Global House music movement Defected has been at the beating heart of club culture for 25 years, shaping the sound of dancefloors worldwide. Over that period, it has left an indelible mark on Ibiza's legendary nightlife scene.
As the brand gears up for its highly anticipated return to, what is often referred to as, its spiritual home, Pacha, we caught up with CEO Wez Saunders. Wez goes on the record to discuss the significance of this residency, the evolution of Ibiza's club scene and what's in store for summer.
From balancing heritage with innovation, to keeping House music accessible in an increasingly saturated market, Wez offers insights into the past, present and future of one of dance music's most beloved and influential institutions.
Defected CEO Wez Saunders goes on the record
Hi Wez. Let's dive straight in. Defected has a deep-rooted history with Ibiza. What does it mean for the brand to return to Pacha, a club often referred to as Defected's spiritual home?
"It feels like we've come full circle, actually.
Defected's legacy in Ibiza is undeniable and Pacha holds a special place in our history.
It's where Defected made some of its iconic moments and where we really contributed to helping shape the island's House music culture. For us, being back at Pacha is a statement, not one of nostalgia, but more of romance and evolution."
Defected at Pacha Ibiza circa 2012
"It's about bringing the spirit of Defected to a space that somewhat embodies class and energy and just a great clubbing experience."
How does this new residency reflect Defected's journey on the island over the past two decades?
"The early days were about Defected's evolution, pushing boundaries, taking risks and watching Simon Dunmore's vision come to life.
Pacha was a defining era for Defected, and I think anyone that experienced it, whether it was staff members or punters - as I was at the time - saw it was something special.
Defected's had a few homes since then. More recently, Ushuaïa last year celebrating our 25th anniversary, in a sort of festival style format, Eden before that in San Antonio."
In times gone by... Left: Defected at Eden (2023), right: outdoor adventures at Ushuaïa (2024)
"I think that Defected always respects the past, but we're here to write a new chapter now. This is about delivering an evolved Defected and one that acknowledges our roots, but is in tune with today's new and global House music landscape."
What emotions or memories come up for you personally, when you think about Defected's early days on Ibiza. How does this return to Pacha feel in comparison?
"I've used the word romance already. I think that there was this relationship that a lot of people have reflected on there being this history and feeling of romance of Defected at Pacha. It feels like it fits, you know. The feedback we've received has been very reflective of this.
Glitterbox at Hï Ibiza fits like a glove and Defected at Pacha will do the same thing."
Defected and Pacha fit like a glove
"I didn't work for the company in the early days of Pacha residency. I was still a clubber at the time. So, for me, I had a kind of different side of the dancefloor.
It'll be interesting being back there on this side now."
Last year, Defected took over Ushuaïa with a daytime vibe. This summer, you're back in a more intimate, nighttime setting at Pacha.
What influenced that shift and how will the atmosphere differ?
"I think Defected always thrives in both a club and can adapt to either large-scale or intimate settings. It's about energy and connection. The decision to return to the club was driven by a desire to refocus on that intimate, immersive kind of clubbing experience.
It's stripping things back to what truly matters: quality music, dedicated crowd and serving our community in an environment that allows both of those to take center stage.
Overall, this year is really about a less is more strategy. Downsizing somewhat in order to tackle some of the challenges that the industry is facing right now. Oversaturation is one."
Defected | fabriclondon | 7 March - photography by Ben McQuaide
"Putting on a party at fabric at the start of March (pictured above) and then going to Pacha this summer, helps protect the next phase of club culture."
Do you think the magic of a nighttime party at Pacha taps more into the essence of what Defected is about?
"It's about curation, right?
Prior to me working in the organisation, one of the things that always stood out for me was that Defected always did a good job of balancing history, heritage, tastemakers, residents and newcomers. That's the same idea we have with all of our line ups, really.
We respect the legends and the tastemakers and we continue to book them. But we also create space for emerging talent.
Defected line ups are carefully designed to provide a journey from the warm-up DJ or newcomer setting the tone, through to the headliner acting as the kind of delivering the peak energy, via our residents in between."
