Subtrakt v1.0 Mobilee Records Showcase May 20, 2007

mobilee records was launched in 2005 and quickly established itself as one of the brightest new stars in Berlin's glittering galaxy of electronic-music labels, producers and DJs. Founded and owned by Anja Schneider—previously known as a radio host and DJ, now one of the label's most celebrated producers—and by the help of Ralf Kollmann, the label boasts a sound that is at once familiar and new. Based on the timeworn structures of house and techno, mobilee's approach is a triple threat: its records reference vintage dancefloor minimalism, trade ideas with likeminded contemporaries, and suggest surprising new directions for a genre that has weathered both hype and backlash—yet keeps on clicking.

More than any particular stylistic hallmark, surprise is the defining characteristic of mobilee's releases: here, rhythm is a game, and drumbeats and acidic squiggles serve as playing chips, puzzle pieces, rolling dice. Mobilee's palette is broad (and bright: you won't find better sounding records, from deepest sub-bass to the most crystalline highs), but no matter what the sound source—from grinding machines to digital glitches—the groove is paramount. mobilee's dubby, laid-back cuts are as quietly compelling as its anthems are immediate. Strings and rave stabs go somersaulting through the grass; smoky voices throw shadows across the darkest corners of the club. Aspiring to be more than the manufacturer of simple DJ tools, mobilee publishes tracks full of finely turned hooks and hypnotic depths, the stuff of today's charts and tomorrow's classics.

In addition to Anja Schnedier, mobilee artists include the DJ and producer team Pan-Pot, Sebo K, Nhar, GummiHz and Exercise One, alongside remixes and one-off contributions from Daniel Stefanik, Magda, M.I.A., Shyza Minelli, UND, Duplex 100 and Jennifer Cardini & Shonky. Ralf Kollmann is the last piece of the puzzle; while Anja handles A&R and overall label vision, Ralf's job includes label management, strategy and making sure the work of mobilee's artists reaches as many eager ears as possible.

Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/wantedthursdays