Fri 17 Jan 2025 • Freddie Hill
In Conversation With Stacey Pullen
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Read on as we chat to the influential Detroit DJ and producer ahead of his appearance at our flagship festival.
The steadfast and otherworldly Stacey Pullen joins the line-up for the ninth edition of Defected Croatia in 2025. Read on as we chat to the influential Detroit DJ and producer.
Regarded as a leader of the Second Wave of Detroit techno, Pullen’s contemporaries include fellow pioneers Carl Craig and Jeff Mills. They followed the way of the Belleville Three, originators of that Detroit sound, and pushed techno in a new, fresh genre-bending direction.
Expect a transformative set that push the boundaries of genre, marrying expertise with bold, unique selections as he blends house, garage, techno and Afrofuturism together in harmony.
Read on as our In Conversation With series continues with Stacey Pullen…
We’re so excited to welcome you to Tisno in 2025. How does it feel to be playing for Defected for the very first time?
It feels great to be on the lineup alongside some incredible DJs that’s produced by an iconic brand who's been a force in house music for the last 25 years.
What can those unfamiliar with your work expect from your Defected Croatia set?
Those of you who are unfamiliar with my work can expect a great delivery of music. I'm an experienced DJ so it's important to have the perfect timing and know how to deliver a great seamless mixing experience for your aural pleasure.
You’ll be playing at Barbarella’s and representing Detroit Love, what does Detroit Love mean to you?
The vision that Detroit love brings is an education that is rooted in black music. Since we were some of the first DJs to travel internationally, we now bring this feeling and vibe to the next generation who enjoys dance music.
Spirituality is very important to you, how do you infuse that into your music?
Taking people on a musical journey has always been how I've envisioned people listening to my DJ sets, and you can't do that without a heart and a soul that provides the pulse.
Who are the rising artists of today that inspire you?
This question is always subjective and dependent on my mood at the moment.. but I'm a fan of young artists like Harvy Valencia and Afriqua as well as most of the artists that I have released on my label, Blackflag, who are all young up-and-coming.
Your label Blackflag made a solid return after the lockdown, what was that process like?
I've always been about quality over quantity, but also having a team that understands the value of releasing great music is also important.
House and techno are different entities from a similar root, how would you summarise the difference?
House is from Chicago and Techno is from Detroit. Both have similarities of being rooted in black music and being inspired by one another – two cities that respect one another that has stood the test of time when it comes to genres and longevity.
What is your favourite house record right now?
None other than the classic by Inner City, Good Life.
Where would your dream DJ set be, and how long would you want the set to be?
I have had the honor to DJ at some amazing places in my career, but I would have to say the edge of the atmosphere would be a dream set – somewhere that SpaceX can take me. All l would need is an hour because I’d want time to enjoy the view.
The ninth edition of Defected Croatia will begin with our pre-party on Wednesday 30 July and end in the early hours of Monday 04 August 2025. Book now via the tabs above.
