In techno, few figures loom as large as UMEK. The Slovenian DJ and producer has been a driving force since the early 1990s, carving out a global reputation for relentless energy and precision on the dancefloor. In 2007 he founded 1605, a label that quickly became more than a vehicle for his own productions. Over time it grew into a platform that connected hundreds of artists with audiences worldwide, building a catalog that now stretches past 330 releases and showcases well over 500 producers.
From the beginning, 1605 had a clear mission. “1605 was established as a gateway that would enable young producers (at the time mainly based in Eastern Europe) to reach a global stage. Our mission was to provide a portal for talented young people, who had difficulties cutting through the underdeveloped Eastern European setting and to get their music heard worldwide,” the label explains. While its roster soon expanded far beyond the region, that original ethos of discovery remained a guiding force.
Success, however, brought its own challenges. As the label’s reputation grew, so did the flood of demos. Many were far from the sound 1605 had carefully cultivated, and the sheer volume became unmanageable for a boutique team. Eventually, open submissions had to be paused, with UMEK himself scouting new talent directly. That approach kept quality high but left behind the open-door spirit that defined the label’s early years.