Strategic Partnership Between The Circuit Group and Defected Records
The Circuit Group, a newly established enterprise led by esteemed artist managers, and Defected Records, a global powerhouse in dance music, have announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to expand opportunities for artists by building innovative business ventures centered around their intellectual property (IP). The alliance represents a forward-thinking approach to reshaping the music industry landscape.
Under the terms of the agreement, The Circuit Group will lend its expertise across a variety of services to enhance Defected’s presence in North America. Simultaneously, Defected will support The Circuit Group in bolstering its operations across the UK, Europe, and other international markets. Together, they intend to pioneer new ventures focused on leveraging artists’ IP across diverse platforms.
Dean Wilson, co-founder and CEO of The Circuit Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Defected Records is one of the most respected label brands globally. Collaborating closely with their team, led by Wez Saunders, will enable us to establish our vision for transforming the music business. This partnership will empower artists to build longer-lasting, impactful, and more lucrative careers across multiple domains including labels, publishing, events, and brand ventures.”
Vision and Objectives of The Circuit Group
The Circuit Group emerged from the merger of two prominent artist management companies, Seven20 and AYITA, earlier this month. This merger brought together industry veterans Dean and Jessica Wilson (Seven20), Brett Fischer, David Gray, and Harvey Tadman (AYITA) to create an enterprise that redefines artist management. Their model focuses on monetizing artists’ IP through avenues such as recorded music, publishing, merchandise, brand partnerships, gaming, events, Web3 technologies, and innovative music solutions.
With its comprehensive vision, The Circuit Group is poised to drive transformative change within the music industry. By forming strategic alliances with artists and global partners, they aim to deliver a business model that fosters sustainable growth and creative freedom.
Defected Records: A Global Leader in House Music
Founded in 1999 by Simon Dunmore and now under the leadership of CEO and owner Wez Saunders, Defected Records is a cornerstone of the international house music scene. The label boasts an impressive catalog of chart-topping hits by renowned artists such as Jamie Jones, John Summit, Hannah Wants, Masters at Work, CamelPhat, MK, Purple Disco Machine, and more. Over the years, Defected has solidified its reputation for excellence and innovation within the industry.
Wez Saunders shared his vision for the collaboration, stating, “My strategy for Defected is to create a model for the future of the music business. The work Dean and his team are doing aligns with our goals. By combining our expertise, we can provide our artists with opportunities for longer and more profitable careers across a variety of platforms.”
Collaborative Initiatives and Goals
As part of the agreement, Defected will extend its expertise to The Circuit Group in areas such as label expansion, publishing ventures, branded events, and agency services. In return, The Circuit Group will offer a range of services in North America, including event management, technology integration, IP monetization, brand development, and artist development consulting. This collaboration will also encompass support for Defected’s esteemed sub-labels such as D4 D4NCE, DFTD, Glitterbox, Big Love, Soulfuric, Nu Groove, Classic, 4 To The Floor, DVINE Sounds, Stay True Sounds, and The Remedy Project.
Through this partnership, The Circuit Group and Defected Records are poised to redefine the relationship between artists, labels, and the broader music industry. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, they aim to empower artists while creating new pathways for growth and success in the evolving music landscape.
