"Nomen," says Kompakt Records cofounder and DJ-producer Michael Mayer, "est omen."
Or in other, non-Latin words, one's moniker is a sign of destiny. So while "Kompakt started out," Mayer recently told us, "as a record store in 1993" by the name of Delirium, it was soon relaunched, relabeled, and began "breaking expectations and formulas."
Today, this legendary German electronic music label has issued "more than 400 catalog numbers," the cofounder confirms. So we here at Crossfade felt compelled to ask him to complete the exceedingly difficult task of choosing his five most essential Kompakt Records. And quite genially, Mr. Mayer did.
See also: Michael Mayer on His Legendary Kompakt Label: "Breaking Expectations and Formulas"
1. Closer Musik's "Maria"
"Closer Musik have become sort of a legend. Matias Aguayo and Dirk Leyers's project was rather short-lived but they've created some of Kompakt's golden evergreens."
2. Gas's "Nah und Fern"
"Gas is Wolfgang Voigt, my partner in crime here at Kompakt. His Gas project began in 1996. It's incredible what impact this music still has today."
See also: Miami's 25 Best Electronic Music Acts
3. Jürgen Paape's "So Weit Wie Noch Nie"
"One of the most iconic Kompakt tracks ever, and the starting point for many other German Schlager-inspired releases. It perfectly encapsulates our passion for all things pop and glamour."
4. M. Mayer & Reinhard Voigt's Speicher 2
"This split 12-inch marked the beginning of the Speicher series, our crusade for entertaining techno. As far as my side is concerned, it's amazing what being lovesick can trigger in you."
5. Justus Köhncke's "Timecode"
"I'll never forget the day when Justus handed me this track. I literally listened to it all night long. And I'm still not tired of it. I guess that qualifies it as a classic."
Crossfade's Top Blogs
-South Beach's Ten Best Dance Clubs
Michael Mayer and Danny Daze. With Hardline and Thunderpony. Presented by Link and Miami Rebels. Friday, May 16. Trade Club, 1437 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Doors open at 11 p.m. $15 via residentadvisor.net. Call 305-531-6666 or visit trademia.com.
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