Tue 22 Jul 2025 • Freddie Hill
Defected Croatia 2025: Debut Artist Spotlight - Part III
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David Rodigan MBE, Eliza Rose and Groove Armada round off our Croatia festival debuts
We’re back with the third instalment of our Defected Croatia debut series, shining a light on three more out of this world DJs playing at The Garden Resort in Tisno for the very first time.
Click to read Part 1 and Part 2 of our debut artist spotlight series. Nine artists for the ninth edition of Defected croatia.
From genre-defying innovators to Members of the Order of the British Empire, our debut line-up continues to build momentum towards the most unforgettable edition yet. Read on for three more artists making their long-awaited Croatia debut this summer…
DAVID RODIGAN MBE
A true legend of sound system culture, David Rodigan MBE needs little introduction. With over four decades of influence spanning reggae, dancehall, dub, and beyond, Rodigan is one of the most respected and recognisable voices in global music culture. This summer, he is bringing his wealth of knowledge and heavyweight dubplates to Defected Croatia for the very first time.
Rodigan’s journey began in the late ’70s as a radio DJ, before becoming a selector who clashed with the best across Kingston, London and New York. From pirate stations to the BBC, his encyclopaedic knowledge and unmatched charisma have made him an enduring force in electronic music. Whether he’s hosting revered radio shows or lighting up stages from Notting Hill Carnival to Outlook Festival, Rodigan remains a tireless ambassador for Caribbean music and culture.
His Croatia debut is set to be a celebration of rhythm, roots, and serious sound system pressure - expect big dub, deep crates, and vibes for days.
ELIZA ROSE
A breakout star whose rise has been nothing short of meteoric, Eliza Rose is bringing her genre-fluid, rave-rooted sound to Defected Croatia for the very first time. After storming the charts with the platinum-selling ‘B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All)’, Eliza’s bold blend of house, UK garage, jungle and soul has made her one of the freshest voices in UK dance music today.
Her recent Defected release, ‘Weekend’ with underground selector The Trip has made waves this summer, featured in Hunger, Clash and DJ Mag as part of a special DJ set, thanks to its infectious energy that matches the Croatia vibe perfectly:
“I was trying to embody that exciting feeling of freedom, of heady anticipation about what shenanigans me and all my fellow party people will get up to on Friday, Saturday, summer, festivals and those long summer nights that turn into days.” – Eliza Rose
Expect a DJ set that effortlessly channels everything from golden-era garage to dusty 2-step, rave nostalgia and bass-heavy house - always with a nod to her vintage vocal influences and the inclusive community that shaped her approach to life. Since gracing the stage at Glastonbury, Warehouse Project, Coachella and beyond – now it’s time for Defected Croatia in Tisno. With her fearless energy, razor-sharp style and impeccable taste, Eliza Rose is set to take the Adriatic coast by storm.
GROOVE ARMADA
From dance music pioneers to global festival favourites, Groove Armada have left an indelible mark on electronic music over the last two and a half decades. For the very first time, they’ll bring their inimitable DJ set to Defected Croatia 2025 - a long-overdue debut that promises to be one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
Known for massive crossover hits like ‘Superstylin’’, ‘I See You Baby’ and ‘At the River’, Groove Armada recently released a special remix package on Defected’s club-focussed sister label DFTD in May 2025. Groove Armada Remixed featured remixes from rising selectors Austin Ato, Nautica, Evokings, DOT, simo not simon and Eliza Bogan, showing that Groove Armada are true champions of the future of electronic.
Bridging underground house and electronic with pop, dub and funk influences to create their signature sound, Groove Armada’s sets pull from the eclectic energy of these influences - deep club breakdowns and euphoric moments push and pull with ease.
With a legendary back catalogue, years of mainstage experience, and a genuine love for the dancefloor, Groove Armada are masters at creating magic behind the decks. Their set at The Garden Resort in a couple of weeks is a major treat for our 5000 house heads.
As we rapidly approach Defected Croatia, download the Defected App now to keep up to date with important updates: https://defected.lnk.to/App
Last minute tickets and accommodation options, including Klarna and Group Payment options, are available to purchase via the tabs above.
The ninth edition of Defected Croatia will take place Wednesday 30 July until the early hours of Monday 04 August 2025.
