Melodic techno has seen an enormous surge in popularity, and has quickly come to be a centerpiece at shows and festivals. It stands out as a genre that combines intricate rhythms with emotional depth, creating a unique auditory experience that captivates listeners and dancers alike. Furthering this genre’s evolution and widespread appeal, record labels play a crucial role in shaping its direction and fostering its growth. They are more than just platforms for releasing music; they are the custodians of sound, curating collections of tracks that define and push the boundaries of melodic techno.
This guide delves into some up and coming record labels, as well as a handful of well-established ones. With a brief background and overview of notable artists, there is also a demo submission email or portal link included for each one.
Additionally, we’ll provide some tips for preparing and submitting your music, as well as good practices for interactions with labels and A&R representatives. By mastering these elements, you’ll be better positioned to make a powerful impression and harness the full potential of your music within a dynamic and competitive dubstep scene.
UP AND COMING LABELS:
Experts Only was founded by DJ and producer John Summit in 2020, as a way for him to maintain creative control over his work, and his vision of blending styles and genres together. Due to this and John’s quick rise to stardom, the label quickly garnered attention for its high-quality releases and its focus on showcasing both established and emerging artists who push the boundaries of house music.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their portal HERE.
ROSE AVENUE
Rose Avenue, founded by Australian trio RÜFÜS DU SOL, started as a necessity–a way for the group to release their music in North America. It quickly emerged as a testament to their commitment to nurturing and expanding the boundaries of electronic music. The label is a testament to the group’s desire to create a platform that reflects their artistic vision and supports like-minded artists who share a passion for blending emotive melodies with innovative soundscapes.
The label not only provides a space for RÜFÜS DU SOL to release their own music but also serves as a launchpad for emerging talent. Through its carefully curated roster, Rose Avenue continues to contribute to the evolution of electronic music, resonating with fans who crave both depth and originality in their listening experiences.
Notable artists include:
Rose Avenue can be contacted via their website HERE.
ZAMNA RECORDS
Zamna Records, founded in 2023, stemmed from the renowned Zamna Festival. It specializes in the vibrant and immersive sounds of techno and its subgenres and has quickly made a name for itself by curating a diverse roster of innovative artists and producers.
Zamna Records is known for its distinctive sound, which often combines melodic techno with hints of progressive and ambient influences, creating a unique auditory experience. Through its releases and events, the label continues to shape the techno landscape.
Notable artists include:
Zamna Records can be reached at info@zmaagency.com.
UPPERGROUND RECORDS
Established in 2019, Upperground Records was founded by the renowned Ukrainian techno duo ARTBAT, and emerged as a vital platform for exploring and expanding the boundaries of electronic music. Upperground Records quickly gained recognition for its distinct approach, characterized by a blend of driving rhythms, emotive melodies, and cutting-edge production techniques.
Its growing roster and influential output continue to shape the techno landscape, resonating with a global audience that seeks both depth and originality in their musical experiences.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email at [email protected].
CERCLE RECORDS
Established in 2020, Cercle Records is a subsidiary of livestreaming and events company, Cercle. As Cercle gained popularity in the live space, it was a natural progression for them to start a label imprint and to actually release tracks themselves, all of which are featured on the Cercle channel, which boasts over 3 million YouTube followers.
While the channel itself is not solely focused on techno, with its live events hosting artists such as Disclosure, Gorgon City, and Above & Beyond, the label imprint focuses almost exclusively on techno and other melodic house subgenres. With highly curated releases, and an expansive reach with their social media, Cercle Records is sure to spotlight any artist who releases with them.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email at [email protected].
When Stars Align is a record label founded by CamelPhat, the acclaimed British DJ and production duo known for their impactful contributions to the electronic music scene. Launched in 2021, the label reflects CamelPhat’s vision of creating a platform for innovative and boundary-pushing music. With a focus on house and techno genres, When Stars Align aims to showcase both established and emerging talent, fostering a diverse and forward-thinking musical landscape. The label has quickly become recognized for its high-quality releases and its ability to capture the evolving sounds of modern dance music.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted with Soundcloud links via email at [email protected].
