Horst Weidenmüller, the founder of legendary German dance label !K7 Records, has died at the age of 60.
The company confirmed the news on Monday (February 10) in a statement to Billboard. “After a serious illness, Horst Weidenmueller has left us far too soon at the age of 60,” the statement said. “His vision, passion and dedication shaped !K7 since 1985 into what it is today, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.”
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched,” the label added. “We will honour his memory by carrying forward the work and values he instilled in us. !K7 remains committed to continuing his vision with the same passion and integrity that he embodied.”
We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Horst Weidenmüller. Our thoughts go to all at !K7, his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/wH2CAQtQHF
— Warp Records (@WarpRecords) February 11, 2025
Weidenmüller founded the label in Berlin in 1985 after moving to the German capital from the Black Forest at the age of 21. Initially focusing on music video production, it was associated with artists including Nick Cave and Mudhoney, but it was in the ‘90s that !K7 became associated with dance and techno.
They pioneered the X-Mix video and DJ mix series in the early ‘90s, which featured producers such as Laurent Garnier and Richie Hawtin, and then in 1995 the label launched DJ-Kicks, the iconic compilation series.
Early entries in the DJ-Kicks series included Detroit techno legend Carl Craig, trip-hop artists Smith & Mighty and US duo Thievery Corporation. The series continues to this day, with the 83rd and most recent entry being mixed by Steven Julien and being released in November 2024.
!K7 was initially named after the company’s original Berlin address, Kaiserdamm 7, and the company now has bases in New York City and London.
Weidenmüller was recently honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at a ceremony hosted by the Independent Music Companies Association, an organisation where he had served as a board member and president.