For 20 years, Simon Dunmore's Defected has been dedicated to the finest in house music, from its label and numerous associated imprints, to its events and festivals. Still, it hasn’t all been plain sailing — Defected has traversed choppy waters to become the super-brand it is today. DJ Mag talks to Dunmore about his house history, adaptability and his approach to business... 

Berlin’s Cinthie is responsible for some of the most sought-after deep house records of the moment. In between her hectic schedule of label management, running a record store and gigs, we caught up with her in Amsterdam to find out how she’s built an independent network through determination, drive and good taste...

 Words: ANNA WALL

Pics: GEMMA PARKER & MARIE STAGGAT

The Diplo-led American trio has broken sound barriers and world records. With the group’s final album on the horizon, DJ Mag chronicles a decade of the genre-bending crew... 

Words: JOHN OCHOA

It's 11pm in Buenos Aires' La Boca barrio. We're in a vast, red-bricked, industrial building, quartered by a floor to ceiling black curtain. It's grand and spectacular, more like an installation than a music event. Dancers move hypnotically behind golden panels on one side of the room, while suspended bottles of Miller Genuine Draft slowly rise up and down from the high ceiling. Without warning, the curtain drops to the floor... 

Ahead of a new tour and album, the visionary Manchester crew recall the making and impact of their acid house classic...

Throwing Snow’s prolific release log in 2018 has seen him veer from pummelling UK bass and half-time d&b to electrified techno and breaks. As the visionary and versatile producer prepares to release this year’s EPs in one vinyl package, we catch up with him to discuss the importance of place to music, soundtrack work and field recording. He also steps up with an otherworldly and propulsive mix for our Podcast series...

Under the name Maceo Plex, Cuban-American DJ/producer and label founder Eric Estornel is among the biggest players in electronic music. So why has he resurrected his more cerebral electro project, Mariel Ito, which has lain dormant for years? DJ Mag meets Estornel in Spain to find out about his upbringing in Miami and Dallas, his new album for R&S, and how the US affection for grittier beats is at the heart of his sound...