DIYNAMIC MUSIC
Diynamic Music is an independent record label founded in 2006 by the German DJ and producer Solomun, alongside his partner Adriano Trolio. Based in Hamburg, the label is known for its deep, emotive house and techno sounds. Diynamic Music has gained a reputation for its high-quality releases and its distinctive blend of melodic and rhythmic elements. It has become a prominent name in the electronic music scene, consistently showcasing innovative artists and fostering a strong sense of community within the genre.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be sent via email to [email protected].
Interstellar Recordings is a record label imprint under the Insomniac Records umbrella. Founded in 2023, Interstellar Recordings focuses on showcasing a diverse range of electronic music styles, focusing on melodic house and techno. The imprint is yet another in the Insomniac roster of labels that provides a platform for both emerging and established artists to explore innovative and cutting-edge sounds. With Insomniac’s strong industry presence and event-driven approach, Interstellar Recordings has quickly made its mark in the EDM community.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted through the Insomniac portal HERE.
Simulate Recordings is a record label founded by the British DJ and producer Massano. Established to serve as a platform for Massano’s own music and that of like-minded artists, the label focuses on melodic techno, deep, and progressive house, as well as other electronic music styles that emphasize atmospheric and emotive elements.
Launched with a vision of fostering a unique and evolving sound, along with futuristic visuals, Simulate Recordings aims to highlight innovative productions and cultivate a distinct musical identity within the electronic music scene.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email at [email protected].
Established in 2016, Siamese Records is a record label known for its focus on melodic techno and electronic music that blends deep, emotive soundscapes with rhythmic complexity. Siamese Records has gained a reputation for its high-quality releases and its commitment to showcasing innovative and forward-thinking artists. The label’s aesthetic emphasizes a harmonious fusion of melodic elements with a robust, driving beat, reflecting the founders’ distinctive musical vision.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be sent via email to [email protected].
ESTABLISHED LABELS:
AFTERLIFE RECORDS
Afterlife Records was started in 2016 by duo Tale Of Us. It very quickly became a mainstay in the techno genre, and remains one of the largest and most popular labels not only in the genre, but in all of electronic music. Afterlife has been dedicated to curating a distinctive sonic journey, characterized by its deep, atmospheric soundscapes and intricate rhythmic textures. The label’s commitment to quality and creativity has not only shaped the careers of numerous talented artists but has also set a new standard within the genre.
Notable artists:
Demos can be submitted via email at [email protected].
Founded in 1996 by the influential Swedish DJ and producer Adam Beyer, Drumcode Records has established itself as one of the most prominent labels in the techno scene. Renowned for its dedication to driving, high-energy techno, Drumcode has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre’s modern sound. The label is celebrated for its signature style, which combines powerful beats with intricate, rhythmic textures and deep, resonant basslines. Drumcode’s releases consistently feature a blend of established techno luminaries and emerging talents, making it a go-to platform for high-quality, forward-thinking electronic music.
Over the years, Drumcode Records has built a reputation for its meticulously curated catalog and its influential role in the techno community. Its regular releases, artist showcases, and iconic events have cemented the label’s status as a key player in the global techno movement.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their portal HERE.
Embassy One is a record label founded in 2001, and operates out of Berlin, Germany. The label focuses on electronic music, with an emphasis on house, techno, and related genres. Embassy One is known for its commitment to high-quality production and its role in fostering both established and emerging talent within the electronic music scene. The label’s releases often feature a blend of innovative sounds and deep grooves, contributing to its reputation as a significant player in the electronic music industry.
Notable artists include:
TIPS & TRICKS
When preparing your music for release and submission to a record label, having a thorough checklist can ensure you present your work in the best possible light. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready:
