"Horst was the founder of !K7 Records based in Berlin, and took a leap of faith to partner with Republic of Music to handle the labels UK Distribution when I was just starting out in 2007, with two people in the office. Not many people or companies would have taken that chance but Horst must have seen something in me that he believed in and that gave me the confidence and belief that I could make my new venture work. We have worked with Horst and !K7 for the last 18 years and they have helped shape Republic of Music into the company it is today. Horst was a pioneer for both the Punk and Techno scenes, a hard but fair negotiator who taught me a lot about how to run a business and that integrity and kindness meant a lot. Over the years we have had so many fun trips to Berlin, taking Retail buyers and friends to experience the Berlin Nightlife, and Horst always took time out his busy schedule to hang out with us and talk music, even going as far as to driving some of us to Panorama Bar at a super silly time in the morning! Any one of my friends and colleagues who met him could see what a truly nice guy he was and also a champion of Independent labels and music, as well as an early advocate for making the music industry ‘greener'. !K7 Records have released some of my favourite music of all time, handle some of my favourite labels like Strut, International Anthems, Luaka Bop, and have put out some of the best ever DJ mixes via their DJ KiCKS! Releases, which paved the way for many similar copycat compilation series. Horst will be sorely missed and our love and thoughts go out to his family and all the amazing team at !K7 Records at this time. I have lost a good friend and the industry a true legend! May you Rest in Peace xx”

Mark McQuillan