Defected Unveils Powerhouse 2026 Lineup for Club Chinois Residency

The suspense has finally lifted, Ibiza family. After weeks of whispers echoing from San Antonio to Talamanca, Defected has officially dropped the full roster for their game-changing 2026 residency at the opulent Club Chinois. If you thought the pivot from the island's super-clubs to the velvet-draped intimacy of Marina Botafoch was a bold move, wait until you see the curation behind the decks.

This season marks a significant shift in philosophy for the house music giant. By taking over the sophisticated, 1930s Shanghai-inspired venue, Defected is trading vast capacity for raw intensity. It’s a statement that the true spirit of house music isn't about the size of the crowd, but the strength of the connection.

A Roster Built for the Floor

Defected has always lived by the mantra "It’s All About House," and the 2026 lineup is a testament to that ethos, tailored specifically for Club Chinois' state-of-the-art sound system. The selection perfectly balances the label’s heavy-hitting residents with underground heroes who know how to work an intimate room.

Leading the charge is the undeniable "First Lady of Defected," Sam Divine. A force of nature behind the decks, she will be commanding the booth for multiple key dates, including the unmissable Opening Party on Thursday, May 7th. Joining her throughout the summer is the tech-house titan Darius Syrossian. His high-octane energy and deep knowledge of the island's club culture are guaranteed to test the limits of the Chinois rig.

"We wanted to bring it back to the music. Chinois allows us to look the crowd in the eye. It’s intimate, it’s intense, and the lineup reflects that raw energy." – Wez Saunders, Defected CEO

The season will also feature the return of groove masters Low Steppa and Melé. Their signature percussive styles and driving basslines are the perfect match for the club's high-energy, sophisticated atmosphere. Expect nights where the boundary between the DJ booth and the dancefloor completely dissolves.

Rising Stars and Heritage Heroes

Defected has always been a platform for the next generation, and the 2026 roster shines a well-deserved spotlight on the new guard. Keep a close watch on Olive F and Paige Tomlinson, who have been tearing up dancefloors across the UK and Europe. Seeing these selectors in such a personal setting is going to be a highlight of the season for true house heads.

On the legends front, the residency ensures the history of the genre is respected. We are thrilled to see special guest appearances scheduled for icons like Dennis Ferrer and Harry Romero. Their presence ensures that while Defected looks to the future, the roots of house remain firmly planted in the soil of Ibiza.

The Chinois Experience: Up Close and Personal

If you haven't stepped foot in Club Chinois yet, prepare for a sensory overload. Forget the distant VIP separation typical of the island's massive open-air venues; here, the DJ booth feels almost within touching distance. The 360-degree immersive wall-to-wall screens, combined with Defected’s signature production, means we are looking at perhaps the most visually stunning residency of the summer.

The vibe? Think "glamorous underground." The dress code is sharp—no shorts, gents, let's keep it classy—and the crowd is there for the music. This residency feels like a return to the roots of clubbing: dark, loud, and sweaty, but wrapped in that undeniable touch of Marina luxury.

See You on the Dancefloor

The residency kicks off on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, and runs weekly through October. With a capacity of just 1,000 people per night, this isn't just another party; it's an exclusive gathering. Tickets are expected to move fast.

Defected is redefining its Ibiza footprint this year. Are you ready to be part of the new era? We'll see you front left.