Rainer Oleak – The Architect of Sound | A Monumental Signing for Klangspot Nu Jazzical

In the landscape of modern instrumental music, there are moments that signal a shift in the tectonic plates. This is one of them.

We are incredibly proud to announce a partnership that bridges the golden era of analog recording with the future of digital distribution. Rainer Oleak, the legendary “Architect of Sound,” has officially joined the Klangspot Nu Jazzical family.

This signing is more than just a contract; it is a convergence of high-end artistry and strategic vision. It brings together the symphonic grandeur of Oleak’s “Tonscheune” studio, the industry heavyweight status of Dirk Mahlstedt, and the agile, artist-driven infrastructure built by Sascha Bauer and Martin Grotzke.

Here is why the arrival of Rainer Oleak marks a new dawn for our label.

Rainer Oleak joins Klangspot! The “Architect of Sound” (2nd from left) teams up with Martin Grotzke, Dirk Mahlstedt and Sascha Bauer for a new musical chapter.

The Architect of Sound: Rainer Oleak

To understand the significance of this collaboration, one must first appreciate the sheer magnitude of Rainer Oleak’s contribution to the German soundscape. He is not merely a musician; he is an institution.

A Journey Through German Music History

Born in 1953 in Meiningen, Oleak’s career is a roadmap of musical evolution. His roots are deeply embedded in the “Ostrock” tradition, where he first made his mark as a keyboardist and composer for iconic bands like Neue Generation and Neumis Rock Circus. These were not just bands; they were the voice of a generation in East Germany. Later, with his own band Datzu, he toured internationally, absorbing influences from Russia to Cuba and France, expanding his sonic palette long before globalization became a buzzword.

However, it was his partnership with the late Reinhard Lakomy that truly established him as a “sound-shaper.” Together, they produced electronic masterpieces like Zeiten and Das geheime Leben. These albums remain cult classics, revered by synthesizer enthusiasts for their warm, analog textures and complex arrangements.

The Puhdys & The “Tonscheune” Legacy

Perhaps his most visible legacy is his work as the longtime producer for the Puhdys, the most successful rock band in GDR history. Oleak didn’t just record them; he revitalized them. Through albums like Es war schön, Abenteuer, and the stripped-back Puhdys Akustisch, he gave the rock legends a modern, polished sound that retained their gritty soul.

All of this magic happens in the “Tonscheune“ (Sound Barn). Located just outside Berlin, this studio is Oleak’s sanctuary. It is a place where digital precision meets analog warmth, a facility world-renowned for its acoustic perfection. It is here that Oleak crafts the “Oleak Sound”—a sonic signature defined by clarity, depth, and emotional resonance.

The Cinematic Master

Beyond the rock stages, Oleak is a titan of film and television scoring. With over 1,000 credits to his name, he has soundtracked the lives of millions.

• Prime Time Tension: He is a regular composer for Germany’s most beloved crime series, “Tatort” and “Polizeiruf 110”, mastering the art of musical suspense.

• Emotional Storytelling: For 15 years, his scores underpinned the drama of Tierärztin Dr. Mertens.

• The Epic Scale: Since 2000, Oleak has composed the sweeping orchestral scores for the Störtebeker-Festspiele on the island of Rügen. These are not simple background tracks; they are majestic, Hollywood-scale symphonies that accompany Europe’s most successful open-air theater events.

His recent work, including the album Am Wasser with Katrin Sass and the production of Rockhaus, proves that his creative energy is as vibrant as ever.

The Strategist: Dirk Mahlstedt

A signing of this caliber requires a strategic framework that goes beyond standard music distribution. This is where Dirk Mahlstedt plays a pivotal role.

As the Managing Director of KÜNSTLERHAFEN, Mahlstedt brings a wealth of high-level industry experience to the table. His background is formidable: for nearly two years, he served as the General Manager of Edel:Kultur, overseeing one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural music divisions. He understands the delicate balance between “E-Musik” (serious/classical) and “U-Musik” (entertainment), and more importantly, how to market sophisticated music to a discerning audience.

Mahlstedt’s role in this partnership is to open doors. He connects the digital agility of Klangspot with the traditional power of the established music industry. His network—which includes key players like the De-Phazz / Phazz-a-delic universe—ensures that Rainer Oleak’s new works will receive the attention they deserve across all media formats.

The Foundation: The Team in the Background

While Oleak and Mahlstedt stand in the spotlight of this new release, the engine that powers the Klangspot Nu Jazzical platform is driven by two dedicated curators and creators who work tirelessly in the background.

Sascha Bauer: Founder, Curator & Artist

Sascha Bauer is the architect of the platform itself. As the Founder of Klangspot Recordings, he has built an ecosystem designed to give instrumental music a fighting chance in the algorithmic age.

• The Curator: Bauer has a deep understanding of SEO and streaming dynamics. He ensures that the complex, high-quality music produced by artists like Oleak is actually found by listeners in a sea of millions of tracks.

• The Artist: Bauer is not just an executive; he is a creator. Under the aliases Ryan Shade (House/Nu Disco) and Zazenkai (Ambient/Meditation), he actively releases music. This dual perspective allows him to run the label with a genuine “artist-first” mentality. He knows the vulnerability of releasing art because he does it himself.

Martin Grotzke: Marketing Specialist, Curator & Artist

Completing the team is Martin Grotzke, who serves as the label’s Marketing Specialist.

• The Curator: Grotzke brings a refined ear to the label, drawing on his experience founding Groundunder Recordings, where he managed over 300 releases in the niche genres of Ambient and Lo-Fi. He is responsible for maintaining the sonic identity and “vibe” of the label.

• The Artist: Like Bauer, Grotzke is a musician at heart. This intrinsic understanding of the creative process informs his marketing strategies. He doesn’t just “push units”; he tells stories and builds bridges between the artist’s vision and the listener’s ear.

A New Era for Nu Jazzical

The combination of Rainer Oleak’s world-class composition, Dirk Mahlstedt’s strategic industry power, and the curated platform built by Sascha Bauer and Martin Grotzke creates a perfect storm.

We are moving beyond simple music distribution. We are creating a home for cinematic, instrumental, and Nu Jazz music that respects the past while embracing the digital future. The “Architect of Sound” has arrived, and the blueprint for our next chapter is more exciting than ever.

Welcome to the family, Rainer Oleak.