!K7 Records founder Horst Weidenmüller has died aged 60

The founder of !K7 Records Horst Weidenmüller has died aged 60.

!K7 confirmed the news via a post on Linkedin last week (February 10) writing: "After a serious illness, Horst Weidenmueller has left us far too soon at the age of 60."

"His vision, passion, and dedication shaped !K7 since 1985 into what it is today, and his legacy will continue to inspire us," the statement continues. "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."

"Rest in peace, Horst / Mick. You will be greatly missed. We kindly ask you to respect his family’s privacy at this time," the statement concludes.

Weidenmüller established !K7 in 1985, named after the company's former headquarters in Kaiserdamm 7, Berlin. Following its famed 3LUX video series, and later X-Mix — which combined DJ mixes with early computer-generated graphics and launched DJ mixes on MTV.

!K7 launched its long-running DJ-Kicks series in 1995, which went on to become one of the most influential mix album series in electronic music, with Kemistry & Storm, Four Tet, Kode9, Moodymann, Peggy Gou, Disclosure, John Talabot and more contributing to the series across its 28-year history.

In 1996, !K7 transitioned into a fully-fledged imprint, releasing music from Red Axes, Tosca, Seth Troxler, AKASE and Bloc Party — alongside several critically acclaimed compilations. Weidenmüller went on to acquire UK-based Italo and Afrobeat label Strut in 2008, which he relaunched under the !K7 umbrella.

Alongside his role within !K7, Weidenmüller was an advocate for independent music, serving on the board of directors of the Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) and licensing organisation the Merlin Network until his death.

You can read !K7's full tribute to Horst Weidenmüller, here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter