Lists
15 of the most influential techno labels of the past decade
These imprints are pushing techno forward
10 Plus 8
Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva have spent the breadth of their extensive career pioneering. They’ve experimented with different musical styles through a range of aliases, and helped invent gear such as the Final Scratch and “performance instrument” mixer PLAYdifferently Model 1. Plus 8, the label founded by the two Canadians, has been fuelled by their desire to constantly evolve. As well as releasing forward-thinking music from the likes of Speedy J and Kenny Larkin in the past 10 years, Plus 8 has also trialled unconventional release methods such as putting out a record as mousemat and t-shirt. And it’s even got deadmau5 to go techno with his Testpilot project.
Vote for Plus 8 in our Label Of The Decade Poll here
11 R&S
With a discography that includes Aphex Twin and Joey Beltram’s timeless ‘Energy Flash’, R&S is one of the most influential imprints of all time. In the last 10 years it’s maintained this impactful form, hosting Paula Temple’s return from the musical wilderness in 2013 and signing up artists who push the boundaries of techno as a genre such as brothers Tessela and MPIA3.
Vote for R&S in our Label Of The Decade Poll here
12 Soma Quality Recordings
Founded by Slam, the Glasgwegian duo’s artist name gives a pretty good description of the records they put out through their Soma Quality Recordings label. It’s a discography of pumping club cuts that star in many of the world’s finest techno selector’s sets when looking for records to send dancefloors into submission.
Vote for Soma Quality Recordings in our Label Of The Decade Poll here
13 Transmat
As one of the Belleville Three techno originators, Derrick May’s influence is etched into the nucleus of the genre. People take notice of any move he makes, and equally all eyes are on his Transmat imprint whenever its cuts a release, with the scene made up of May’s disciples looking to the OG for inspiration.
Vote for Transmat in our Label Of The Decade Poll here
14 Tresor
One of the most recognisable names in dance music. Every release from the revered Tresor camp is an event in the techno calendar, and its quality never falters. Last year alone outings came from genre architect Juan Atkins & Moritz Von Oswald, Porter Ricks, Mike Parker, Mønic, Zadig and a breathtaking mix CD from Objekt.
Vote for Tresor in our Label Of The Decade Poll here
15 Underground Resistance
The formation of Underground Resistance saw the group fire out the blocks with the raw energy of the Detroit streets and make an unshakeable impression in a whirlwind of masked faces, militant aesthetics and ferocious music. The ripples of their impact continue to spread throughout the techno sphere, in part through the label arm that has maintained a mighty release schedule over the past 10 years.
Vote for Underground Resistance in our Label Of The Decade Poll here
Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Staff Writer, follow him on Twitter
