Born in Hammersmith, London, Defries' New Zealand media career began at the alternative radio station Channel Z, before going on to host the music jukebox show "Select Live". Defries presented a new New Zealand-based live music show called "Live at Yours". He became a household name among young New Zealanders and saw a rapid rise in popularity. He also made a successful move into radio where he presented a Sunday morning show for the Edge called "Joel's Take Out". He was a former presenter of Vodafone Select Live. Defries decided to return to the UK to take up other opportunities in radio and TV.