Label of the Year: Unoiki

When taking on something as vast as picking a favorite label of the year, one has to not only consider content and artist roster, but also the label as a whole and how it is unified as one. With this simple yet specific idea in mind, no other label project defines this idea as does the Unoiki collective. With the original notion being organized by native Berliner, Dr. Nojoke, the whole idea behind the Unoiki project unfolded when artists of all mediums came together for a single purpose: to redefine the way the listener perceives music and distribution.

At first glance, Unoiki's Calendar Album is similar to a netlabel, with free monthly releases of a new song by a new musician. The collective aims to bring together all mediums of art under one music project, and the effort is not lost. With the same passion that tags along with a free music label, the collective presents a visual snippet of each release that compliments the mood of each artist rather well. Unlike most netlabels, each monthly song is part of the tangible calendar album that is available with beautifully designed artwork in two sensible packages. The Limited Edition calendar album set comes with unique, handmade packaging and includes both a CD and the ability to download the album in multiple file formats.

A Deluxe Box set is also available, which features full artwork for each song, one original hand drawing by label artist Jonathan Mangelinchx, and special black packaging unique to the box set. While both CD packages contain the same premise for music enjoyment, they are both still just a portion of how Unoiki has fashioned its platform.

In April of this year, Unoiki embarked on its second compilation project. The UNdefinition compilation was presented with the same ideas of presentation as the Calendar Album, giving talented electronic musicians an opportunity to create a combined piece of timeless art. Musicians from all over the world submitted their unique takes on electronic music, both maintaining individual freedom and defining unity.


[UI001] Various Artists - UNdefinition compilation - ltd to 100 copies!
by UNOIKI

Due up next from Unoiki as far as music releases are concerned, the Evaluation Compilation will see the light of day in January of 2011.

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Unoiki's involvement with other mediums of creation seems to be the most intriguing aspect of the young label, tough. When browsing through the label's website, a communal sense of artistic direction seems to resonate boldly. Through existing projects and future collaboration endeavors, Unoiki reaches out to the common person who realizes the creative potential that lies within his or her own mind. The Silence Project calls to the individual interested to submit an idea in any form that relates to the idea of "silence", opening an almost endless realm of possibilities. Another featured idea centers around a strictly improvisational audio/visual team, comprised of Unoiki members Dr Nojoke and J-Lab, as well as Servando Barreiro. Their first performance took place at the 2009 netaudio showcase, whereas audio was compiled from field recordings and visuals were born from stills along the route of the former Berlin Wall. While such a political involvement in a musical setting is certainly no easy feat to accomplish, the TRIoon collective gives light to the nature of this idea.

The Calendar Album saw a full exhibition for its release, which featured the prominent display of each track's artwork. An installation of works is still being shown at the notated address in Berlin, something not seen very often with music label releases. This type of artistic involvement from all angles, from music to influenced structures, is gives new light and meaning to the word "label".

With this involvement of multiple artforms inside a music label, it was no doubt that Unoiki has captured my interest since its inception.

Artists:

Andrés Marcos (CH)

Choenyi (USA)

Christian Epple (GER)

Dr.Nojoke (GER)

Horror Vacui

Humeka (FR)

J-Lab (UK)

Jonathan Mangelinckx (BE)

Keinzweiter (GER)

Marianne Klausen (GER)

MRZ (CH)

Storlon (CH)

Sven Laux (GER)

Sul.a (CA)

Ten and Tracer (USA)

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You can check out more pictures of the Unoiki release party here

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