Defected has won my respect back. We've been in discussion with them about this whole unauthorized use of their tracks for the last few days. Let me be clear that they are not changing their position and policies. Both parties have now a much better understanding of each other's opinions. I think we both agree that the whole "seeking compensation" might have been premature and I believe it's not going in that direction. We've also agreed to open a dialogue with them if in the future I/we use their tracks for online mixes. Something that would benefit all of us.

They won back my respect because this exchange would have never happened with any of the big commercial labels. They are basically saying that they are also and still part of our small community and they are willing to talk even to us smaller guys to resolve these issues. All of this would have not happened with out your help, the people and headz who visit my site and listen to my mixes. Thank you all for your support.

In other news WCC RADIO EP004 will be up this Sunday. Maybe with a Defected track. Maybe.... ;)

Tags: Defected, Pesto Music

I guess some of those messages that people have been sending to Defected due of this incident and what people are discussing across the different house forums must have gotten to them. Pesto received an email from the Head of Promotions and Music exploitation of Defected to address the situation. The tone is very different than the first email. He makes a case for their side of the argument. You can read it here and make up your own mind about this debate.

Thank you to those who email me in support and to those who took the time to write respectfully to Defected about this matter. Long live our community.

Tags: Defected, Pesto Music

The NEW PestoMix is now up and its IMPROVED since it does not have any Defected tracks in it. If you are wondering why read the post below this one. This whole thing with this major label has left a real sour taste in my mouth and I feel it has tainted something I hold sacred which is the spirit of House Music. I also found out that I'm not the only one of their ex-supporters that they have done this to. Check this out. Please go out and support small independent labels like Pesto, Barcoda, Compost, Poji, Shifted Music and many others that are keeping the spirit of House alive and let's leave Defected and its sub-labels chase bedroom DJs for compensation. I'm sure they will make lots of money and pass the profits to their artists (yeah right). I hope you enjoy the mix.

Tags: Mixes, Pesto Music, Defected

Some of you are wondering what happened to the DJ Mix I did for Pesto Music. Well within minutes after Pesto posted the FREE podcast they got this email from Defected:

"I have received a newsletter with a Pesto mix that includes 2 of Defected tracks that are unreleased. Defected has not granted you any authorisation to use them and we control the copyright. Please remove them from this mix immediately. You are giving our music away for free when you do not have the rights. We will seek compensation for this illegal usage."

First of all I purchased those "unreleased tracks" on Traxsource directly from Simon Dunmore (Defected's boss) Top 10. They don't even seem to know what tracks they are releasing or selling. Second, a big "respected" label like Defected coming after a small independent one man label like Pesto and threatening to sue them for giving them free promotion just floors me. Defected is in their legal right to do this but is it morally right? I've been a big supporter of Defected for years I have PURCHASED every single release I have from them vinyl or digital. No more. This is a slap in the face to our community. If this is their attitude then they will go down just like all the other main stream dinosaur labels that are crying that their profit margins are shrinking and are coming after the end users. I will re-do the PestoMix with out any tracks from Defected. Only tracks from labels that support and understand DJ culture. If you care to voice your opinion to them you can do to the label manager at their contact page here. The email above came from "Business Affairs and Licensing Manager". If you do contact them please be respectful. Like I said they are within their legal rights, I just feel they don't know how to pick their battles.

Tags: Mixes, Defected, Pesto Music