How did you come to do what you do? When did the first idea of creating the label came out?
We started DJing and buying our first records back in 2000 – from the very beginning, we were fascinated by vinyl. At some point, it just felt natural to take the next step. The idea of starting our own label had been on our minds for a long time – but we wanted to wait until it really felt right. It had to happen organically, not be forced.
Some statistics, since the label was created , how many releases, how many vinyls and how many packages/parcels have you made/send?
We started seriously thinking about it in 2013, and two years later – in 2015 – we released our very first vinyl on Tooman Records.
As of June 2025, we’ve put out 13 releases – mostly limited editions of 200 to 300 copies. Not all of them are sold out, but we’re really happy that we’re still selling our very first record to this day.
When people discover a new release, they often pick up some of the older ones too – it’s always great to see that. While we also release music digitally, our focus is clearly on the physical format.
From which country do most of your buyers come from?
Most of our buyers come from Germany and the UK, followed by other European countries, the US, and Canada. Japan is also an important market for us. It’s great to see our sound connecting with people around the world.
What is the release of which you are most proud of?
Every track, every EP, every release tells its own story and marks a special moment in our journey as a label. Some releases have gained a lot of attention, while others have quietly made their way through the scene as hidden gems. But all of them carry our signature: carefully selected and passionately curated.
For us, each release is more than just music – it’s a feeling, a statement, a piece of Tooman. That’s why we’re not just proud of individual successes, but of every step we’ve taken together with our artists, friends, and listeners.
We’re especially proud of our collaboration with the talented collage artist Niels Kalk, whom we’ve known and been fans of for many years. His artwork graces the labels of our 11th and 12th releases, giving the records a unique visual identity. His visual language fits our sound perfectly and makes these two records stand out, visually as well as musically.
Are you a Music Producer or DJ?
Both. We’ve been behind the decks for over 25 years and also produce our own music. One influences the other: as DJs, we’ve developed a strong sense of what works on the dancefloor — which also helps when producing and curating our releases.
Much of what we create comes intuitively, straight from the gut. In the end, it’s not about making grand statements, but about making music we really feel — music that can move others.
Which distribution channels do you use?
We distribute our releases through Word and Sound — a long-time partner who supports us with everything related to distribution, release planning, and logistics. Thanks to them, our records reach relevant vinyl and online stores worldwide — both physically and digitally.
In addition, we supply some record shops in Berlin directly. This saves on transport, keeps us flexible with restocks or spontaneous promotions — and provides us with valuable, direct feedback from the scene.
What impact does streaming with spotify have on the economic situation of an indie label?
Streaming on Spotify has actually brought us more advantages than disadvantages. It helps us reach new people and makes it much easier to spread our music. For us, streaming is primarily a great marketing tool to get noticed.
However, our main target audience is DJs and record collectors who, besides streaming, still love to buy physical vinyl. In this way, digital streams and vinyl sales complement each other nicely — keeping us connected to the people who truly appreciate our music.
When you look for new music to sign what are some key elements and factors you are looking for, aside from it being a great track obviously?
For us, it’s not just about quality but, above all, authenticity. We look for artists with their own unique sound — something that stands out from the crowd without feeling forced. The track should have a warm, organic atmosphere, evoke emotion, and fit well with our label’s aesthetic.
Over the years, we’ve also realized how important the personal aspect is: now, we look at both the music and the artist’s profile — we prefer working with authentic, positive people we truly connect with on a human level.
How would you describe the style and vision of your Label?
Our motto is “House Music with a Deep Passion” — and that’s exactly what we’re about. A warm, deep sound with soul that doesn’t just work, but truly touches people.
Stylistically, it’s somewhere between Deep House, House, and anything that sounds honest. Our focus is on music with feeling — timeless, not chasing short-lived trends — organic, personal, and real.
On top of that, we work in a vinyl pressing plant ourselves, which means our releases are almost completely DIY, from pressing to packaging.
For producers out there sending in their demos via emails, what are some tips you would give them on professionally sending in their track to you?
A short email with a few sentences about yourself is more than enough — who you are, what you do, and why you think your sound fits with us. No CVs, no novels.
One important thing: please don’t send single tracks. We mostly release 4-track EPs, so we need at least 5–6 finished pieces to choose from. This helps us curate better and see if it works as a complete package.
Please send your music as private SoundCloud links, and ideally include everything directly in the email — no unnecessary detours.
We listen to everything. When the email is personal and clear, it’s obvious that someone has really taken the time to understand the label. And when the music fits and the overall package matches, that’s what Tooman is all about.
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