The London based house music label announce the acquisition of dance innovator’s vast and expansive catalogue of 140+ productions.
Defected Records just acquired the music catalogue of US dance music pioneer Todd Edwards with the intention of releasing to make it digitally available for the first time. Edwards has already released ‘You’re Sorry’ & ‘Deeper’, two original singles on the label in 2019. Through this acquisition Defected is now owning a vast and expansive collection of 140+ productions.
“ Todd Edward’s influence stretches extensively through the dance scene. From Daft Punk to UK Garage you can visibly see Todd’s DNA. It’s important to recognise his significant contribution by making his work and incredible catalogue available for the new digital generation. ”– Simon Dunmore, Defected founder and CEO
New Jersey borned (resides now in Los Angeles) Todd Edwards is often credited as the godfather of UKG because of a distinctive signature production style distinguished by its chopped-up vocal samples and time and pitch shifts.
As music journalist Grant Richards writes, “There are not many producers who have been making tracks since the early 90s who you would instantly recognize by their production style. A few do spring to mind but have they been shouted out on ‘Teachers’, produced with and even sang with Daft Punk?”
Todd Edwards with his Grammy Awards as producer of Daft Punk’ “Random Access Memories” album, London – UK. 2019 – Credits : Todd Edwards
” For over seven years, the majority of the music that established who I am as a producer was unavailable to access online. I am very happy that my back catalogue will now be available through Defected, it is the perfect label to share the records with my core fans and also open it up to a whole new generation of listeners. ”– Todd Edwards
A collection of 140+ productions
Among the huge amount of great tracks, highlights from Edwards’ sparkling catalogue Defected will be shining a light on include ‘Dancing For Heaven’, ‘Can’t You Believe’, ‘Never Ever Far’, ‘Winter Behavior’ and ‘The Dream’. As much of Todd Edwards’ music is exclusively available on vinyl & CD, the Defected’ move aim to give an instant availability for these records, allowing old fans to get lost in his expansive repertoire but also introducing his music to a whole new generation of fans.
Other plans include vinyl re-issues, remixes of Todd classics and a Todd Edwards House Masters compilation on the label. Defected will also continue to release Edwards’ new material.
“ I have waited for this day since October 2018 and I am delighted this has now become a reality. With Todd’s cult following, and the lack of assets available on digital download or streaming services, this is a significant addition to our catalogue. This is both a very proud professional and fan-boy moment. I am sure you can tell! We very much looking forward to continuing to work with Todd in the future. ”– Wez Saunders, Managing Director, Defected Records
Todd’s expansive back-catalogue paired with his cult following him make this an exciting addition to the mighty Defected’s expansive repertoire roster that already include Mike Dunn, Blaze, Mr V, DJ Gregory, Classic Music Company, Nu Groove, Slip N Slide, Soulfuric, K4B Records and more, all lovingly cared for by the imprint.