EDM news
Iconic House Music Label Defected Records Partners with LabelRadar to Discover New Talent!
Iconic house music label Defected Records today announced that it has partnered with LabelRadar, the demo submission platform within The Beatport Group’s Music Services division that streamlines the demo submission process and democratizes access to key decision-makers in the music industry. Through LabelRadar, Defected Records is now welcoming demo submissions from artists worldwide, opening its doors to fresh and innovative talents looking to make their mark on the global music scene.
LabelRadar continues to revolutionize the music discovery process by democratizing access to key decision-makers for artists at the demo submission stage. LabelRadar is part of Beatport’s Music Services division, led by Alex Branson. By aligning forces with LabelRadar, Defected Records‘ A&R team gains access to a streamlined demo submission process, empowering emerging artists and the label itself to review and discover new talent efficiently.
This marks the first instance where Defected Records has invited demo submissions. Aspiring artists now have the opportunity to submit their tracks not only to Defected Records but also to its array of esteemed sub-labels, including D4 D4NCE, DFTD, Glitterbox, Big Love, Soulfuric, Nu Groove, Classic, 4TTF, DVINE Sounds, Stay True Sounds, and The Remedy Project.
Ed Brew, Director of Business Development for Music Services and co-founder of LabelRadar, acknowledges the multifaceted impact of Defected Records. “Defected Records is one of the most respected and iconic labels in electronic music,” Brew states. “In addition to releasing some of the most celebrated tracks in electronic music, their achievements in philanthropy are a shining example of what our industry is capable of. This deal enables our artist community to have access to decision-makers at Defected, giving them their shot with one of the greatest labels in the world. We are delighted to welcome them to LabelRadar.”
Wez Saunders, CEO & Owner of Defected Records commented: “Having worked with developing acts for nearly two decades, finding and nurturing new talent is high on my agenda. Demos have historically been a challenge for us, however with LabelRadar we believe we have found a solution that will help streamline this process and enable our A&R’s more quality time to check and review demos for the labels within the Defected ecosystem.”
Defected Records joins labels such as Toolroom, Armada, Monstercat, Mixmash, Heldeep, Anjuna, NCS, Blanco y Negro, Drumcode, and many others in leveraging the capabilities of LabelRadar‘s platform.
“Cultivating innovation and fostering connections within the DJ music community lie at the heart of Beatport’s mission,” said Robb McDaniels, CEO of The Beatport Group. “This partnership represents a significant stride forward for LabelRadar and Beatport as we continue to reshape the dynamics of music discovery and propel the next generation of electronic music luminaries onto the global stage.”
“Navigating the deluge of demos that flood any record label can be an exhilarating yet demanding experience,” said Allan Nicoll, Head A&R of Defected Records. “I have spent many years trying to find the best way to deal with an unrelenting inbox, and LabelRadar is the definitive solution: streamlining the process, liberating valuable time for concentrated artist development, and propelling our commitment to nurturing exceptional musical talent.”
Founded in 1999 by Simon Dunmore, Defected Records has solidified its position as a cornerstone in the international house music community. Boasting an impressive repertoire of chart-topping dance floor hits from heavyweight artists like Jamie Jones, John Summit, Hannah Wants, Masters at Work, CamelPhat, MK, Purple Disco Machine, Riva Starr, and more, Defected Records represents the pinnacle of house music excellence. Defected Records was acquired by Wez Saunders 2022, who now serves as CEO. Sign up to LabelRadar for free and submit your demos to Defected here.

EDM Music
Unheard Music unveils its second release, ‘Your Retreat’, from Malandra Jr. & pizzaaftersex
Unheard Music is back with its second release, ‘Your Retreat’, a collaborative house anthem from Malandra Jr. and pizzaaftersex.
Unheard Music continues its journey of artistic freedom and underground expression with its second label release. Italian producer Malandra Jr. joins forces with Unheard label head pizzaaftersex to present ‘Your Retreat’, a track that captures the label’s commitment to music that is uncompromising, experimental, and charged with underground energy.
Carefully crafted around a rolling house groove and uplifting melodies, ‘Your Retreat’ is designed to connect with listeners and energise dancefloors from intimate club rooms to open-air festival sessions. Musumeci and Kirik expand the release with remixes that bring distinct perspectives, with Musumeci adding his signature Italo Indie Dance touch and Kirik injecting raw drive and club-focused intensity, creating a versatile package for DJs across a variety of different styles and settings.
Beyond the release, ‘Your Retreat’ reflects the ethos of Unheard Music. Launched by Far&High, pizzaaftersex, and Mona Chrome last year, the label was born from the belief that dance music should be more than trends, algorithms, or safe formulas. Unheard Music provides a platform for artists to experiment freely, break boundaries, and be heard in ways that feel raw, honest, and true to their vision.
pizzaaftersex comments:
“For me, this is a very special piece of work. The release turned out to be dual – there is an incredibly strong mood that Malandra brought into the track, there are amazing remixes by Musumeci & Kirik, and there is also my original vision of the track, which dissolved within the interpretations of other artists. It is an incredible experience to live through this process, to accept it, and to fall in love with what it became. This is an extremely positive experience, and I hope everyone will be able to feel all the shades of our new release on Unheard Music.”
