What’s in Simon Dunmore’s DJ Box?

What’s in Simon Dunmore’s DJ Box?

29 September, 2009 | 9.16AM

• Written by: Zack Rico
• Filed under: Music News: defected, dj box, simon dunmore

Simon Dunmore craved security and independence, so he left his well paid job at a major label to launch London’s Defected Records a decade ago. Fueled only by a love for quality house music, he formed a collective of artists and DJs who share a similar passion for house, and in the process they became one of house music’s most accomplished brands.

Defected is now the very definition of house, a globally recognised entity with roots in soul and funk, a company obsessed with dancing. They gave us Kings of Tomorrow ‘Finally’, ATFC ‘Bad Habit’, Roger Sanchez ‘Another Chance’, and countless other sundrenched house music moments, and behind it all, Simon Dunmore pulls the strings.

We decided to recognise Mr. Dunmore’s ongoing commitment to house music by going deep into his record box, and finding out what tunes make him tick.

Favorite set opener?

River Ocean ‘Love and Happiness’

Simon is a big fan of Michel Cleis’ work. Defected signed the producer’s huge ‘La Mezcla’ track off Cadenza in April, and this Latino reworking of River Ocean’s classic ‘Love & Happiness’ is unlike any remix that has come before.

Built around a beautiful Spanish guitar solo, Cleis completely rebuilt the track. “For me it has to be either the original, or the Michel Cleis remix, both are equally as good,” says Simon.

Secret weapon only you have a copy of? 

L.B.G. ‘As Good As My Love’ (Chocolate Puma Remix)

As boss of Defected, Dunmore is privvy to the occasional hot white label and unreleased gem. Long-time label cohorts Chocolate Puma gave Dunmore a copy of their remix of L.B.G.’s Dutch house stormer ‘As Good As My Love’, which for now remains unreleased.

“For some reason it was never released, but I love it!” he says.

Trippiest record? 

Code 718 ‘Equinox’ (Henrik Schwarz Remix)

The blissful moments, and uplifting melodies of Henrik Schwarz’ remix of Code 718 ‘Equinox’ is perfect for when you want to hypnotise dancefloors reckons the Defected boss.

“Schwarz remix reminds me of those classic Tenaglia moments, and in all honesty this is one immense remix,” says Dunmore.

Killer vocal track? 

Yasmeen Sullieman ‘Gone’

“Soul in the house,” is how Simon Dunmore describes Yasmeen Sullieman’s as yet unreleased vocal house track ‘Gone’.

Sexiest track? 

Fish Go Deep ‘The Cure & The Cause’ (DJ Meme Remix)

DJ Meme’s 2007 remix of Fish Go Deep’s magnificent soulful house anthem ‘The Cure & The Cause’ is “pure disco in the house,” according to Simon Dunmore.

There’s nothing but pure happiness to be found in the track.

Bassline weapon? 

Ann Nesby ‘Can I Get A Witness’ (Mousse T Remix)

Simon Dunmore says of Mousse T’s remix of Ann Nesby ‘Can I Get A Witness’: “Killer song, killer vocals, killer remix.”

The record that will never leave your box as long as you live?

Kings Of Tomorrow ‘Finally’

Simon calls KOT’s ‘Finally’ “the all-time classic vocal house track!” He might be right.

Oldie that everyone else has probably forgotten?

Voices Of Life ‘Say The Word’

“‘Say The Word’ is classic Steve Silk Hurley,” says Simon. 

One more tune of the night finisher? 

Octave One ‘Blackwater’

Dunmore reckons that Octave One’s definitive house anthem ‘Blackwater’ is a perfect tune to end a long night of house music. “It’s simply timeless,” says Dunmore.

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