Defected Records to host online festival due to coronavirus cancellations

Michael Gwilliam

British house music label Defected Records has announced they will be hosting a fully online virtual festival after the coronavirus pandemic resulted in numerous concert cancellations.

Taking to social media, the label opened up about epidemic, and how those suffering are not alone.

“Some of you may be isolated & with all of our events postponed until May, we wanted to re-connect you with your fellow House Heads in a different way,” Defected Records wrote.

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In addition to live streams from past events such as Defected Croatia and We Are FSTVL, the label went on to announce that they would be producing their first-ever Defected Virtual Festival.

“No barriers, no prejudice, no VIP…..everyone together on a virtual dance floor. Celebrating unity & solidarity,” they described the event.

The event, scheduled for Friday, March 20, will feature 12 hours of house music streamed on Facebook Live and YouTube.

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During the virtual festival, there will be classic sets and never-before-heard exclusives, so for fans of house music, there will be some new tracks to sink your teeth into.

While the setlist and schedule has yet to be released, in a comment on Facebook, Defected Records asked fans who they wanted sets from, so hopefully it’s a who’s-who of Defected artists.

In addition to the virtual festival, the team released a special Staff Picks playlist to keep them “going while away from the office” and working from home.

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Defected Records began in January, 1999 and has since become a long-running independent label.

Some of its most notable releases include CamelPhat and Elderbrook’s “Cola,” Roberto Surace’s “Joys,” and Endor’s 2019 hit “Pump It Up.”

Hopefully, the festival ends up being worth the cost of admission – which as it turns out, is absolutely free.

About The Author

Michael Gwilliam is a senior writer at Dexerto based in Ontario, Canada. He specializes in Overwatch, Smash, influencers, and Twitch culture. Gwilliam has written for sites across Canada including the Toronto Sun. You can contact him at michael.gwilliam@dexerto.com or on Twitter @TheGwilliam