For nearly two decades, Stil vor Talent (style over talent) has stood as a hallmark of musical evolution, artistic freedom, and Berlin’s vibrant electronic music culture.
Founded by Oliver Koletzki and Slawjana Ulrich in 2005, the imprint has nurtured a plethora of artists, many of whom have since become major figures in the global electronic scene. Names like Township Rebellion, Reinier Zonneveld, Klangkuenstler, HVOB, Marlon Hoffstadt, Deer Jade, and David August, are just a few among the many talents linked to the Berlin-based label. Stil vor Talent has not only provided a platform for rising artists, but it’s also delivered an extensive catalog of music spanning organic house, electronica, techno, and even crossover pop moments such as the iconic 2009 hit ‘Hypnotized’.
Stil vor Talent’s expansive roster showcases an ever-diverse array of styles, with a central ethos rooted in artistic freedom. The label’s output, which now exceeds 350 releases, is a blend of single EPs aimed at the dance floor and full-length albums exploring more extensive, layered soundscapes. Recent years have seen highlights like Oliver Koletzki’s tenth studio album ‘Trip to Sanity’, which brought a deeply personal narrative to the forefront, as well as impressive releases from Hidden Empire, HVOB, and Cioz. With its commitment to offering a space for experimentation, Stil vor Talent has developed a reputation for pushing sonic boundaries across genres.
Koletzki’s own creative process reflects the label’s forward-thinking nature. He spends hours sifting through demos sent in by burgeoning producers, with the help of a colleague, who curates a shortlist from roughly 300 submissions each month. Koletzki’s final selections, tested during his tours, result in the release of about three tracks on a monthly basis, and at least one EP twice a month. “In most cases, I know after seconds of listening if it’s a track for my label or not,” he has said before.
Stil vor Talent’s contribution to electronic music extends well beyond the studio. Over the years, the label has brought its diverse roster to countless stages around the globe, becoming a fixture at prestigious events like ADE, Off Sonar, and Burning Man. Their showcases have left a lasting mark on venues such as London’s Steelyard, Tulum’s Mia, and Istanbul’s Klein Phönix. In its Berlin home base, the label regularly transforms unique spaces, such as the industrial backyard on May Day or the idyllic Lindwerder Island, into playgrounds for electronic music lovers. Kreuzberg staples like Ritter Butzke and Sage Beach have also been long-term hosts of Stil vor Talent’s electrifying parties.
Koletzki and his team are known for their unique blend of festival-scale performances and intimate, community-based events. SVT’s Berlin headquarters have hosted intimate gatherings, including mid-week instore sessions and open-air street parties for Fête de la Musique, offering a rare chance for the label to connect with local fans in a more personal setting.
The success of Stil vor Talent is due in large part to its commitment to fostering new talent. Artists like HOVR, Konfusia, and Kotoe represent the next generation of boundary-pushing producers, each adding their own voice to the label’s colorful sonic palette. These newer acts perform alongside longstanding collaborators and scene legends like Madmotormiquel, Kellerkind, and Yetti Meißner, creating a balance between continuity and innovation that keeps the label fresh and relevant.
This collaborative spirit shines through in Stil vor Talent’s annual open-air events and festivals throughout Germany. These gatherings regularly feature heavyweight DJs like Sven Väth, Kölsch, and Andhim, further cementing the label’s reputation as a tastemaker in electronic music.
As Stil vor Talent nears its 20th anniversary in 2025, the label is already planning a series of special releases and global showcases to celebrate. It will be a time to reflect on nearly two decades of creativity while looking ahead to what the future holds for the ever-evolving electronic music landscape. Oliver Koletzki, still leading the charge with boundless energy, remains excited for the years to come. “From the beginning, I wanted to give people the same chance that I’ve had and offer them a platform to release their music. However, the quality of the music is above everything else,” Koletzki has emphasized before.
From humble beginnings in Berlin to worldwide recognition, Stil vor Talent continues to be a force for innovation, quality, and community within electronic music, while fostering style above everything else. With the next generation already making its mark, the label shows no signs of slowing down, looking forward to another 20 years of pushing the envelope of what electronic music can be.
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