House music giant's first wellness album targets $4.4 trillion market with AjoiA project

Defected Label Group has signed producer Anthony Gorry (Gwen Stefani, Moby, Richard Ashcroft) and M People's Andrew "Shovell" Lovell for their debut album The Essence of Being, marking the dance music powerhouse's first move into the therapeutic music market.

The AjoiA album will be released on Defected's ITH imprint this October, with a three-track EP launching across all digital platforms on July 25th. The signing represents a strategic expansion for the label as the wellness industry reaches a $4.4 trillion global valuation.

"We've built our reputation on music that moves people physically, but AjoiA moves people emotionally and therapeutically," says Wez Saunders, CEO and co-owner of Defected Records. "This isn't just ambient music, it's evidence-based sound therapy that's already being used in clinical settings. We're proud to be one of the first labels to embrace this emerging therapeutic music movement."

The duo's commercial trajectory has been strong since launching in 2021, with installations at WOMAD, Disney Orlando, and three consecutive years at Defected Croatia Festival. Their therapeutic ambient compositions are already being used by therapists and clinicians, positioning the project at the intersection of music and healthcare.

Gorry's 2021 stroke revealed the clinical power of sound in his recovery, while Lovell's transition from M People percussionist to psychotherapeutic counsellor shaped the project's therapeutic approach.

"Each track is intentionally composed to guide your body from a state of stress to a state of rest," Gorry explains. "Modern neuroscience now shows these sounds can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and help with things like anxiety, trauma, and burnout."

AjoiA creates evidence-informed, sound experiences for mental health and nervous system regulation. Their work is backed and informed by the work of leading pioneers in the fields of trauma, somatics, and psychophysiology—including Professor Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score), Dr. Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing), Dr. Gabor Maté (Compassionate Inquiry), and Richard Schwartz (Internal Family Systems), and is already being used by therapists and clinicians in practice.

The signing signals Defected's recognition of changing consumer demands, with mental health awareness at an all-time high and streaming platforms increasingly featuring wellness-focused playlists. The project layers deep percussion, therapeutic frequencies, and carefully crafted soundscapes designed for nervous system regulation.

"This is a first for Defected's wider offering; they've never released anything like this before," notes Lovell. "Music crafted not just for the club, but for the nervous system. They understand that today's audiences are hungry for music that serves a deeper purpose."

"Now, I use AjoiA in my clinic and regularly share it with clients," says Lovell. "This isn't just something to listen to, it's something your body responds to. That's what makes AjoiA different."

The Defected Label Group’s expansion into therapeutic music marks a significant diversification of its catalogue and mission.

The Essence of Being will be available across all major streaming platforms from October 2025, representing an expansion beyond traditional dance music and into wellness and therapeutic markets for the Defected Label Group.