Horst Weidenmüller, its CEO and founder !K7 Musichas been recognized with the prestigious IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award for his impressive work in the European independent music sector.
The accolade coincides with the upcoming 40th anniversary of !K7 Music, which Weidenmüller founded in 1985.
At the recent IMPALA board meeting, the organization highlighted Weidenmüller's nearly four-year career and his central role in advancing the independent music industry. !K7 Music started as a music video production company in Berlin before growing into a multi-faceted company known for its innovative DJ-Kicks series, released in 1993, and its catalog of sub-labels such as Strut Records, 7K! and Ever Records.
Beyond the success of his label, Weidenmüller has been a staunch supporter of sustainability and inclusion in the music industry. As a long-time IMPALA board member and founder of the Sustainability Task Force, he spearheaded the development of a custom label carbon calculator in collaboration with Julie's Bicycle, Merlin and Murmur. He also helped create IMPALA's Business Case for Sustainability, emphasizing the financial benefits of environmentally conscious practices.
Under his leadership, !K7 Music has been certified as a B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to high standards of social and environmental responsibility. The company actively supports community initiatives, including a partnership with the Ernst-Reuter-Schule in Berlin, where students learn music production, marketing and distribution.
“Horst is a force of nature, uplifting all those who work with him,” said Helen Smith, IMPALA's Executive President. “His work as vice chairman of the IMPALA board already set an early marker, which was solidified when he established our sustainability task force four years ago.”
Peter Quicke, co-chair of IMPALA's Sustainability Group and CEO of Ninja Tune, added, “Horst doesn't just talk about sustainability. takes action. His pragmatic approach has made !K7 a model for how independent labels can lead by example.”
Expressing his gratitude for the award, Weidenmüller said: “I am thrilled to receive the award from IMPALA. !K7's culture and values translate into all my work, whether it's music, sustainability, inclusion, digital and beyond. My mission with IMPALA is an extension of that, as is securing our status as a certified B-corps business. This is a shared journey that we are on, where the independent sector has highlighted again and again that we are leaders.”
“It's something I'm very proud of. Thanks to all the IMPALA board members!”
