Matthias Tanzmann’s influential Leipzig-born label celebrates a quarter century of groove with 25 Years of Moon Harbour. The eight-track compilation features long-time favourites and new school tastemakers alike, with the likes of Cinthie, Steve Bug, Mathias Kaden, Stefano Noferini, Reboot, wAFF, Defex, Luna City Express and the boss himself all contributing.
Founded in 2000 as “a little musical home” for Tanzmann and his friends, Moon Harbour has since evolved into one of Europe’s most respected platforms for deep, tech and house music. “When we started, we didn’t think that far ahead. We just wanted to release our own music. Running the label for 25 years wasn’t something we could envision.”
The new anniversary compilation captures the full arc of Moon Harbour’s journey, uniting both early contributors and newer collaborators. “For the anniversary, we tried to compile new music of artists from the whole timespan of the label’s existence”, Tanzmann explains. “Luna City Express and myself were there from the beginning. Steve Bug and Mathias Kaden have always been in the circle, while wAFF, Stefano Noferini, Defex and Cinthie represent the more recent chapters.” The result is a panoramic view of Moon Harbour’s sound – organic, groove-driven and steeped in deep house and classic tech textures.
Over 25 years, Moon Harbour’s sound has evolved with the times while keeping its rhythmic heart intact. “We come from classic deep house and what was considered tech house back in the days. The sound is organic and very groove-oriented,” says Tanzmann. Despite shifting trends, the label’s identity remains rooted in musicality and flow rather than fleeting fashion.
For Tanzmann, the real reward lies in longevity and legacy: “To still be here after 25 years is a big achievement. We are looking back on a lot of great music by fantastic artists. That is the most rewarding aspect.” Reflecting on the lessons learned, he adds, “Music naturally evolves and trends change. But it also revolves around its own history. Even though there might not be a complete reinvention of dance music, there is always exciting new music coming out.”
Cinthie kicks off with the dusty, sweaty house drive of ’25 Years of Moon Harbour,’ then Mathias Kaden and Matthias Tanzmann drop the silky and cosmic tech house of ‘Hypno Funk,’ wAFF layers up quick rhythms and swirling pads on ‘Jungle’ and Luna City Express bring colour and tech house heat to ‘Be Yourself feat. Aaron Palmer’. Defex & Turnup Tun keep it deep and punchy with their raw, hard-hitting ‘Eat You Alive’ and Stefano Noferini’s ‘Push On’ is a loopy, luminous cut with atmospheric and summery vocals. Reboot’s signature drums are tight and percussive on the supercharged ‘Gave Me’ and Steve Bug and Matthias Tanzmann shut down with the rubbery bass and slinky grooves of warm and intimate house cut ‘Good Time.’
Rather than a pure retrospective, 25 Years of Moon Harbour is a statement of enduring creative spirit built on friendship, groove and authenticity that still lights up dancefloors after a quarter of a century.
