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Curated Gold: 10 Underground Labels Defining the Sound of 2026

Kono Vidovic February 21, 2026 371 5 5


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As a DJ, curator, and host of Dirty Disco for over 600 episodes, I’ve spent thousands of hours filtering through the noise. People often ask me: “Kono, how do you find that specific ‘Touch of Happiness’ in a sea of generic digital releases?”

The secret isn’t an algorithm. It’s following the visionaries.

In 2026, record labels are more than just distribution hubs; they are the ultimate filters of taste. They represent the “Groove Architecture” I talk about every week. Below, I’ve handpicked ten underground imprints that are currently shaping the landscape of House, Nu-Disco, and Soulful Electronic music. These are the labels I trust when I’m building my sets and my shows.

Razor N Tape

1. Razor-N-Tape (Brooklyn, USA)

The Sound: Sophisticated Disco-Edits & Global Funk. My Take: RNT is a staple in my record bag. What I love about JKriv and the crew is their ability to take organic, global sounds, like the Brazilian magic of Diogo Strausz, and make them work perfectly on a modern dancefloor. They understand that “groove” is a universal language.

apparel music

2. Apparel Music (Italy)

The Sound: “Jazzy-House” with High-Fashion Aesthetics. My Take: I’ve supported Apparel Music for years because they prioritize harmonic depth over cheap thrills. When I play tracks from Fabio Santanna or Bernardo Campos, I know I’m bringing a layer of soul and “class” to the mix. It’s music you don’t just hear; you wear it.

Toy Tonics

3. Toy Tonics (Germany)

The Sound: High-Energy, Funk-Fueled, Indie-Chic. My Take: If you’re looking for that “Touch of Happiness,” Toy Tonics is where you find it. They’ve managed to make the “Indie-Disco” sound feel incredibly fresh in 2026. Their releases have an infectious energy that never fails to lift the mood of a Dirty Disco episode.

beatservice records

4. Beatservice Records (Norway)

The Sound: Atmospheric, Lush, Northern Deep House. My Take: I have a deep connection with the Norwegian sound, especially through artists like Third Attempt. Beatservice proves that Deep House can be cinematic and melodic without losing its drive. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those “deep dives” we take during the show.

de la groove records

5. De La Groove (France)

The Sound: The New Wave of French Filter-Funk. My Take: These guys are masters of the “Groove Architecture.” Their Panorama compilations are essential for any selector. They’ve taken the spirit of the early 2000s French Touch and polished it for the 2026 club scene. Pure, unfiltered soul.

Shall Not Fade Records

6. Shall Not Fade (UK)

The Sound: Raw House, Garage, and Lo-fi Textures. My Take: I’m constantly impressed by their consistency. As a curator, I look for labels that take risks, and Shall Not Fade does exactly that. Whether it’s a gritty warehouse heater or a soulful lo-fi gem, they represent the pulse of the UK underground.

Winding Road Records

7. Winding Road Records (Germany)

The Sound: Pure Craftsmanship and Timeless Arrangements. My Take: Home to the legendary Lovebirds, this label is for the purists. When I’m looking for a track that will still sound good ten years from now, I look here. Their attention to detail in production is something I deeply respect as a host and DJ.

rhytm section international

8. Rhythm Section International (UK)

The Sound: Leftfield, Soulful, and Globally Conscious. My Take: Founded by Bradley Zero, this label is a true tastemaker hub. They aren’t afraid to blend jazz, world music, and house. It’s that “boundary-pushing” spirit that I always try to highlight in my own curation.

Heist Recordings

9. Heist Recordings (Netherlands)

The Sound: Sample-Heavy, MPC-Style “Swing.” My Take: Run by my fellow Dutchmen Dam Swindle, Heist is the benchmark for how house music should feel. It’s all about the swing and the grit. If a track is on Heist, it’s guaranteed to make the dancefloor move instinctively.

public possession

10. Public Possession (Germany)

The Sound: Genre-Fluid, Quirky, and Experimental. My Take: I always say that a good DJ set needs a bit of “weirdness.” Public Possession is my go-to for those unexpected moments. From ambient soundscapes to slow-mo disco, they ignore the rules, and that’s exactly what keep our scene alive.

10 Underground Labels Defining the Sound of 2026

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Ears

As a curator, my mission is to help you escape the loop of the algorithm. These labels are doing the hard work, finding the artists, pressing the vinyl, and protecting the culture. By supporting them, you’re supporting the future of human-led music.

Want to hear these labels in action? Join me on the latest episode of Dirty Disco, where I weave these sounds into a seamless journey of discovery.


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Kono Vidovic
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Kono Vidovic

DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.

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