From and for music lovers. Since 1997.
Founded in 1997 by Jazzanova, Sonar Kollektiv began as a platform for their own releases but quickly evolved into a hub for new discoveries and like-minded musicians. From the start, the label never aimed to follow a specific sound or cater to an existing scene. Instead, each of its 600+ releases reflects the ever-evolving taste of the collective—a continuous exploration of past, present, and future sounds.
There’s no other German record label that boasts such an adventurous range of styles: jazz, funk, soul, reggae, folk, electronica, house, techno, and beyond, now also embracing chillwave, lo-fi, alternative R&B, and modern jazz. Throughout its history, Sonar Kollektiv has played a key role in shaping global music culture, offering early platforms to artists like Âme, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Benny Sings. The label was also the launchpad for Eric Wahlforss, who went on to co-found SoundCloud.
Milestones include the Secret Love compilation series, the genre-blurring Computer Incarnations for World Peace, and releases that redefined minimal techno, like Âme’s iconic “Rej” (2005), which paved the way for Innervisions, the world-renowned imprint run by Dixon.
Yet, Sonar Kollektiv has never been just about history. Today, the label remains as vital as ever, championing fresh talent like Modha, Feiertag, Pete Josef, and Jono McCleery, while embracing the new wave of Berlin’s jazz and soul musicians. Dutch producer Feiertag fuses electronic beats with warm organic textures, collaborating with artists to create a forward-thinking blend of house, broken beat, and indie electronica. British singer-songwriter Pete Josef, known for his soulful, intricate songwriting, seamlessly blends jazz and electronic elements, delivering timeless, emotive compositions. Meanwhile, Jono McCleery, with his hauntingly beautiful vocals and deeply expressive songwriting, moves effortlessly between folk, soul, and electronica, making him one of the most distinctive voices on the label. The KBCS continue to refine their signature instrumental soul and jazz, while RAH & The Ruffcats push forward their deep, groove-driven funk. Berlin-based drummer-producer Magro bridges jazz and hip-hop with his innovative compositions, while acts like WAAN and TTeo explore the boundaries between electronic beats, jazz harmonics, and cinematic soundscapes.
With the addition of Best Works Booking into the Sonar Kollektiv structure, the label has strengthened its commitment to artist development, ensuring its music reaches stages worldwide.
At Sonar Kollektiv, there’s room for everything—as long as it’s music made with passion, from and for music lovers..
PEOPLE
CEO & Label Manager
Co-Founder & CEO
Head of Booking
Webshop & Radio Coordinator
Co-Founder
CONTACT US
Sonar Kollektiv GmbH
Kremmener Straße 1
10435 Berlin
Germany
Labelmanager / CEO
Oliver Glage
A&R
Alex Barck / Jazzanova
Jürgen von Knoblauch
Oliver Glage
Accounting / Finances
Oliver Haertel
Edition SK / Fondue Publishing
www.fonduemusic.de
Sonar Kollektiv Bookings Worldwide
Daniel W. Best
+49 30 – 47 37 41 71
Jazzanova Recording Studio
Axel Reinemer
www.jazzanovarecordingstudio.com
Notes On A Journey Records
Reissue Label
www.notesonajourney.com
Oliver Glage
CEO & Label Manager
As CEO and Label Manager of Sonar Kollektiv, he steers the creative and strategic direction of the label with a deep love for genre-crossing music and a sharp eye for emerging talent. With decades of experience in the independent music scene, he oversees everything from A&R and artist development to licensing, publishing, partnerships, and branding—ensuring that Sonar Kollektiv continues to grow without losing its soul.
With a sharp instinct for emotional depth and stylistic contrasts, Oliver curates Sonar Kollektiv’s versatile output, while also shaping its sonic identity. From release planning and international networks to nurturing new talent, his work is guided by vision, respect, and an enduring love for music. Often working behind the scenes—but always with impact—he brings substance over spectacle.
Always listening, always connecting—and usually with a strong coffee in hand.
Jürgen von Knoblauch
Co-Founder & CEO
Jürgen is one of the original minds behind Sonar Kollektiv. As Co-Founder and CEO, he’s been shaping the label’s vision since day one—bringing his passion for eclectic sounds, crate-digging, and DJ culture into everything the label does. A founding member of Jazzanova, Jürgen bridges the worlds of artistry and business with ease, always keeping the soul of the label intact. Whether behind the decks or behind the scenes, he brings deep musical knowledge and a steady hand to the Sonar Kollektiv journey.
Alexander Barck
Co-Founder
Born and raised in East Berlin, Alexander Barck developed an insatiable appetite for music long before the Wall came down. Tuning into forbidden radio stations, reading smuggled magazines, and digging deep into library vinyl collections, he shaped his eclectic ear early on. When Berlin opened up, so did the world—and Alex quickly became a fixture of the city’s legendary club scene, known for DJ sets that seamlessly fused techno, soul, wave, disco, hip hop, folk, and jazz.
As a co-founder of Sonar Kollektiv and Jazzanova, Alex helped lay the foundation for a label rooted in curiosity, open-mindedness, and global musical connection.
Oliver Haertel
Head of Accounting
As Head of Accounting at Sonar Kollektiv, Oliver Haertel keeps the numbers in perfect harmony. But his talents don’t end there: he’s also a gifted mastering engineer, known for bringing depth, warmth, and clarity to countless tracks across genres.
Whether balancing books or sonic frequencies, Oliver blends precision with musicality.
If something sounds a little better than expected, Oliver probably had his hands (and ears) on it.
Hollis P Monroe
Webshop Coordinator & Radio Producer
With roots in Philadelphia and a deep musical history that spans hip hop, house, and breaks, Hollis brings decades of experience and creativity to his role at Sonar Kollektiv. Known for underground classics like I’m Lonely and a discography spanning labels like Ovum, West End, and Defected, he now helps run the Sonar Kollektiv webshop and produces the label’s radio content.
Daniel W. Best
Head of Booking
Rooted in Berlin’s music scene since the mid-90s, Daniel W. Best brings decades of experience to his role as Head of Booking at Sonar Kollektiv. As the founder of Best Works Agency—now part of the Sonar Kollektiv family—Daniel has helped shape the city’s nightlife through iconic residencies at Cookies, Bar Tausend, and events like Kaleideskop, Washing Machine, G.I. Disco, and as co-founder of the XJAZZ! Festival.
A connector, curator, and lifelong DJ, Daniel has worked with artists and institutions across genres and generations. He’s also the mind behind the respected labels Best Seven Records and Best Works Records, and has compiled celebrated compilations ranging from reggae to Polish jazz.
With a deep understanding of live music, club culture, and artist development, Daniel leads Sonar Kollektiv’s booking efforts with precision, creativity, and genuine love for the craft. From intimate jazz clubs to international festivals, Daniel knows what makes a live show unforgettable.
He’s been known to turn any party into a legendary night—and his record collection tells the story.