WEZ SAUNDERS: “MY VISION FOR THE HOUSE MUSIC AND EVENTS INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY IN IBIZA, CENTRES ON INNOVATION, INCLUSIVITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY.”

WE ARE IN IBIZA, WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TIME IN IBIZA? WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE? WHAT HAS CHANGED ON THE ISLAND SINCE THEN?

My first encounter with Ibiza takes me back to the summer of 1995 at Ku, which later transitioned into Privilege. The venue was bathed in the glow of vibrant neon, drawing us to its immense space. I remember first stepping onto the dance floor as Paul Oakenfold graced the decks, we were met by an atmosphere you could feel in your soul.

For many, the venue wasn’t just a nightclub; each evening promised an adventure. The image of that night stands as a vivid reminder of the unforgettable journeys that begin under the starlit canopy of Ibiza.

CEO & CO-OWNER DEFECTED RECORDS, GLITTERBOX IBIZA, AMONG OTHERS… WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE DURING THE SEASON IN IBIZA?

During the summer season, we host four parties per week: Glitterbox at Hï on Sundays with a pre-party at Mambo, Mondays we host D4 D4NCE at O Beach, and now Tuesday’s Defected at Ushuaïa Ibiza. With Hï & Ushuaïa occupying the top spots in DJ Mag’s annual poll of the world’s best clubs, the team at The Night League are some of the most professional we have worked with.

With our extended team working alongside The Night League and the team at Mambo & O Beach, we collectively take care of making sure all marketing & promo, artist relations, logistics and performance are fulfilled in order
to make each event a memorable one for our loyal communities.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE WEEKLY RESIDENCY IN USHUAÏA IBIZA?

Defected has always been about creating unforgettable moments on the dancefloor, and what better way to do it than at one of the Island’s most renowned dance floors. In our 25th anniversary year we are making pre-sale tickets available at lower prices as well as diversifying the line- up with some great talent from across the Afro house spectrum. We are amongst great company and very much look forward to the season ahead.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR INDUSTRY DEVELOP OVER THE NEXT YEARS? AND THE ISLAND?

My vision for the house music and events industry, especially in Ibiza, centres on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. This year, I am particularly focused on advancing the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance the auditory and visual experience for every attendee. This includes using state-of-the-art sound systems and immersive visual displays that not only elevate the performance but also ensure an unforgettable atmosphere.

Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of our ethos. We aim to cultivate a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and part of the community, regardless of background. This means broadening our musical line up to feature a diverse array of artists that reflect the global appeal of house music, ensuring that our events are accessible to a wider audience. Sustainability is also paramount. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices across our venues and events. This includes everything from minimising waste, using sustainable materials, and encouraging our partners and suppliers to adopt greener methods.

Lastly, fostering a culture of respect and safety at our events is crucial. We strive to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the music and experience without concern, reinforcing Ibiza’s status as a welcoming destination for music lovers worldwide.
By focusing on these key areas, we aim to not only maintain but enhance Ibiza’s reputation as the epicentre of the global house music scene.

WHAT ARE CURRENT PROJECTS DEFECTED IS DOING THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

As we celebrate our 25th year, I take great pride in the collaborative teamwork evident across our initiatives – our ‘Together’ campaign which celebrates artists from the label’s past, present and future, our event strategies, reintroducing talent and introducing new talent.
Massive thanks to everyone for their support so far.