What a sumptuous treat for Dublin’s ever expanding house community this Friday night at The Wright Venue. The venerable UK label Defected arrives in Dublin with a stacked lineup and the promise of what will surely be one of the most memorable occasions of the calendar year. Anticipation across Ireland has been high with favourites such as Sonny Fodera and Sam Divine lining up alongside industry stalwart Riva Starr and label head honcho Simon Dunmore (as well as a pair of well established Dublin talents Niall Redmond and Kaily). We were lucky enough to have a quick chat with Mr Dunmore this week on all things Defected and his expectations for this Friday in Dublin. Roll on…

1) What a year it’s been for Defected with some tasteful releases and a massive presence on the White Isle, for yourself what has been the highlight?

Bringing through & developing new talent, and consistently releasing great music gives us longevity. That’s something I’ll never take for granted so we work hard to keep our bar high. My biggest highlight is always the same: keeping Defected relevant.

2) Your arrival at Amnesia certainly turned a few heads as it’s a massive change from something like Booom. What are the challenges hosting a party somewhere like the Amnesia Terrace (aside from filling it of course!)?

It’s a huge space, so of course there is a challenge, but we wanted to do it without changing what makes a Defected In The House party unique: the music. To some extent the headliners brought the numbers but it’s our residents that held everything together. As soon as you start changing your music policy to fill a space you’re in trouble. We avoided that, and thrived as a result.

3) DFTD seems to be going great guns, for those who might not be au fait, can you give us some insight into why it was established and its importance for you guys?

DFTD gives those artists who might be slightly less well known, or bigger artists who wanted to try something a little more underground, a platform to properly release their music, and have it reach as wide an audience as possible. It gives Defected balance. it’s a really important part of what we do.

4) This Friday see’s you land in Dublin for Defected In The House in what is arguably Ireland’s finest venue (Wrights). From Sam Divine to Sonny Fodera and yours truly there is an undoubted connection between Defected and Irish underground community. How have you managed to develop such a strong relationship?

The Irish clubbers are well informed and know how to party. There is a real appreciation of the releases on our labels and the crowd’s enthusiasm is easy for a DJ to feed off of. We’ve always tried to avoid chasing trends, and I think that people see that what we do is genuine.

5) You’re on the lineup yourself this Friday, as someone who is constantly discovering and being sent new music, can you give us an insight into how you plan your sets and keep your style consistent?

I don’t plan my sets, I can play at most times through a night and will adapt my set accordingly. It depends on who is on before or after my set, I like to work with the other djs ion the line up in that way. I am very old school in that respect. I have access to new releases along with a library of great House spanning 3 decades. I’m constantly listening to demos, music recommendations, new and old artists, and the combination of all that music is enough to keep my sets fresh and interesting. I’ve always said that the day I feel like I’m not up to scratch behind the decks is the day I’ll stop doing it – thankfully I’m not there yet!

6) Looking ahead to 2016 just a few quickfire q’s

1- Who’s your star on the rise?

Sonny Fodera. He’s had an incredible year, and 2016 is going to be even bigger for him. In January he releases his In The House compilation and his artist album is scheduled for the end of the year.

2- Where are we going to find the best party?

Where great music, great dj’s and great people connect….it could be a house party or a festival…..50 people or 5,000.

3- One thing you want to see more of?

DJs taking more chances musically and playing for the people on the dancefloor, rather than trying to impress their mates or other dj’s in the booth. That’s what makes a proper party.

Tickets for tonights show are available here.