ORCA Remembers Horst Weidenmueller
ORCA and its members are profoundly saddened by the loss of Horst Weidenmueller. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone at !K7 Music.
Horst’s deep love of and commitment to independent music came through in everything he did, from his efforts to create better structures and a more supportive independent music ecosystem, to the individual care he took in supporting and engaging with artists. In our work at ORCA, Horst’s approach to developing solutions to industry issues always started with putting the artist first, and prioritizing the community and cultural value of music.
Horst’s successes are too numerous to name. Starting with the founding of !K7 Music in 1985, Horst incubated a strong and fierce independent music community. Initially focused on techno, under Horst’s leadership, !K7 expanded out to include multiple sub-labels, cultivating recognition and success across a variety of genres, including funk, soul, and world music (Strut Records); neoclassical music (7K!); and jazz (Eternal Source of Light).
Horst enthusiastically led an extensive list of initiatives to improve independent music, including serving on multiple trade associations over the years, and acting as a key catalyst and founder of Merlin.
He was also deeply dedicated to pushing for environmental sustainability in the music industry. Always leading by example, Horst would take the train to attend association board meetings across Europe. As the leader of IMPALA’s Sustainability Task Force, Horst played a pivotal role in the development of the first industry wide sustainability programme and its carbon calculator for labels. This past year he was honored with IMPALA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, acknowledging all that he has done for European independent music and his substantial impact on sustainability in the music industry.
Driven by purpose, principles and love of others, Horst never forgot about the humble beginnings of his label and never lost sight of the future and the importance of making our industry and earth sustainable for all.
As a colleague, Horst was generous and always willing to spend the time to deeply consider how best to support independent music and art.
Horst’s deep love of music will remain a lasting inspiration, and we are committed to continuing the work he dedicated himself to so passionately. He will be missed.