Impala pays tribute to board member Horst Weidenmuller, CEO and founder of !K7 Music and founder of Impala's sustainability task force

12 February 2025 - Press release

The board of IMPALA celebrates the life of Horst Weidenmüller, noting his legacy for the independent music sector as IMPALA board member from 2003 (vice-president until 2011) and board member of Merlin, as well as founder of IMPALA's sustainability task force.

On the eve of !K7's fortieth birthday last year, IMPALA recognised Horst's outstanding contribution to the independent sector as the founder and CEO of his iconic label and as an inspirational leader. !K7 Records was founded in Berlin in 1985 and was renowned for its pioneering DJ-Kicks series, as well as other ventures, expanding to include several sub-labels, such as Strut Records (focusing on funk, soul, and world music), 7K! (for neoclassical releases), and Ever Records (jazz).

With sustainability close to Horst's heart, he founded and chaired IMPALA's sustainability task force, launching the industry's first sector wide programme and the first bespoke carbon calculator for labels, supported by Merlin and Murmur, along with Julie's Bicycle. 

Horst was also active as a member of IMPALA's EDI task force and through its community initiatives such as its project with Ernst-Reuter-Schule in Berlin, strengthening ties between the company and its diverse local community in Wedding, a multicultural district of Berlin with high inequality rates.

Under Horst's leadership, !K7 Music was also recognised for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. This includes certification as a B Corporation, for businesses meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA commented: "Horst had such a positive impact on all who knew him, the "Horst halo effect". We will miss him and will continue his work as he would have wanted. It was an honour to recognise his work with !K7 last year, just ahead of the fortieth anniversary of the iconic label, one of my personal favourites. Horst's contribution at IMPALA on the board and as founder of our sustainability task force four years ago is inspirational. He was instrumental in so many of our successes. Always funny and caring, Horst was a friend and a mentor."

Dario Draštata, Chair of IMPALA and Executive Director of regional association RUNDA Adria added: "Horst's vision was centred around advocating for broader change in the sector whether in relation to digital or as a leader in sustainability or inclusion. When he received our outstanding contribution award last year, he spoke of how we are on a shared journey, where the independent sector underlines time and time again that we are leaders, something he was very proud of. Horst taught us a lot about what being a responsible business means, really cementing the sector's position as a leader. It was an honour to have shared part of this journey with him, we will miss him dearly."

Francesca Trainini, IMPALA's President and Vice President of Italian association PMI continued: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend. Horst was instrumental in shaping our association's mission and values. His relentless commitment to equality and sustainability guided our collective efforts that we will continue in his honor. Over the years, Horst stood with us in every battle, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the independent music community. In recognition of his exceptional efforts, he was honored with IMPALA's Outstanding Contribution Award last year. His absence leaves a profound void, and my thoughts are with his family and all who had the privilege of working alongside him."

Martin Mills, founder of Beggars Group added: "Horst was a key driver of the European independent movement, and globally through Merlin. That he was the last original board member speaks for itself. The initiative to set up Merlin was a huge lift, and his passionate advocacy of the concept was crucial. As a board member, and a very engaged one, his principles always drove his actions, and his advocacy of smaller members' interests was truly influential. As a guiding light of the EMI divestment group which brought so many rights home, he was the personification of the enormous independent wins of the last two decades. As well as which, he created and ran a truly innovative music label. His influence will live on.