In July this year, Wez Saunders acquired Defected Records via a management buyout, moving up from MD to CEO in the process. Now at the helm of one of the biggest house music brands in the UK, working across records, live and publishing, Saunders is implementing a strategy focused on streaming and fair remuneration. Here, he sets out his grand vision, reflects on the 2022 dance boom and reveals why the majors pose no threat to his business…

WORDS: ANNA ...