Horst Weidenmüller, the CEO and founder of !K7 Music, has been recognized with the prestigious IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award for his impactful work in the European independent music sector.

The accolade coincides with the upcoming 40th anniversary of !K7 Music, which Weidenmüller established in 1985.

At IMPALA’s recent board meeting, the organization highlighted Weidenmüller’s near four-decade career and pivotal role in advancing the independent music industry. !K7 Music began as a music video production company in Berlin before evolving into a multifaceted label known for its groundbreaking DJ-Kicks series, launched in 1993, and its roster of sub-labels such as Strut Records, 7K!, and Ever Records.

Beyond his label’s success, Weidenmüller has been a staunch advocate for sustainability and inclusion in the music industry. As a long-time IMPALA board member and the founder of its Sustainability Task Force, he spearheaded the development of a bespoke carbon calculator for labels, in partnership with Julie’s Bicycle, Merlin, and Murmur. He also helped establish 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 collaboration with Ernst-Reuter-Schule in Berlin, where students learn music production, marketing, and distribution.

“Horst is a force of nature, lifting all those that work with him,” said Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA. “His work as vice-president of the IMPALA board already set down an early marker, which was cemented when he founded our sustainability task force four years ago.”

Peter Quicke, co-chair of IMPALA’s Sustainability Task Force and managing director of Ninja Tune, added, “Horst doesn’t just talk about sustainability; he takes action. His pragmatic approach has made !K7 a model for how independent labels can lead by example.”

Expressing gratitude for the award, Weidenmüller said: “I am touched to receive IMPALA’s award. !K7’s culture and values translates into all of my work, whether it is across music, sustainability, inclusion or 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 we are on, where the independent sector underlines time and time again that we are leaders.”

“That is something I am super proud of. Thanks to all the IMPALA board members!”