Hat Hut Records – A New Beginning After 50 Years

The legendary Swiss music label Hat Hut Records, renowned for its groundbreaking releases in contemporary and improvised music, is entering a new era after half a century. The story of one of the most influential independent labels continues – with respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.

Short Story About Hat Hut History

In 1975, Werner X. Uehlinger founded the label Hat Hut Records, after he met his pen pal, the saxophonist and trumpeter Joe McPhee on a business trip to America. The accompanying three-part record cover was lovingly and elaborately designed by the artist Klaus Baumgärtner and the hat has played a central role ever since: Hat Hut was born.

Short Story About Hat Hut History

1975
Hat Hut Records Ltd. founded and owned by Werner X. Uehlinger.
1995
Stefan Fuhrer joins Hat Hut as graphic designer and head of fuhrer vienna.
Since then, he has been responsible for implementing graphic concepts and cover art.
1997
With the introduction of the series hatOLOGY, the Label moved from jewel box to cardboard packaging. Hat Hut Records once more pioneering! The Label have been leading and helping a trend which is taken over more and more. Hat Hut Records is now with the ezz-thetics series in the 26th year presenting the CDs in an ecological packaging.
2017
Hat Hut Records Ltd. sold all as CD existing recordings to Outhere Music in Bruxelles.
2019
Hat Hut Records Ltd. started independently the series „ezz-thetics“. The name „ezz-thetics“ was chosen to honor the exceptional recording of George Russell and the great soli of Eric Dolphy on it. Bernhard „Benne“ Vischer, made the concentrated restart possible with his special support, was elected „Honorary Producer“ which appears on all releases.
2021
Michael Brändli, head of Hardstudios AG in Winterthur is the new Mastering Engineer. Please do not expect a revolution of the familiar Hat Hut sound. The high audio quality of the discs will remain but in addition offering new up to now unknown details to the avid listeners.
2024
Launch of the new series „First Visit“, mainly for archive discoveries. A further extension of this series with special projects may follow.
2025
Fifty Years Hat Hut Records! On first of June Marco von Orelli and Melanie Imhof acquired the company Hat Hut Rec. from Werner X.  Uehlinger. Hat Hut Rec. have a new leadingteam. Marco von Orelli and Melanie Imhof will continue the iconic Label with much reverence and passion. The History of Hat Hut Records gos on.

Would you like to support Hat Hut Records?

Your contribution is highly welcome and will be honored by more upcoming productions like on CD’s and on vinyl (LP’s) by new artists but also from artists which have already been presented. But also to invest in activities like label concerts for hat hut artists on tour.

If you have any questions about label support, we are glad to answer them.
Please contact us: contact@hathut.com

Thank you & kind regards
Marco von Orelli & Melanie Imhof
Hat Hut Records Ltd.

A Look into History of Hat Hut Records – Photo by Ursula Sprecher

Upcoming albums

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