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Saktu chats a decade of Heisenberg...
What started as a secret underground club inspired by Breaking Bad has evolved into one of the most respected vinyl labels in minimal house. Founded in 2013, Heisenberg emerged from a love for deep, groovy, and timeless electronic music—first as an intimate club space, and later as a record label that would shape the underground scene worldwide.
Over the past decade, Heisenberg has stayed true to its ethos: quality over quantity, authenticity over trends, and a commitment to music that stands the test of time. With over 20 vinyl records, 100+ digital releases, and support from some of the world’s top DJs, the label has cemented itself as a driving force in electronic music.
To mark this milestone, Heisenberg has released X, a special compilation capturing the label’s past, present, and future. From cult-classic releases to fresh new sounds, it’s a true reflection of Heisenberg’s evolution. We sat down with Saktu, the label’s founder, to talk about the journey so far, the defining moments, and what’s next for Heisenberg as it steps into its second decade.
I want to start by asking about the name… is it a Walter White reference? I’m guessing this is something you’re asked a lot…!
Yes, we do get asked this a lot! Back in 2013, Breaking Bad was a huge phenomenon, especially within our community. When we decided to open a small underground club, we wanted it to have the feel of a secret lab—something experimental, unique, and raw. That’s how the name Heisenberg came up, and of course, our logo was inspired by Walter White’s signature product!
Later, when the club closed and I transitioned Heisenberg into a vinyl label, Nils from Decks.de had the brilliant idea to press blue transparent vinyl as another nod to Breaking Bad. It worked perfectly—the first release was repressed over six times and sold out as fast as Heisenberg’s “product”!
You’ve celebrated a decade of Heisenberg this year. How would you describe the journey from a club to a globally respected label?
It’s been an incredible and unexpected journey. When we started Heisenberg as a club, it was all about creating a space with the right atmosphere—intimate, underground, and focused on high-quality music. We didn’t have a grand plan; we just wanted to bring people together around a unique sound.
When the club closed, the idea of continuing as a vinyl label felt like a natural evolution. We carried that same underground energy into our releases, focusing on minimal and micro house, staying true to the aesthetic that made the club special. From our first release—pressed on blue transparent vinyl as a nod to Breaking Bad—to over 20 vinyl records and 100+ digital releases, we’ve built something that resonates worldwide.
The journey has been full of challenges, but also amazing moments—seeing our music played by top artists, hosting showcases in different countries, and growing a loyal community of DJs and collectors. What started as a small local project became a global label, but the mindset hasn’t changed: quality over quantity, supporting true artistry, and keeping the underground spirit alive.
What was the original vision behind Heisenberg, and how has it evolved over the years?
Over the past decade, my vision for Heisenberg has evolved alongside the ever-changing landscape of music. One thing I’ve learned is that trends come and go, but the essence of what makes great music remains timeless. Our goal has always been to stay true to the sound and identity of the label while remaining open to innovation and new ideas.
Music is constantly changing, and we try to strike a balance between understanding current trends without simply following them. This approach ensures that our releases feel fresh and relevant while still retaining the unique Heisenberg touch.
The label has played a huge role in shaping underground electronic music. What do you think sets Heisenberg apart from others in the scene?
I think what makes Heisenberg unique is our ability to stay true to our roots while constantly evolving. From day one, it was never about chasing trends or mass appeal—it was about releasing music with soul, character, and a deep groove. We focus on quality over quantity, carefully curating each release and working with artists who share our vision.
Beyond that, we’ve built a strong global community. Our showcases, collaborations, and artist-driven approach have made Heisenberg more than just a label. We’re not just releasing music; we’re shaping a sound and bringing people together around it. That energy, combined with attention to detail and a genuine love for the music, is what sets us apart.
Looking back, what are some standout moments or milestones for Heisenberg over the past 10 years?
There have been so many incredible moments. Selling thousands of vinyl records over the years has been a huge achievement, especially in today’s digital-driven world. Seeing our releases reach top positions on both vinyl and digital charts time and time again has been another proud milestone—it’s proof that our sound resonates with both DJs and collectors worldwide.
Another major highlight has been the support from key DJs in the underground scene. When you hear your tracks played by some of the most respected artists in the game—whether in intimate club settings or on big festival stages—it’s a surreal feeling. That kind of recognition pushes us to keep raising the bar with every release.
And of course, hosting several Heisenberg showcases at Club der Visionaere in Berlin—one of our favourite clubs in the world. CDV is more than just a venue; it’s a true home for underground music, and every time we’ve brought our artists and community together there, it’s been something truly special.
These moments remind us why we started this journey in the first place—pushing quality music, building a strong underground culture, and sharing unforgettable experiences with like-minded people. And the best part? We’re just getting started.
The 'X' compilation is a celebration of Heisenberg’s past, present, and future. How did you go about selecting the tracks for this milestone release?
As you said, the goal was to represent the past, present, and future of Heisenberg—not just the biggest sellers, though some of them made the cut, but the tracks that truly defined the label’s sound and left a lasting impact.
I wanted to include music that shaped our identity from the beginning, tracks that captured key moments in our journey, and some fresh, forward-thinking cuts that hint at where Heisenberg is headed next. It’s not just a compilation—it’s a time capsule of the label’s evolution, showcasing the artists and sounds that made Heisenberg what it is today.
Your track with Wyro, ‘Kurt On The Klouds’, is the lead single for this release. Can you tell us about the inspiration and creative process behind it?
This track has a funny backstory—it actually started as an original composition, but once we sampled Nirvana, it naturally evolved into more of an edit or tribute to Kurt Cobain. The result is a unique blend of lush textures and hypnotic rhythms that perfectly encapsulates the Heisenberg sound—deep, groovy, and immersive.
The creative process behind Kurt On The Klouds was just as dynamic as the track itself. It was conceived in Phuket, refined in London, and finalised in Barcelona, where Heisenberg now calls home. That journey reflects the international spirit of the label and how music connects different places, people, and influences.
Upcoming tour Dates
30.05 – Macarena Club, Barcelona
12.06 – Collab with El Bassline during Off Week @ 303 Bar, Barcelona
Keep up with Heisenberg
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