Pizzaaftersex is a new name on the electronic scene, with a background as a producer and sound designer. Having achieved success in cinematic music, including a soundtrack credit for a world-renowned international gaming project, he now turns his focus to club and dance music, a space close to him both as a DJ and as a producer.
Malandra Jr. comments:
“This project was born between Italy and Dubai. It comes from deep mutual respect and from a fresh, sparkling melody that immediately pushed me to create something that could make it even lighter and more enjoyable to listen to. At first, I thought of something indie but then house music showed up. I hear summer in it, good vibes. A driving loop that releases into drops full of groove. Don’t look for overthinking here, this is about holding a glass in your hand and enjoying life.”
Malandra Jr. comes from a family steeped in music and art. Raised listening to his father’s saxophone and exploring technology from an early age, he began composing on an Atari and working with DAWs like Cubase before mastering classical piano and studying clarinet at the Academy of Teatro alla Scala. His early electronic releases, including ‘Conquest’ on Cocoon Recordings, captured the attention of DJs and promoters, leading to subsequent releases on labels such as Dfloor, Stil Vor Talent, and R&S. Over the years, Malandra Jr. has performed at major festivals and clubs worldwide, from Tomorrowland to Watergate, delivering DJ sets that are varied, rhythmic, and immersive, blending light and darkness while captivating audiences across the globe.
Unheard Music is planning activities beyond recorded output, with events, podcasts, video mixes, and off-site sessions in unique locations, all curated to form part of the vision to connect people through sound and offer music as culture rather than an algorithm. ‘Your Retreat’ is a clear statement of the label’s philosophy, showcasing the creativity and freedom at the heart of Unheard Music, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting underground expression and artistic exploration.
EDM Music
STBAN Leans Into Hope With New Single ‘Esperanza’ On FLAMENCA Records
FLAMENCA Records boss STBAN continues his surge into 2026 with his latest single, the stand-alone flamenco house groover ‘Esperanza’. A traditional Spanish word for “hope”, “esperanza” symbolizes optimism, faith and aspiration for a better future.
It’s fitting, with the world’s energy as it is, that STBAN releases the track alongside an official video that feels both cathartic and hopeful. ‘Esperanza’s’ video follows the journey of its protagonists from heartbreak and loneliness, through radical self acceptance, towards healing and ultimately, through closure of the emotional cycle, a new chapter.
Musically, ‘Esperanza’ continues the label’s push to bring Flamenco House to a global audience. Undulating synth and percussion sections combine to create a relentless rhythm that bubbles under the evocative topline. Beautifully Hispanic, it manages to be both ethereal and club ready at the same time, STBAN’s composition weaving hypnotically across pulsing 4×4 tempo, a driving sense of movement that pulls the listener to the heart of the dance floor.]
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EDM news
DJ Snake Revives Pardon My French: 10-Year Anniversary Global Tour 2026
Pardon My French 2026 officially returns this March as DJ Snake relaunches his iconic event series for a global 10-year anniversary tour starting in Miami.
Global icon DJ Snake has officially announced the return of Pardon My French (PMF), his influential event series and cultural collective, marking 10 years since the brand’s first tour launched in 2016. After several years without a full touring run, following its last major era of shows in 2019, PMF returns this March, officially relaunching on March 26, 2026 in Miami, FL at Toe Jam XL during Winter Music Conference. The 2026 run continues on April 18, 2026 in Indio, CA with a major takeover during Weekend Two of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Quasar Stage, before heading to France for two landmark summer events: June 27, 2026 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland in Lyon, France and August 9, 2026 at Les Plages Électroniques in Cannes, France. Together, the four dates mark a full-scale reintroduction of PMF across the U.S. and France, reaffirming its status as one of dance music’s most anticipated live concepts.
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Known for massive production, surprise back-to-back sets, and relentlessly high-energy crowds, PMF positions DJ Snake alongside close collaborators, international heavyweights, and rising talent. The Miami edition will feature appearances from A–Trak, Dillon Francis, TroyBoi, Flowdan, REMK, and Chuwe, with more artists to be announced.
Founded in 2015, Pardon My French was created by DJ Snake to champion French electronic culture on a global stage. Originally formed alongside fellow French artists Tchami, Malaa, and Mercer, the collective united a new generation of French talent and presented it with confidence and edge, with its 2016 debut tour introducing international audiences, particularly in the U.S., to a unified, high-impact French electronic movement. Beyond music, PMF has evolved into a broader lifestyle platform extending into fashion and streetwear, using bold design and selective collaborations to reflect its unapologetic, global, and community-driven ethos.
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