K7 was founded in 1985 in Berlin by Horst Weidenmueller. The earliest incarnation of the company focused on video production, working with leading independent artists including Nick Cave, Mudhoney and...
K7 was founded in 1985 in Berlin by Horst Weidenmueller. The earliest incarnation of the company focused on video production, working with leading independent artists including Nick Cave, Mudhoney and Einstürzende Neubauten. Video collaborations with pioneers of the emerging early '90s electronic music scene spawned the first commercially marketed DJ mix album series, 'X-Mix'​, which included contributions from luminaries such as Richie Hawtin, Laurent Garnier and more. !K7 then launched the seminal 'DJ-Kicks'​ mix album brand in 1993. Nearly 40 albums strong, it remains one of the most respected and prestigious DJ mix compilation series worldwide and has featured mixes by many of the leading players in contemporary electronic music including Carl Craig, Apparat, Daddy Gee, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Kode9 and Wolf & Lamb. !K7 began releasing artist albums in 1996, and has since been responsible for an array of progressive projects from across the electronic music spectrum. Key acts have included Tosca, Boozoo Bajou, Bomb The Bass and Herbert. Recent signings include Brandt Brauer Frick and New Look. And When Saints Go Machine From 2001, !K7 broadened its musical range with the incorporation of leading specialist labels Strut, Gold Dust, Rapster and Ever. With each label focusing on its own niche within the independent musical landscape, the !K7 Label Group has released new music from artists as varied as Pete Rock, Roy Ayers, Mulatu Astatke, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Creole and Lee Hazlewood. The company also introduced distribution services to its portfolio in 2001 Current label partners using !K7's Label services include BBE, Republic of Music, Crosstown Rebels, Ghostly, Sonar Collective and Lo! Recordings.