Interview with Umek: Running a Data-Driven Techno Label, Getting Signed to Drumcode & the Evolution of Techno
Published: 15 August 2024
Watch the Full Interview Here:
Key Takeaways from Our Interview with Umek
1. How 1605 Became a Data-Driven Techno Label
Umek co-owns Vibrate, a data analytics platform for music.
While music quality is still #1, he also checks artists’ social media activity before signing them.
Why? In today’s market, artists must promote their own music to be successful.
Advice for producers: If you have even 3,000 followers, engage with them—labels want artists who push their own releases.
2. Ageism in Techno: Why Pioneers Deserve More Recognition
Umek, now 48 years old, still headlines top clubs and festivals worldwide.
Biggest issue? Older DJs who helped shape techno aren’t getting the gigs they deserve.
His take: If we’re celebrating every new DJ today, we should also honor the legends who built the scene.
3. The 10+ Year Journey to Signing on Drumcode
First met Adam Beyer in 1997 and sent his first demo in 1999.
Got rejected multiple times over the years.
Finally, after sending over 10 demos, Drumcode signed his track “Machine”—more than two decades later.
Lesson for producers: Be patient—getting signed to a major label takes time.
4. Why Changing His Sound Was a Mistake
Shifted to house, tech-house sounds at one point.
Now believes sticking to one genre builds long-term respect.
Advice for new DJs: Stay consistent with your core sound to maintain credibility.
5. Is Techno Becoming Too Mainstream?
Umek’s perspective: Growth is always good.
Even if you don’t like the current fast-paced techno trend, it will evolve.
Why this is exciting? The young crowd getting into techno now will explore deeper genres in a few years—leading to a stronger, more diverse scene.
6. Why DJs Are Struggling with Rapid Genre Shifts
In the past, techno subgenres lasted years (e.g., tribal techno era with Jeff Mills, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin).
Now, trends shift every 6-12 months, making it hard for DJs to stay relevant.
Many artists feel burnt out, pressured, and confused about what direction to take.
His take: It’s natural to experiment, but fans will eventually separate into distinct subgenres.