NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- West Coast ​Canadian music group DEFIED is the pairing ​of rapper and producer Vs. (Matthew ​Richer-Miller) with vocalist and music ​producer JJ Watts (Jamie Joong Watts).


In only one year of touring DEFIED has ​played Shambhala Music Festival and the ​FriendShip Cruise and has already shared ​the stage with Souls of Mischief and K-os.


DEFIED’s music is a true genre-bending ​experience, fusing classic melodic ​harmonies with the intensity of dense rap ​verses. Their sound is built on the ​foundation of hip hop and electronic bass ​music, where elements of trap and the ​deep, textured vibes of UK dubstep emerge. ​Tracks like "Beast" and "Wait" showcase ​their ability to seamlessly blend these ​influences, creating their own unique ​sound.


Their production, heavily inspired by ​artists like James Blake, echoes ​experimental beats and ambient textures, ​but DEFIED adds their own twist with ​layered vocals and hard-hitting rhythms. ​Their music effortlessly jumps between ​soulful, melodic sections and high-energy ​electronic drops. These combinations make ​their music accessible to fans of both ​underground bass scenes and more ​mainstream electronic music.


Vs. is a rapper and music producer who is ​known internationally for his group ​Cyphanex with which he opened for almost ​every member of the Wutang Clan.


JJ Watts is a Toronto transplant to BC; ​her professional background is in touring ​musical theatre with a specialty in vocal ​performance. Along with music production ​and composition, JJ is also the creative ​director and editor of the videos that are ​released alongside each DEFIED single and ​creates the original VJ content used in ​their live shows.


Photo by David Hogg

Vs. is Matthew Richer-Miller

vocals, music production, lyrics


JJ Watts is Jamie Joong Watts

vocals, music production, visuals


Photo by Dawn Laing

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up next

kelowna fashion week(end) - July 12th

official after party

SHAMBHALA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024 - PAGODA STAGE

Title: Beast

Artist: DEFIED


NOW STREAMING

live performance highlights

shambhala music festival 2023

metaphoenix art car, burning man 2023

souls of mischief opener, bloom nightclub

k-os opener, bloom nightclub

amf the friendship 2024, miami>>belize

whiteout 2024, the axis club, toronto

kinetic 046, the painted lady, toronto

January 2024 DEFIED is READY TO SHIP -- Check out thefriendship.com

Photos by Gemelya Fillion