Dekmantel is the Label Of The Year

And there still isn’t, even for the label, despite the fact it has put out almost 25 releases in 2016 alone, including an inaugural Selectors compilation by Motor City Drum Ensemble. That comp accompanies the Croatian festival of the same name, focuses on truly deep-digging DJs and, like all Dekmantel releases, came as part of a fantastic-looking package with fresh art and design.

From the minimalism of Robert Hood to the raw machine music of Matrixxman via the balmy deep house of Palms Trax, who has very much exploded thanks to his association with the label, Dekmantel manages to be expertly eclectic yet uniquely coherent. “Good music is good music,” says A&R Casper. “This isn’t limited to a specific sound or artist’s status.”

Another “very proud” recurring artist, Juju & Jordash’s Jordan Czamanski, says it’s the trust between him and the Dekmantel crew that counts. “It’s crazy they are so huge yet put out pretty non-mainstream stuff. I guess they found the right balance. The press loves them because they put out edgy records and book the best artists. The masses love them because they throw perfect parties, and they treat the patrons like adults” – while retaining the enthusiasm of kids.