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.

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.

Musician Marco von Orelli and communications specialist Melanie Imhof have taken the helm and aim to carry forward the remarkable legacy of founder Werner X. Uehlinger, infusing it with fresh ideas and renewed energy. They are joined in this endeavor by Swiss saxophone Pioneer Co Streiff and by long-time companion of the label Christian C. Dalucas.

“I was immediately captivated by the innovative spirit of the catalogue, combined with WXU’s outstanding contributions to the avant-garde scene since 1975. I was also deeply impressed by the clear, almost austere visual language of the cover art. Each release is a collector’s item,” explains Marco von Orelli. And he adds: “Hat Hut stands for independent music and visionary artists – and that’s how it should stay.”

“The music market is changing rapidly, and the way music is consumed today presents an exciting challenge,” von Orelli continues.

The story of one of the most influential independent labels continues – with respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.

For further information, please contact:

Marco von Orelli
Phone : +41 76 332 14 99
Mail: contact@hathut.com

Hat Hut Records Ltd.
4057 Basel, Switzerland

www.hathut.com

Photos by Ursula Sprecher

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 goes on.

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

Would you like to support Hat Hut Records?

Your donation helps fund new releases such as CDs and vinyl records by emerging, established and forgotten artists and supports label concerts.
Help us preserve and share these unique musical voices.

Would you like to support Hat Hut Records?

Your donation is very welcome and will be rewarded with further productions such as CDs and vinyl records (LPs) by new artists, as well as artists who have already been featured.

At the same time, it is important to us to promote Hat Hut artists on tour, for example, by investing in activities such as label concerts.

Reissues are and remain an exciting field. We want to breathe new life into musicians and recordings that have been unjustly forgotten, while at the same time offering listeners a new sound experience thanks to today's innovations in audio technology. We release these in the Revisited series.

If you have any questions about supporting the label, we will be happy to answer them
Please contact us: contact@hathut.com

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