Kompakt is a record store, an international distributor and record label. Launched in 1998 by Wolfgang Voigt, Jurgen Paape and Michael Mayer, Kompakt soon developed its signature “Cologne Sound” – a mix of minimalism, melody, and melancholy, often with an underlying pop sensibility. Over the past seven years Kompakt’s inherent love of melody and emotion has seen the label embrace such seemingly disparate styles as ambient, minimal techno, tech-house, shuffle-tech, trance, and pop. The creation of sub-labels such as Kompakt Pop and Kompakt Extra hints at the diverse and ever-growing nature of the label. Notorious producers on the label include Superpitcher, Michael Mayer, Justus Köhncke and Jürgen Paape. Artists such as The Orb, Thomas Fehlmann, The Field, Jonas Bering and others have released material on this unique label.