In the vast majority of cases sending your demo tape to a record label does not end well. Far from the usual rejection, disappointment and subsequent insecurity is this heart-warming story of when Adam Wiles first contacted Defected records back in 1999 hoping for a break. While the dream of getting a deal was not forthcoming at that time he did receive a hand written letter containing this rare and frankly delightful phrase, “I’m returning your CD but would like you to know that this is far superior to many of the demos we regularly receive.” Over the years Adam changed his name to Cavin Harris, and he and Defected boss Simon Dunmore did keep in touch as his career blossomed with other labels and opportunities, but it has taken until this week – twenty-one years later – for this story to finally blossom with the first of Calvin’s records to be released finally on the Defected label.
‘Live Without Your Love’ is a collaboration between Calvin and Grammy-nominated musician and producer Steve Lacy. This record is more what Defected might have been looking for from Harris back in 1999: it’s Calvin at his most rave-inclined and club ready, softened by Steve Lacy’s drawl and plenty of acidic synth, and all in all it does nothing to detract from his continuing quality and the ascendancy to musical dominion that this DJ is achieving.
In return, Calvin made a surprise appearance at Defected’s monumental Virtual Festival series in April, bringing the relationship full circle in an organic and suitably innovative way. Watch it in its glorious entirety below.
‘Live Without Your Love’ will be out on July 16th via Defected/Columbia Records, and is available for pre-order and pre-save now: livewithoutyourlove.com. Watch Calvin Harris’ live stream set from the Defected Virtual Festival here.
Calvin Harris links:
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1 comment
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