!K7 Music wrote in a statement that Horst Weidenmüller’s “vision, passion, and dedication shaped !K7 since 1985 into what it is today.”
Horst Weidenmüller, a longtime figure in electronic music and the founder of German company !K7 Music, has passed away at age 60.
!K7 Music shared the news of Weidenmüller’s death in a post on LinkedIn without disclosing his specific cause of death. “After a serious illness, Horst Weidenmueller has left us far too soon at the age of 60,” reads the statement. “His vision, passion, and dedication shaped !K7 since 1985 into what it is today, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.”
Weidenmüller famously started !K7 in 1985 after relocating from Black Forest to Berlin. It initially offered music video production services, working with artists like Lydia Lunch, Mudhoney, and Nick Cave.
In 1993, !K7 launched its globally renowned DJ-Kicks mix series, building on its X-Mix albums, which Der Spiegel wrote “gave techno a face” in 2015. DJ-Kicks would go on to platform artists like Kruder & Dorfmeister and C.J. Bolland in its early years, all the way up to Four Tet, Peggy Gou, and HAAi in recent years.
Starting in 1996, !K7 also began to release albums by electronic musicians. Terrence Parker, Honey Dijon, DJ Boring, and SUCHI are among the artists to release full efforts through its label arm.
In December, the Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) recognized Horst Weidenmüller with its Outstanding Contribution award for his “crucial role” in Europe’s independent music sector. In response, Weidenmüller said, “I am touched to receive IMPALA’s award. !K7’s culture and values translates into all of my work, whether it is across music, sustainability, inclusion or digital and beyond.”
We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Horst Weidenmüller during what can only be a difficult time.
