London-born house label Defected Records has acquired US dance music pioneer Todd Edwards’ catalog, with the intention of making much of Edwards’ music digitally available for the first time.
After releasing two original singles on the label in 2019, You’re Sorry and Deeper, the label will now house Edwards’ collection of over 140 productions.
Edwards has worked closely with Daft Punk and won a Grammy Award in 2014 for co-producing and contributing vocals to their track Fragments Of Time from their 2013 album Random Access Memories.
New Jersey-born, Los Angeles-based Edwards’ signature production style was initially formed by limited access to studio equipment or a computer, but it became a major influence on the UK’s burgeoning garage scene in the 1990’s, shaping the sound of key artists in the genre like DJ EZ and Matt Jam Lamont.
Highlights from Edwards’ catalog include Dancing For Heaven, Can’t You Believe, Never Ever Far, Winter Behavior and The Dream.
Other plans for the acquisition include vinyl re-issues, remixes and a Todd Edwards House Masters compilation on the label.
Defected will also continue to release Edwards’ new material.
“Todd Edward’s influence stretches extensively through the dance scene. From Daft Punk to UK Garage you can visibly see Todd’s DNA.”
Simon Dunmore, Defected records
Simon Dunmore, founder and CEO of Defected, said: “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 catalog available for the new digital generation.”
“I am very happy that my back catalog 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
Todd Edwards said: “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 catalog 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.”
“With Todd’s cult following, and the lack of assets available on digital download or streaming services, this is a significant addition to our catalog.”
Wez Saunders, Defected Records
Wez Saunders, Managing Director, Defected Records, said: “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 catalog.
“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.”Music Business Worldwide
