International Music Summit (IMS) recognise and pay tribute to Simon Dunmore, a truly inimitable electronic music pioneer who over the last three decades has helped shape British dance music history and has created a brand that has cemented itself into international electronic music culture. Simon will be honoured during IMS Ibiza Summit at a celebratory dinner presented in partnership with YouTube, hosted by IMS co-founder and BBC Radio 1 broadcaster Pete Tong.
As well as being the founder and head of Defected Records, arguably one of the best known independent electronic music labels of the last twenty years, Simon is also an unparalleled A&R, tastemaker, promoter and world class DJ; fiercely business-minded yet ultimately passionate about and driven by the music, propelling the growth of the electronic music industry by constantly evolving and reinventing the business rule book.
With an unquestionable contribution to dance music, Simon will join a prestigious list of previous recipients of this special accolade which include: Underworld, Nile Rodgers, Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Sven Väth, Carl Cox, Space Ibiza founder Pepe Roselló, Mambo Ibiza founder Javier Anadon and Ricardo Urgell founder of Pacha Ibiza and the worldwide Pacha Group.
A previous winner of the Pioneer DJ ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award at the 2012 edition of IMS Ibiza, and with a philosophy of ‘House Music All Life Long’, Simon Dunmore is a vital ambassador of the scene, constantly looking ahead to predict and counteract the challenges that our industry often produces. Living and breathing House music, through Defected Records Simon has developed and cultivated some of the most standout electronic artists of our time, from Sandy Rivera, Bob Sinclar and Martin Solveig to Tensnake, MK, Noir and of course the ubiquitous Grammy nominated Camelphat. Focused on a distinct musical identity rather than constantly genre jumping in search of a quick hit, since 1999 Defected Records and sister labels DFTD and Classic have been a constant in the scene, releasing some of the standout House tunes of our generation that continue to be played in heavy rotation at clubs across the world.
In recent years Simon has introduced a new club and label brand to the mix, the mighty Glitterbox, an Ibiza phenomenon and a celebration of diversity and disco. In addition to this is the long standing and hugely popular Defected In The House Ibiza residency, the Defected Croatia festival and Defected London FSTVL, launched in 2019.
Simon Dunmore comments:
To quote a line from Talking Heads ‘Once In A Lifetime’… “you may ask yourself, how did I get here?”
The answer is, there are so many factors; the support, guidance and mentorship of all the amazing and talented people that have helped me on my journey. Being stupidly stubborn in my love of House music, Ibiza and dance culture. Right place, right time. The dedication and relentless graft of my team at Defected Records. Luck when it was most needed. Being blessed with an incredibly supportive and loving family. It’s never lost on me how privileged I am that my passion happens to be my vocation and like many I know I suffer frequent attacks of imposter syndrome. It’s an insecurity I channel as a driving force. Ultimately, I am humbled for my contribution to be recognised in this way by my peers. I take my inspiration from them all. The most exciting thing though, is what lies ahead.
IMS Partner Ben Turner comments:
“Simon Dunmore’s rise to success is one of dance music’s great success stories. Defected has become one of the world’s most trusted independent labels and now event brands, a stamp of authority and quality for pure house music. Dunmore is a journeyman who has guided this brand like he was a Premiership Football Manager or Chairman, with the added twist he’s also the ace player with his legendary DJ sets. Dunmore’s undivided devotion to authentic house music is worthy of this award, his consistent support of booking the legends that inspired him 30 years ago around the world is today exemplary. In addition, Simon is one of the nicest industry figures we have around, the IMS partners are proud to host this dinner in his name.”
Head of YouTube Music EMA, Dan Chalmers comments:
“Simon’s unwavering passion, integrity and loyalty has been instrumental in building a global community around house music that will surely have a lasting impact in the industry as a whole. We’re proud to have recently partnered with Simon for the Defected festival and now to be able to honour him in the Legends Dinner. Our collaboration with IMS is another step to bring electronic music and technology even closer and a testament to our commitment with some of the most innovative and critical parts of the music business.”
