DELSIN
Delsin Records, a brief history
As with so many aspects of independent techno culture since its inception in Detroit, Delsin’s initial reason for existing was little more than a DIY necessity for one machine-fixated music lover. Marsel Van Der Wielen had been experimenting with music production, and wanted to release a tape of his efforts, Publik Draft. Delsin was formed to carry the cassette in 1996, with a follow-up 12″ Audience EP the year after. In the early years, the label took its time releasing music from the underground – now-legendary Dutch mainstays like Newworldaquarium and Aardvarck or cult operators like Dan Curtin (as Plasm Nesonic), Lee Norris (as Norken) and Pub (as Lucky & Easy).
The sound of the label was marked out by these creative decisions from the outset – a yearning, searching strain of techno with plenty of melodic warmth and an inherent understanding of the principles set out by the genre’s innovators – futuristic music that pushed the capabilities of the technology, while still retaining a sensitive humanity. Within this remit, the scope for variation has been vast throughout Delsin’s catalogue. That expansive quality is also helped by the formidable work ethic of the label – from the year 2000 the release rate sharply spiked as they continued to discover exciting new artists who shared their vision for electronic music.
There were nods to the US scene – Aux 88 legend Keith Tucker made an early appearance as Optic Nerve, as did Underground Resistance’s DJ Rolando, Lansing, MI’s John Beltran and overlooked Motor City outfit Strand (featuring Brian Bonds). Feted French electro producer Dynarec, German techno explorer Shed, UK broken beat specialist Nubian Mindz and Lebanese experimentalist Morphosis are but some of the artists from international shores to return for repeat visits to Delsin. But of course the label has also played a vital role in representing the Dutch techno scene too. From Aroy Dee and 154 (an alias for Newworldaquarium’s Jochem Peteri) to Sterac and A Made Up Sound, some of the most engaging artists within the broadly defined field of lowlands electronic music have forged their careers on Delsin.
Withstanding the peaks and troughs of the music industry, not to mention the wax and wane of techno’s popularity, Delsin has maintained a role combing through the electronic milieu and presenting exciting new artists alongside familiar figures. Through shared history and a certain air of authority, it’s also made a home for significant reissues of out-of-print and over-sharked gems from techno’s many-layered history. UK supergroup Repeat (made up of Plaid, Mark Broom and Dave Hill), CiM, Random XS and pioneering Dutch label EevoLute (Wladimir M. and Florence) have all graced Delsin with seminal works given a thoughtful and well-deserved repress. Beyond the main label, offshoots Ann Aimee and Mantis have expanded Delsin’s reach into specific niches. The label’s story continues to evolve with the culture, and responds in kind with the same enthusiasm that gave it a reason to first take shape in the mid 90s.
