Featured Label : Traum Schallplatten

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    Tue, May 2, 2006, 00:10
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  • We talked to Riley Reinhold and Jacqueline Klein about the history of Traum Schallplatten and the new directions the pair are looking to push their family of labels in 2006.
  • Featured Label : Traum Schallplatten image
  • Traum Schallplatten ("Dream Soundplates") is the Cologne-based family of labels run by DJ, producer and music writer, Riley Reinhold (aka Triple R) and Jacqueline Klein. Reinhold and Klein were inspired to start the label after a trip to Buenos Aires organised by the Goethe Institute in 1998 where the pair acted as ambassadors for German electronic music. Although home to five separate imprints loosely organized around Cologne minimalism: Traum, Trapez, Trapez Ltd, My Best Friend (aka MBF) and MBF Ltd, its labels have since parted from the classic minimal excursions of the early nineties and developed their own independent style, while still keeping in close touch with the techno movement. Traum releases are the most complete and personal, with a sound varying from wide-eyed ambience to those fusing trance elements and the sounds of Detroit and early English techno; in Triple R's words, "Trapez stands for clublife, sweat and beats", functioning more as DJ tools; MBF offers a warmer, punchy disco-house sound; the Ltd. offshoots provide chances for wider experimentation with new artists and offbeat material. The first exclusive label signed by Kompakt Distribution, artists who have recorded for Traum Schallplatten include Akufen, Steve Barnes (under numerous aliases for all five labels), Break 3000, Dominik Eulberg, Nathan Fake, Jorge Gebauhr, Oliver Hacke, Adam Kroll, Jeff Samuel, Alex Under, Audio Werner, and an ever-growing roster of newcomers. Traum, Trapez and MBF all have CD compilations mixed by Triple R, and Traum's annual Interkontinental series compiles new tracks by new artists from all over the world. This week sees the release of 'Elektronische Musik Interkontinental 5' and signals another turning point for the label. Featuring new tracks from both core artists and new signings: Lars Wickinger, Kenny Leaven, Linus Quick, Florian Meindl, Ortin Cam, Mashcraft and Gabriel Kogler, the mixed CD compilation and triple vinyl package showcases 'the more dance-crazy side of the label' from artists from corners of the world not usually associated with Cologne-styled minimalism. In the first of RA's new Featured Label series we talked to Riley Reinhold and Jacqueline Klein about the history of Traum Schallplatten and the new directions the pair are looking to push their family of labels in 2006.
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