The Changing Lens of Culture

Introduction to my first Substack ‘Wessay’

Welcome to this Wessay, my new Substack space where my thoughts flow. What started as a playful nickname among friends - combining “Wez” with my penchant for essay-length text messages or social media posts - has evolved into a platform to share reflections, provoke ideas and spark conversations about the topics that are on my mind.

For this first Wessay, I’m diving into something close to my heart: culture. In a world that seems to shift at an ever-accelerating pace, culture acts as both a constant thread and a mirror to change. As CEO of Defected Records, I’ve had the privilege and responsibility of navigating these shifts, not just as a business leader but as a steward of the House music community. This piece, The Changing Lens of Culture, was written during a whirlwind journey across four continents, shortly after Seth Troxler personalised and gifted me a copy of his excellent new book, In Between with Bill Patrick at ADE, thanking me for my “support of this culture as a whole”.

This Wessay captures the challenges, opportunities, and evolving dynamics I’ve observed in the music industry and beyond during these times.

But this isn’t just a personal reflection; it’s an invitation to a larger dialogue. I’m not here to declare definitive answers but to inspire - explorations, questions, and reimaginations. Creativity and connection are the lifeblood of what we do, and staying relevant requires embracing the discomfort of change.

For me, leadership means making sense of complexity, adapting to shifting landscapes, and inspiring others to do the same. Whether you’re a promoter, artist, fan, or industry peer, I hope this Wessay encourages you to reconsider how you relate to culture and success - and how you might redefine them in ways that inspire growth and resilience.

So, as you read, consider this an open invitation: challenge your assumptions, reflect on your role in the communities you cherish, and think about what leadership, culture, and success mean to you in a rapidly evolving world.

Welcome to my Wessays. Let’s explore these ideas together.

The Changing Lens of Culture

I started writing this shortly after arriving in Dubai for our 2024 festival and finished on the flight home to the UK. I had just spent 15 days on the road, traveling from London to Melbourne, Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Bali, Bali to Dubai, and back to London. That trip has reminded me yet again of the value of experiencing culture firsthand, as it shifts and reshapes itself across places and times.

The electronic dance music scene is facing pressures right now that are often ignored or downplayed. Social media might make it look like everyone is thriving, and to some extent, there is growth - particularly from catalogue sales. Yet, since 2020, the market has only gotten more saturated with music, events, alongside rising performer fees, inflation, and a heightened cost of operations. Venues are closing, promoters are struggling, and the spirit of “peace, love, and unity” is harder to find. This is not just a temporary challenge; it's a shift. The culture itself is changing, and not everyone is ready to acknowledge that.

It’s easy to see how many people use the word “culture” to validate their perspective on the scene or to justify what they believe should happen, sometimes masking personal or financial motives. Culture, though, is a moving target - a reflection of changing attitudes, ideals, and generational differences. When these shifts occur, it’s not uncommon for nostalgia to shape the responses of those who felt deeply connected to the culture of their youth. In that view, what’s “new” often seems “worse,” and the resulting tension can lead to misunderstandings and negativity.

Nostalgia and Generational Divide

Cultural values and priorities naturally shift from one generation to the next. What resonated deeply with one group might seem trivial or outdated to another, and this generational divide can lead to the idea that “culture has lost its way.” Throw in inflation, a pandemic, or a global crisis, and the discomfort only grows.

When people cling to past ideals, confirmation bias often keeps them focused on what they know, reinforcing fixed perspectives. Consider how often older generations dismiss today’s music, TV, or films as less meaningful. By only seeing examples that confirm those beliefs, it becomes harder to appreciate the value of what’s new.

In a fast-moving cultural landscape, change can be exhausting and even unsettling. For some, resistance becomes the easiest response - protecting one’s identity by resisting change, which only contributes to the divide.

Redefining Culture at Defected

For us at Defected, culture isn’t a buzzword. It’s the foundation of who we are as a brand and as a community. As a House music label, we’re not here just to release records; we’re here to fuel a cultural movement rooted in unity, inclusivity, and self-expression. Ask anyone who attended our festivals in Croatia or Malta this year, and they’ll tell you these were some of the best events we’ve ever done. That’s what it’s all about - creating spaces where people can unapologetically be themselves.

We’re not just putting out content; we’re trying to shape moments, memories, and legacy. Every decision we make, every event we host, and every record we release is a conscious choice to contribute to the wider House music tapestry.

It’s the same reason why I recently executive produced Hyper: The Stevie Hyper D Story. It's a contribution not only to the wider Drum & Bass and Jungle music tapestry but also to preserving the legacy of an icon of mine.

Leading Through Change

At Defected, leadership is about demonstrating our values, not just talking about them. The feedback that I have received during Croatia, Malta, Ibiza and beyond is that our fans feel that in each event we host, there is a commitment to channelling openness, respect, and authenticity. Leadership to me means embracing change in the music industry - from economic shifts to technological advances like AI and evolving fan engagement. Good leadership isn’t about clinging to the past; it’s about being open to new possibilities while staying true to core values.

As a leader, I try to inspire my team to see change as an essential part of growth. Cultural adaptation isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary for survival. By embracing this adaptability, we lead with empathy, stay attuned to our audience, and ensure decisions that honour both Defected and the larger House community.

When times are challenging, the answer isn’t to dig in but to “fail fast, fix faster.” This mindset allows us to grow from setbacks and remain agile in a fast-paced world. It’s important to acknowledge your mistakes and move on from them.

Rethinking Success

So what does success mean today? Traditionally, success has been defined in numbers - chart positions, album sales, streams, revenue, and ticket sales. These metrics remain essential for sustaining operations and investing in our team and community. However, as a House music brand with a deeper mission, success also means making an impact. Are we creating experiences that resonate? Are we fostering a community that feels connected and inspired?

Some of our recent events – particularly those that led me to write this piece in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Sydney, Bali and Dubai - weren’t all sellouts, but they were successful, and busier than the competition. Some of these sold old, some did not. But these events stood out as memorable moments in each city, creating lasting memories for those who attended. This type of success - one that touches lives as much as it achieves metrics - is just as important, if not more. These memories were also very much felt and created at this weekend’s events at Ministry of Sound (Glitterbox, London) and The Midway (Defected, San Francisco).

Embracing Personal and Professional Growth

In the end, success and cultural understanding are journeys that evolve with us. What we value in our 20’s might differ from what we prioritise in our 40’s or 50’s, and that’s okay. Growth and experience reshape our definitions of culture and success, and they should.

At Defected, our commitment is to celebrate this evolution. We strive to be a place where our team feels empowered to bring their full selves to their work, embracing their evolving interpretations of culture and success. For our fans, we hope to continue offering quality music and unforgettable events that honour the past while embracing the future. Navigating these challenges is what keeps us relevant, dynamic, and true to our roots in a rapidly changing world.

And as we all go forward, my advice would be this: understand how you relate to culture and redefine success. Personal growth allows us to shape a meaningful, impactful life, both as individuals and as part of the larger communities we cherish.

And to our community, we cherish you so very much.