Influences... Defected Records - 15 years old!!

Defected have been celebrating their 15th year in the music industry in 2014, so have put together a nice little round up of what they have been getting up to in the form of this great 20 minute documentary - Defected Presents 15 Years In The House



When it comes to house music, there is no denying the influence that this label has had on the scene.  They have managed to keep dancefloors jumping and DJ record bags full the world over with nothing but the best beats.

In fact, we could sit here for ages discussing the endless list of top productions and remixes that have come out on Defected but these are some of East Project's favourites:

Kings of Tomorrow - Finally


Hercules & Love Affair - Do You Feel The Same


Dennis Ferrer - Hey Hey


Soulsearcher - Can't Get Enough


Johnny Corporate - Sunday Shoutin'


Shakedown - At Night



Soul Central - Strings of Life

Dennis Ferrer - Transitions


Ame - Rej


Oliver $ & Jimi Jules - Pushin On

Influences... JAMES HOLDEN!

This time Gilly, one half of Rough Cut and one of the brains behind East Project, shares with us another of his big influences of the past 10 years...  And this time, he's going all techno on us!!

"One of my biggest influences and love in the world of techno has to be James Holden...!"

"I remember a friend telling me to listen to the album he released back in 2006 - The Idiots Are Winning. This album blew me away and since then I have loved seeing him!"




"We had one mix we always used to listen to before we went out. It was a James Holden Kiss 100 Transitions guest mix for John Digweed's show. This truly shows how good the man is..."

Click link to listen to mix

James Holden Kiss 100 Mix (2009)

"We have had the pleasure of meeting him and seeing him many, many times over the years from clubs – warehouses – festivals. Each time amazing us with his sets...

A couple of standout sets have to be at TDK Festival and The End. Neither of these clubs exist anymore, so it feels even more special we got to see him at them!"

"His label Border Community has some amazing releases on and definitely worth checking out and we recently caught him at Field Day, where he played a Live set, which was extra special!"

Check out his record label/community on the link below:

Label - Border Community

There will always be DJs and producers that influence everyone differently but there is no denying the talents of James Holden...  Whether it's behind a mixing desk or in a DJ booth, the man knows how to produce those moments when you just go wow!

Influences... Armand Van Helden!

"As one in the steady progression of top in-house producers for Strictly Rhythm during the early '90s, Van Helden joined such names as Todd Terry, Erick Morillo, Roger Sanchez, Masters at Work and George Morel to record scores of club hits. By the late '90s, a clutch of crucial remixes and several albums made Van Helden's name as one of the most popular producers around."

AVH has also been cited as one of the creators of speed garage with his remixes of sugar is sweeter and spin spin sugar.  He loves a mean bassline and that pretty much sums me up too - therefore, in my eyes... he's the man!

The great thing about him is he seems to be able to produce some real filthy tunes but at the same time appeal to the commercial market, meaning he has had numerous number 1's - but you wouldn't be worried about dropping them in the club now, a real talent and legend.

"You don't know me", was one of my first ever vinyl collection when I started messing around on the decks back in 1998.  It has stood the test of time to this day, as it still emotes a strong reaction whenever it is played out - an utter killer track!

Some of my favourite tracks:

My best memory of AVH was at Koko in 2007 - he had been playing a real classics set and everyone in the place was just waiting for one song - "Sugar is sweeter". It was nearly time for him to finish his set... then we heard its distinctive beat come in...  which he then seemed to repeat the already long breakdown for about 5 minutes... building and building... until finally when he let it drop, the place erupted with the bass-line shaking Koko to its foundations!  Was one of my best clubbing moments of all time for sure!!

Armand Van Helden...  I salute you!!

Brendan (Rough Cut)