Labels as curators: Tresor, Axis, Figure, Klockworks, Token, Mord

Why labels matter

In pop music a label is usually invisible. In techno it's the opposite. A label acts as a curator: it chooses artists and tracks that fit one coherent sound. It has recognisable artwork and catalogue numbers, and its parties present the style live. DJs often buy new releases from their favourite labels without listening first, because they trust the choices.

Tresor and Axis: the foundations

Berlin's Tresor, which has connected Berlin and Detroit since 1991, had its own lesson. In the early 1990s Jeff Mills founded his own label, Axis, and released his most important records there. Both are still running, proof that a label can last for decades if it sticks to its vision.

Figure and Klockworks: Berghain residents

Len Faki, a Berghain resident, founded Figure in 2003, a label that has released over a hundred records of powerful, modern techno. Ben Klock founded Klockworks in 2006: numbered releases and a deep, hypnotic groove. Both show how a DJ can extend their sound beyond the booth by giving a platform to younger producers.

Token and Mord: the new school

Belgian DJ Kr!z founded Token in Ghent in 2007. It releases raw, precise techno by artists such as Ø [Phase] and Inigo Kennedy. Dutchman Bas Mooy founded Mord in Rotterdam in 2013, a dark, hard label. Its name is short for the Polish word "morderstwo", meaning murder.

How to use labels

When you like a track, check where it came out and browse the rest of that label's catalogue. It is the easiest way to discover music without algorithms. Many labels are on Bandcamp, where you pay artists and labels directly. In our news, the label name usually appears in brackets next to a new release.