Here's a little story that must be told as this one resembles the good old pre-internet days of the music industry when upcoming artists actually were honing their skills in the studio and sending out demos to record labels to get signed. And although it doesn't happen too often these days anymore this approach still can pay off, especially as this is the way Pazkal ended up to be signed on Formatik Records with his first single „Younger Days“.

Coming on strong with a quite infectious groove and catchy main motif the young Swiss producer gets a pretty sweet TechHouse vibe going in the original version of „Younger Days“ whilst tweaking on some Latin drums and cowbells that provide a foundation for a hefty portion of Soul as well as some massive sweeps for big room audiences.

Next up we see Mr. Alec Troniq on remix duties bringing on a more techy and hollow vibe, focusing on the lower mid-range of the sonic spectrum and stripping things down a little. Adding up some clonky, muscular percussive elements and slightly aggressive distortion to his version he finds a very special way to blend in the epic vocal bits into a heaving Techno peaktime vibe for all those DJ's willing to surprise their crowds every now and then.  

Finally we've got Tobi Kramer providing his version of „Younger Days“ which stays closer to the original TechHouse vibe and carefully adds a few new elements like a new, epic synth melody, massive breakdowns and - sic! - heavy snarerolls for maximum dancefloor impact whenever this one is played out on a large P.A.. Sometimes it's the small changes that have a massive effect.

FMKdigi031 1 Pazkal YoungerDays

Established in 2009 by Berlin-based DJs and producers Jakob Hildenbrand and Franziskus Sell, known, praised and recognized by fans and followers of electronic club music under their conjunctional moniker Format B, Formatik Records was initially installed as a homebase for the pairs own productions.

After their so-called Motor Funk-sound, a forward thinking take on pumping, straightforward, high octane electronic music represented both by releases on labels like Highgrade Records or Stil For Talent as well as an endless string of captivating live sets, had caught the attention of clubbers and media alike the pair felt the need to create a platform of their own that would grant them full creative freedom as well as unlimited quality control for a fertile and fecund future.      

Whilst taking care of the A& R side of things Format B teamed up with electronic music veteran Hawks Grunert on management duties, setting up an imprint that soon gained massive traction, became one of the major forces on the global club circuit and quickly grew way beyond the teams initial plannings and intentions.
 
With its core sound being defined by the powerful Motor Funk / Tech-Funk production of its founders Formatik Records soon became home and mothership for a vast array of likeminded producers and friends whose single releases are still rocking dancefloors all over the place.

Spreading the labels trademark sound further and catering towards the needs of an ever growing fanbase the label soon expanded and started to set up Formatik Records club nights and showcases all over Europe back in 2014, selling out  shows and leaving punters in awe whereever these nights are taking place.

Aside from carving out an in demand niche as club promoters the Formatik Records crew also started to take care of their artists bookings with their very own booking agency Formatik Booking which was subsequently renamed, restructured and relaunched in 2017 under the name of VIVID Artists which is now successfully handling things bookingwise for a good portion of the labels roster plus a carefully picked selection of other aspiring as well as well established artists and performers.

In addition to these musings the ever busy Formatik Records team established a second, rapidly growing musical outlet in 2017. Embracing a broader musical spectrum than its Motor Funk-oriented mothership, the freshly founded label FMK+ provides a home for a new generation of producers covering a wide range of electronic club music incorporating a musical spectrum including all things House, ElectroHouse, TechHouse, Techno and beyond. With more than 10 red hot releases within the first year the new FMK+ branch has received much love amongst DJ's and from an international dancefloor crowd and quickly turned out to be a launchpad for fresh, upcoming talent from all over the globe.

Branching out even further Formatik Records launched an additional subdivision in early 2018 – FormatikSounds. Focusing on the ever growing demand for high quality samples and grooves this specific and one of a kind label provides exclusive sample packs for DJ's and producers alike, starting operations with Format:B's “TechHouse Signature Cuts”, an acclaimed release which sees the upfront production team unveiling some of their best kept secrets soundwise, catering to the needs of every creator of contemporary club sounds of today.

Dark, dirty, technical & tight. My love for electronic music stems way back to the 90s and as long as I feel that a tune truly has all of the above then I feel I need to share it with the world. 