Interview: CRYME reflects on SEVEN’s first year as a record label

SEVEN marked its first anniversary in November, reaching a milestone that reflects the label’s early activity and presence within the electronic music community.

Over the past year, the label has developed a catalogue of original releases and remixes, establishing a strong footprint among listeners and DJs while building a distinct identity.

In our recent interview with SEVEN co-founder CRYME, the Berlin-based creator shares his perspective on the label’s first year, its development, and the projects that will shape SEVEN going forward…

You just checked the box on SEVEN’s one year anniversary, How does it feel to cross that first major milestone as a label and collective?

It’s really great. And it’s so funny it feels both like it’s gone fast and also like we’ve been doing this forever. I’m loving it, we all are here and it does feel like we’ve done a lot in what is actually not that long when you think about it.

Looking back at the first year of releases, how did the experience compare with the expectations you had when SEVEN launched?

It’s been both more fun and more work than I expected. To be honest I didn’t really know what to expect, I don’t think any of us did. The whole SEVEN team has actually never run or even worked at a label before. Which is quite funny really. I mean we are all in the music business and we’ve been promoters, bookers, and managers, but none of us actually had label experience. So it has been a big adventure and a whole lot of fun with some long days.

Your ‘London Boy Remixes’ EP brought some great edits of your original track, how did you decide on which artists to invite for remixes?

That was quite easy actually, I went straight to the four artists who I knew loved the track and had played it loads in their sets. And by some miracle they all said yes straight away which was a big surprise and wonderful.

I think that made a big difference to their work too and it’s what has made it such a big success; the remixers were already invested in the track, they loved it, and they did it because it was fun for them.

Berlin has been central to SEVEN’s vision. How has the city influenced the label’s sound, community, and direction?

Berlin has had a big influence: When you live here you are surrounded by the most talented DJ’s, producers, and managers. As well as the thousands of music people who live here there are many more who travel and play here regularly so you are literally in the center of underground music. The community runs so deep with record stores, clubs, venues, it makes for a really creative place where you can have a really big network and community around you.

And people really want to be here, our friend Andre Zimmer just moved here from Toronto and Jonny Mojo who runs distribution for us is moving here from Köln in January. So I think it’s made a really big impact, I am so happy that we get to build SEVEN here in Berlin.

We hear you might be planning a record store and community hub down the road, can you share more about what you hope to achieve with this space?

Yes! We’re actually working from the space now and we will open the store in early 2026. Super exciting and, again, a lot of work. I really want it to help us connect with people and deepen our community roots. It’s going to be a really lovely place – Jonny (Mojo, our distribution manager) is building an incredible house music selection for the store and we’re also working with other local collectives like Shockwerk, Layers, and Mitmischen to feature them and their music in the space. I really want it to be a positive space to bring everyone together.

Looking ahead to 2026, what can we expect musically from both CRYME and SEVEN?

From me, I’ve got some great releases coming outside of SEVEN; on Creatures of the Night by Zombies in Miami, Oddysee Records in Amsterdam, and One Records in London. I’m really excited about the tracks we’re doing.

And for SEVEN we have a super exciting year two and actually it’s all planned. I only have one more release to book to close out 2026. You have to work ahead to be organised lol. So expect a wonderful EP from the Brussels based Baka G, debut vinyl from Stef de Haan and Moody Mehran, who are both in Amsterdam; plus our first release with Ackermann which has banging remixes by Cinthie and Deetron. Cinthie is also back with us towards the end of the year as she is curating SEVENVA04 for us which is our first completely FLINTA* VA.

What’s one surprising musical influence for you?

I love a bit of 1920’s swing or jazz!

And one non-music related thing you love to do in Berlin?

I’m a bit of a secret gamer, so if I’m not producing, touring, or working in the office then you can often find me at home on the Playstation.

CRYME – London Boy Remixes are out now on SEVEN.

40 Questions: Ramon Tapia