Buy/stream: https://KompaktRecords.lnk.to/PopAmbient2020SD

20 years of Pop Ambient. Already? One didn’t notice. It’s an anniversary which comes quietly. An anniversary with quiet tones. In the spirit of the special restraint of pop-elegance, it has no reason to drawn attention to itself with a big „Tam-Tam“. Or better: „Bum-Bum“. The bass drum stays outside. Nevertheless, in fast-paced, overstimulated times of moving forward, it’s a joyful occasion to look back. What strikes most by putting or listening to 20 years of pop ambient in a row is the central theme that holds together the dense aesthetic concept like the pearls of a necklace. Floral beauty for digital naturalists. Music like flowers, that don’t wilt. Timeless. Ageless.
But with all of the conceptual unity and resolution, Pop Ambient would not be Kompakt without the break, the friction, the expansion of musical boundaries in between tradition and innovation, in between conspiracy and the openness of the discourse. Aestheticism, escapism, acting in the spirit of „nevertheless“. Swans drifting by, clouds pass over, everything is floating and: „Boredom is a stylistic device“ (Andy Warhol).

Pop Ambient Music is medicine against illnesses, that you don’t even suffer from. It’s giving everything, demanding nothing. Musical lotus leafs, off which the virtual wastewater of our time is rolling like the reality is dripping off the matrix. 

In this sense, we’re happy about the pop-ambient anniversary greetings from new and old companions like Thore Pfeiffer, Max Würden, Yui Onodera, Jörg Burger, Thomas Fehlmann, Morgen Wurde, Leandro Fresco aswell as contributions from T.Raumschmiere, Andrew Thomas and, after a long break, from friends from early days like Joachim Spieth, Markus Guentner und Klimek.

Pop Ambient 2020 is released digital, as CD and of course as a chic double vinyl. Also included in the package: The whole distinctive cover-series as an art book of 44 pages. And for all of the old and young fans and collectors there is the Pop Ambient 2001 in a overhauled original version out on vinyl for the very first time.

  Breath in. Breath out. Thank you.  

Wolfgang Voigt, September 2019.

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Markus Guentner - Clade

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Cerebral crtx. An Ambient techno music producer and DJ. Focuses on the sounds of the world to discover something that was never heard before. He expresses himself in various ways. To develope music that was never listened to before. 

He is here with us now. Find out what lies ahead to seek the truth within a journey of yourself.


the furrowed outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum of the brain, associated with the higher brain functions, as voluntary movement, coordination of sensory information, learning and memory, and the expression of individuality. 


a cerebral sound is cerebral music that leaves many people cold.

Label, booking agency & online record shop

Demo submission: 
We receive a lot of demos every day. Please understand that we are unable to listen to everything. Send your private soundcloud link to: label@kompakt.fm.

Joachim Spieth’s musical career spans more than two decades, during which he has played many roles: DJ, producer, live performer, and founder of the esteemed Affin record label. His work is defined by an exceptional attention to detail and a keen sensitivity to creating immersive atmospheres, qualities that are evident whether in his studio productions or live performances.

In the early stages of his career, Spieth made notable strides through collaborations with Wolfgang Voigt’s Kompakt label. His contributions to the renowned Pop Ambient series, as well as a track featured on The Orb’s Back To Mine compilation, helped solidify his reputation within the ambient music scene.

A defining moment in Spieth’s career came in 2007 with the founding of his own label, Affin. Under his leadership, Affin has evolved into a respected international platform that brings together like-minded artists and fosters creative collaboration. Working closely with ambient artist Markus Guentner, Spieth has established a dynamic partnership that extends beyond music, with Guentner also contributing his artistic vision to the label’s visual identity.

Spieth’s discography showcases remarkable versatility, earning him recognition from both critics and fans. In addition to albums like Irradiance, Terrain, Overlay, and Retrace, his work has been reinterpreted by esteemed artists such as alva noto, Pole, Abul Mogard, Rafael Anton Irisarri, Dino Sabatini, Luigi Tozzi, and Claudio PRC. Through his Textures series, Spieth has also created a sound library that further emphasizes his commitment to sonic exploration and experimentation.

As a DJ, Joachim Spieth has performed in over 30 countries, sharing his musical vision with audiences worldwide. In recent years, he has developed a live ambient program, which has been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Up To Date (Białystok), Mostra (Barcelona), and the Ambientalny Festival (Wrocław).