeline and a few Defected parties at Ministry of Sound including our New Year’s Eve party. 

And finally what else lies in the future for you?

We are getting our plans in place for 2014. We absolutely have to build upon our good work, and we’ve already got some pretty amazing releases and events lined up. Plus as I mentioned with the 15 year anniversary coming up, we really want to make an impact. It’s all very exciting. 

Head here for full details on Yousef presents Circus Legendary Halloween Fancy Dress party.

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