In Cologne, a distinct style has developed at all points of contact with the international music scene. What magazines dubbed the "Sound of Cologne" back in the 90s can largely be attributed to Wolfgang Voigt, alongside Jürgen Paape and Michael Mayer, who are still running Kompakt today. He is into Minimal Techno - sounds for the gentleman rather than for the party crowd. When the three named the store Kompakt in 1998, they also founded the label of the same name. Voigt had previously released his music himself; it almost seems as if Voigt founded a label for every new artist pseudonym he adopted for a time. And eventually, a real roof was needed: Kompakt.
The company specializes in innovative sounds that are meant to polarize. Minimal Techno and Ambient form the core. Later, the creators expand their program: There are abstract-experimental pieces as well as danceable electronics. T. Raumschmiere presents his groovy techno with the "Boltzplatz" EP, ex-Fischmob rapper DJ Koze releases remix albums, and Justus Köhncke, a member of the house trio Whirlpool Productions, even manages to include Schlager techno at Kompakt. Internationally recognized names such as GusGus or The Orb are represented, as well as those who further develop the Sound of Cologne, like Popnoname and The Modernist.
And under their numerous pseudonyms from Supermayer to GAS, the label operators still release music themselves. Voigt is said to occasionally remark that one can age gracefully with techno. The label creators have an overview of the latest trends not only in the office. Since 1998, Michael Mayer, together with Tobias Thomas and Superpitcher, has been organizing the party series "Total Confusion." Initially at Studio 672, and since the end of 2006 at Bogen 2, he can observe every month as a DJ what club-goers enjoy.
Techno nerds and DJs invest their pennies in records that Kompakt distributes for other labels - such as D Records from Detroit, Manual from Rotterdam, or Mule Electronic from Tokyo. This import is not a one-way street: In turn, Kompakt sends musicians to these places for performances and DJ sets, since the company also acts as an artist agency. Something must hold it all together. The musical link and simultaneously the figurehead for Kompakt are the compilations with which the label summarizes the most important releases.
Already the design of the "Total" series shows at a glance: Here comes Cologne's Kompakt sound. Each cover is divided into ten by ten dots, some invisible, some pale, others vivid, most close to the base color, a few in contrast. The label also works with colors in various series: The Freiland releases, for example, are each monochrome blue, red, silver, green, yellow, and black. And of course, they are released on vinyl.
Records are ultimately working materials for DJs who chase the perfect mix. However, more and more laptops are crowding the booth - the software makes it possible. Therefore, Kompakt also maintains an MP3 shop. The characteristic cover aesthetics are of course lost digitally.
