Podcast Panel : A&R in Flux: How Labels Discover and Shape New Sounds
ANDY DANIELL
Andy Daniell is a Grammy-nominated A&R and the current Director of Music at Defected Records. Over the past two decades, he has become one of the most trusted figures in dance music, sig- ning pivotal records like Storm Queen’s Look Right Through and CamelPhat & Elderbrook’s Cola. His time at FFRR/Parlophone saw him work with global names including Diplo, David Guetta and Kenya Grace, racking up UK number ones and six Gram- my nominations along the way.
Defected Records, founded in 1999, is one of the longest-running and most influential independent house labels in the world. Beyond its catalogue, the company has grown into a global music me- dia group encompassing publishing, management, events and its own festivals, while maintaining a strong cultural identity. With a digital community of over 12 million, Defected has consistently em- braced innovation while keeping house music at the core.
Returning to Defected in 2024, Andy oversees all the label’s imprints including Glitterbox, D4 DAN- CE, DFTD and Classic. His focus is on leveraging Defected’s market position to support both esta- blished names and emerging artists, continuing the label’s legacy into its next 25 years.