“Running a label and a festival are very different endeavors, but they complement each other well,” says Olf van Elden (AKA Interstellar Funk), who currently oversees Dekmantel Records. “Dekmantel is more than just a label, so we can conceive projects that go beyond releasing music. Together with the artists, we can plan how to translate a release into a stage performance or special live show.”

This multifaceted nature has been the cornerstone of Dekmantel’s enduring success. Before becoming a globally renowned music festival, it began in 2007 as a series of humble club nights in Amsterdam, co-founded by Thomas Martojo and Casper Tielrooij. The aim was to bring Detroit’s influence to the city, with artists like Robert Hood and Moodymann being amongst some of the events’ earliest guests. In 2009, Dekmantel Records was launched with the release of an EP by duo Juju & Jordash, and fifteen years later, continues to release all manner of innovative club sounds, from house to experimental techno, by the likes of upsammy, Robert Hood, and Palms Trax. 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Van Elden, who began running the label last year, has been involved with Dekmantel as an entity since the very beginning, initially as a visitor, then as the DJ and producer Interstellar Funk. “Over the years, I'd performed at most of the festivals and parties, and had released several records through them, so it felt natural to be more involved with the label as well,” he says.

For this month’s edition, interviewed van Elden, who discusses the processes behind how Dekmantel releases its records, and the relationships it builds along the way. As Dekmantel Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, van Elden also outlines what audiences can expect from the event, from workshops and panel discussions, to a large anniversary box set.

As ever, van Elden created a mix featuring new and current label releases, as well as some tracks from its forthcoming 10th anniversary compilation.

 

  

Can you talk about the history and origins of Dekmantel Records?

Olf van Elden: The label started in 2009 with a few releases by Juju & Jordash. At that time, Juju & Jordash were still very unknown, and Dekmantel released their music on vinyl for the very first time. Back then, Dekmantel only organized club nights in Amsterdam, so releasing music was a natural next step.

If you could describe the sound of the Dekmantel Records in a sentence, what would it be?

Olf van Elden: Dekmantel represents innovative club music in all its forms and shapes, whether it's house, techno, or the darker and more experimental sides of the spectrum.

Dekmantel’s catalog features EPs, albums, and compilations from a world of artists like upsammy, Bufiman, Parris Smith, and Sam Goku, to name but a few. What are the criteria for working with an artist on a Dekmantel release?

Olf van Elden: We are always searching for new talents and interesting names. This could be a rising star of the scene like Identified Patient, or well-known artists like Robert Hood and Luke Slater. It's about balancing fresh names with established legends. We aim to work with new talents to build their profiles and develop long-term projects, but we are also very interested in collaborating with seasoned artists on new albums.

 

 

 

   

"Dekmantel represents innovative club music in all its forms and shapes, whether it's house, techno, or the darker and more experimental sides of the spectrum."

How involved are you with the development of the artists you work with?