Wez Saunders: Balancing Art, Business, and Authenticity at Defected
I sit down with Wez Saunders to explore his remarkable journey from working in a bank to becoming the CEO & Co-Owner of a Defected Records. We talk about his vision for Defected, the challenges of navigating the ever-changing music industry, and how he's managed to balance the label’s rich heritage with forward-thinking innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Community: How Defected has built an enduring culture around house music that unites fans, artists, and industry professionals worldwide.
- A&R Strategies That Work: Insights into identifying talent, maintaining artistic integrity, and keeping the label relevant in a crowded market.
- Lessons in Leadership: Wez shares his approach to steering a global brand, balancing creativity with business acumen.
- Adapting to Industry Changes: How Defected embraces new technologies like AI and leverages social media to stay ahead.
- Advice for Aspiring Music Professionals: The importance of focusing on quality, building your identity, and being patient on your journey to success.
Wez also opens up about the challenges and opportunities in the modern music industry, from the evolving role of labels to the impact of festivals and events on artist careers. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to fuel your journey in music.
Defected Records has been a cornerstone of house music its inception in 1999, founded by Simon Dunmore. Since then Defected has evolved, with 26 sub-labels, a thriving events business, an agency, a publishing company, and more, Defected continues to lead from the front.
BEST MOMENTS
"Simon said to me, I believe you could sell me this pen. And I didn't really understand what he meant at the time. Thought he was saying I was a blagger, but probably was."
"Life is short and it's, it's about creating those moments that, that last a lifetime. And I think we've done that a lot and I hope that we continue to do that a lot."
"Be better than the person you were yesterday. That's, for me, has always been the thing that's echoed in my mind. Don't be competitive. Just figure out what you've done and how you can be better."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
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ABOUT THE HOST
Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.
CONNECT & CONTACT
Email: hello@opendawtalks.com
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