New gen: Rio Tashan (left), Shermanology (top right) and Olive F (bottom right) Defected's next wave
"I think Defected has a reputation for helping to contribute to breaking talent.
We'll continue to do that while we're ensuring that our loyal fans get the quality and consistency that they expect.
This year we've got a host of debutantes playing for Defected."
"A lot of artists are playing for the first time. Bastian Bux, Bora Uzer (pictured above at Pacha's Flower Power), Elliot Schooling and Liam Palmer, KILIMANJARO, Lil' Louis, Sem Jacobs and Solardo are all playing.
Of course, we're also welcoming back a lot of people that play for us over the years like Butch and Carl Craig, Danny Howard, Darius, Syrossian and Dennis Ferrer, plus the developing artists in the Dunmore Brothers, Rio Tashan and Olive F.
It's quite a broad range. It's that blend of balancing out established talent with residents and newcomers is really prominent this year."
Of course, as well as Defected, we have Glitterbox (pictured below, right), which continues on Sundays and D4 D4NCE (pictured below, left) on Mondays. All three brands really have their own identity."
"Whilst Defected is The Mothership, purely by name and its 25 year dedication to House music, Glitterbox is about inclusivity, contemporary House and Disco and unique aesthetic. Finally, D4 D4NCE represents the fun and the sort of sun and the feel-good House music in the daytime.
Together, I think all of our brands cover all aspects of what makes dance music culture. So especially the importance of us, what we think of, even needs variety.
We're proud to offer three distinct experiences that really serve the community in a very similar way. Ultimately, I think Defected is about the community factor. We look forward to the sun shining and kicking off the season very soon."
Ibiza's nightlife has seen massive shifts in recent years, from changing crowds to evolving sounds. What's your take on the island's current cultural climate?
"Ibiza is always evolving, constantly evolving, and has been for as long as I can remember.
The demand for experiences now is higher than ever. People want more than just a DJ set and they want an atmosphere, a moment, the kind of moment that they can remember, cherish, capture - some kind of connection.
The clubs and promoters have had to adapt. Those who innovate while respecting the island's heritage are the ones who will thrive."
What challenges do you think the scene faces today, and how is Defected adapting to keep the spirit of Ibiza alive?
"Rising costs is one that's been ongoing for some time.
Changing audience expectations and an increasingly saturated market are the main challenges for us as a business. We have agreed with Pacha, as we have done elsewhere previously, to keep the ticket pricing reasonable and accessible.
Pacha has actually done a really good job this year with drinks packages, cheaper water, cheaper entry for many of their nights. I think the team have to plan their place as an institution on the island. It isn't just about VIP.
We've always stood out by staying true to what we stand for through the good, bad and the ugly, and providing quality music in an authentic way."
"We try to adapt by listening to our audience, engaging with our community, embracing new talent, ensuring that Defected events deliver a sense of belonging and community whilst staying true to the sounds that survived for 25 years."
Looking forward, where do you see Defected's relationship with Ibiza evolving over the next five to ten years?
"Ibiza will always be a part of Defected's DNA. Our presence will continue to evolve, but what will remain unchanged is our commitment to the island.
I speak to a lot of people, our Mambo family and to others about that and how seriously we take our community and Ibiza's club culture. We see ourselves continuing to shape the sound of Ibiza for years to come.
More than five to ten years - another 25 years. Then another 25 years after that, before we start the next 25 years."
Defected starts its 22-week at Pacha on 8 May and continues weekly until 2 October. Full line ups and tickets can be found at the bottom of this page.
For line ups and tickets to Glitterbox on Sundays at Hï Ibiza, please visit this page.
For info and tickets to D4 D4NCE on Mondays at O Beach Ibiza, click here.
Both Defected and Glitterbox also host free pre-parties at legendary sunset hotspot Café Mambo on Thursday and Sunday evenings respectively.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Ben McQuaide, Connor Baker, Jack Kimber, James Chapman, Mario Pinta and Raul Sanchez
