Warner Chappell Music U.K. has signed a joint venture agreement with British independent dance label Defected Records to exclusively administer its publishing roster and catalog.

Established in 1999, Defected has evolved into a music media group, with the house music-driven label at its epicenter.

Creatives signed to the label’s publishing arm, Defected Music, have recently enjoyed a number of successes, including credits on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album and Elton John and Dua Lipa’s “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix),” as well as tracks from Purple Disco Machine and John Summit, including “Substitution,” “Where You Are” and the Camelphat club classic “Cola.”

“Our mission is to uphold house music’s standards globally, to service our community while helping artists build longer lasting, more impactful and more profitable careers,” said Wez Saunders, Defected’s CEO. “This JV with Warner Chappell Music U.K. will allow us to continue this, and grow even further.”

Amber Davis, SVP and Head of A&R at Warner Chappell Music U.K., added of Defected, "I’ve been such a fan of its genre-defining catalog for many years and it’s been a real team effort and privilege to bring these two companies together.”

Pictured celebrating the news above are Darren Young (VP, Head of Legal and Business Affairs, WCM UK), Sam Lowe (A&R Consultant, WCM UK), George Pritchard (Director of Events & Talent, Defected), Wez Saunders (CEO and co-owner, Defected), Shani Gonzales (MD, WCM UK), Shamus Damani (Director of Business Affairs, Defected) and Amber Davis (SVP, Head of A&R, WCM UK).