Defected Records delivers epic show in Melbourne

Coming off the back of what many would deem their most successful year yet, English powerhouse, Defected Records kicked off their sold-out Australian tour at Melbourne’s prestigious Prince Bandroom on Friday night, with Dario D’Attis, Sam Divine, Franky Rizardo and Low Steppa headlining the show. Having hosted the likes of Marc Kinchen, Claptone and Marshmello during past events, Prince Bandroom is no stranger to A-grade performers and proved to be a fitting venue for the 10-hour event.

A small, yet passionate market, Melbourne showed they know how to party, as they packed out the 950-capacity venue. Patrons of all ages turned out for the spectacular evening, as 20-year-olds amalgamated with fans as old as 60! In addition to this, the venue’s small size was instrumental in generating a close & intimate relationship between the fans & the DJs, making the experience all the more memorable.

Following 2 warm-up acts, Dario D’Attis was the first headliner to grace the stage. Packed from the onset, D’Attis invigorated an already very excited Melbourne crowd with a flurry of blood-pumping tunes. Boasting a dark, Tech House vibe, D’Attis, heavy, thumping kicks and bright hi-hats filled the air, as tracks such as Emanuel Satie‘s ‘Come As You Are‘, Pirupa‘s ‘Party Non Stop‘ and Malikk & Saccao‘s ‘Girl I’ll House You‘.

Next up was Sam Divine. Jumping on the decks just after midnight, Sam delivered a warmer & funkier, bassline driven sound, compared to D’Attis’ kickdrum & percussion-driven set. Feeding off of the crowd’s energy, Sam played the all the right tracks at all the right moments to gradually and seamlessly escalate the atmosphere; much to the crowd’s delight. Party starters such as Filta Freqz‘s ‘Master Blaster‘, Patrick Topping‘s ‘Be Sharp Stay Nowt‘ and Sam’s own remix of Sweet Female Attitude‘s ‘Flowers‘ with Curtis Gabriel, all made their way into Sam’s tracklist, setting the mood perfectly for Franky Rizardo’s forthcoming set.

Thanks to excellent warm-up sets from Dario and Sam, the stage was immaculately set for Franky Rizardo. Having visited the land down under in a number of Defected Records’ Australian tours, the crowd’s favourite was no secret. Blessed with a 2 – 3 am primetime set, Franky capitalized on the crowd’s high excitement level and sent them into a frenzy, playing popular Defected releases such as Dennis Ferrer‘s ‘Hey Hey‘ and CamelPhat and Elderbrook‘s smash-hit, ‘Cola‘. Franky also played a flurry of other firestarters, including Catz ‘N Dogz‘s remix of Marlena Shaw‘s ‘Woman Of The Night‘ and Franky’s own remix of Marian Hill‘s ‘Down‘.

The final headliner of the night was none other than Low Steppa. Hard hitting kicks and pulsating basslines was the name of Low Steppa’s game. Even after 5 am, patrons were still dancing the night away, as tracks such as Low Steppa’s ‘Runnin’‘ with Kelli-Leigh, his own remix of Sonny Fodera and Alex Mills‘ ‘Always Gonna Be‘ and Crazibiza‘s ‘Music Hypnotize‘ all blasted through the speakers.

An excellent lineup, spectacular lighting and effects and an acclaimed venue, all combined to deliver one fantastic outing. Having visited Australia in previous years, it was no secret as to why the powerhouse label keeps coming back.