Rainer Oleak Joins Klangspot Nu Jazzical: Architect of Sound

Rainer Oleak begins a new collaboration with Klangspot Nu Jazzical.

Klangspot Nu Jazzical is now working with Rainer Oleak, a composer, producer and keyboardist whose career spans analog studio recording, electronic music, film scores and German rock. Often called the “Architect of Sound,” Oleak joins the label for digital music distribution and new instrumental releases.

The agreement brings together Oleak’s work at the “Tonscheune” studio, Dirk Mahlstedt‘s experience in artist management and music business operations, and the label work of Sascha Bauer and Martin Grotzke.

With Rainer Oleak, Klangspot Nu Jazzical expands its catalogue of instrumental music, cinematic compositions, ambient recordings and Nu Jazz releases. The partnership adds an artist with decades of experience in German music production to the label’s current release schedule.

Rainer Oleak joins Klangspot. The “Architect of Sound” (second from left) meets Martin Grotzke, Dirk Mahlstedt and Sascha Bauer at the start of the collaboration.

Rainer Oleak, the “Architect of Sound”

Rainer Oleak has worked across German rock, electronic music, film, television and theatre for decades. His catalogue ranges from song-based productions and synthesizer music to orchestral scores and instrumental compositions. This breadth fits Klangspot Nu Jazzical, whose releases often move between jazz, ambient, modern classical and cinematic music.

What is Rainer Oleak's early work in German music?

Born in Meiningen in 1953, Oleak began as a keyboardist and composer in the East German “Ostrock” scene with Neue Generation and Neumis Rock Circus. He later toured internationally with his band Datzu. Travels to Russia, Cuba and France introduced him to different musical scenes, which informed his writing and production work.

His collaboration with the late Reinhard Lakomy made him known to many listeners as a composer and producer. Together they recorded electronic albums including Zeiten and Das geheime Leben. Listeners interested in analog synthesizer music still return to these records for their layered arrangements, measured pacing and warm electronic sound. Their production remains direct and carefully considered.

The Puhdys and the “Tonscheune”

Oleak was a longtime producer for the Puhdys, one of the best-known rock bands of the GDR. On albums such as Es war schön, Abenteuer, and the acoustic album Puhdys Akustisch, he helped the band develop a cleaner production sound while retaining its straightforward rock character. The balance between detail and immediacy runs through much of his work.

Oleak works at the “Tonscheune“ (Sound Barn) outside Berlin. The studio combines digital production tools with analog recording equipment. There he develops what listeners know as the “Oleak Sound”: clear arrangements, tonal depth and a strong sense of atmosphere. In instrumental music, these details often become part of the composition’s emotional language rather than mere studio decoration.

Film, television and theatre

Oleak has also composed extensively for film and television, with more than 1,000 credits. His screen-music experience shapes the way he builds tension, space and melodic movement in a composition.

• He has written music for German crime series including “Tatort” and “Polizeiruf 110”.

• For 15 years, his scores accompanied the television drama Tierärztin Dr. Mertens, giving the series a consistent musical identity throughout its run.

• Since 2000, Oleak has composed orchestral music for the Störtebeker-Festspiele on Rügen. These outdoor theatre scores support large-scale productions, where music must carry across an open setting and follow the action on stage.

Recent projects include the album Am Wasser with Katrin Sass and production work with Rockhaus. Oleak continues to compose, record and produce new music. His work with Klangspot Nu Jazzical offers new listeners a way to find this catalogue through streaming services and digital platforms.

What is Dirk Mahlstedt's role at Klangspot Nu Jazzical?

This partnership goes beyond digital distribution. Dirk Mahlstedt brings experience in artist management, release planning and music business operations. This work may be less visible than the recording process, but it influences how an album reaches listeners and how its story is communicated.

As Managing Director of KÜNSTLERHAFEN, Mahlstedt works with artists and cultural projects. He previously spent nearly two years as General Manager of Edel:Kultur. His background includes both “E-Musik” (serious or classical music) and “U-Musik” (entertainment music), along with the audiences, media and release channels associated with each field.

Mahlstedt connects Klangspot’s digital distribution work with contacts across the music business. His network includes the De-Phazz / Phazz-a-delic circle and supports releases of Oleak’s music across media formats. That wider perspective is useful for a composer whose work includes albums, television scores and theatre music.

Who is part of the Klangspot Nu Jazzical label team?

Oleak and Mahlstedt are the public faces of this release, while Klangspot Nu Jazzical also relies on the curatorial and creative work of Sascha Bauer and Martin Grotzke. Their role is to place each release within a coherent label catalogue without flattening the differences between artists.

Sascha Bauer: founder, curator and artist

Sascha Bauer founded the platform. As the Founder of Klangspot Recordings, he has developed a label for instrumental music in a streaming-focused market. This involves the music itself as well as the practical question of how listeners discover independent releases online.

• Bauer uses SEO and streaming-platform tools to help listeners find artists such as Oleak among the many digital releases available. Search terms including instrumental music, cinematic music, ambient music and German electronic music can help listeners reach a record they might otherwise miss.

• He also releases music under the names Ryan Shade for House and Nu Disco, and Zazenkai for Ambient and Meditation. His experience as a recording artist informs his work with other musicians, especially when release decisions affect how music is presented.

Martin Grotzke: marketing specialist, curator and artist

Martin Grotzke is the label’s Marketing Specialist. He works on communication around Klangspot Nu Jazzical releases and remains involved in their musical selection.

• Grotzke founded Groundunder Recordings and managed more than 300 Ambient and Lo-Fi releases. His experience helps the label maintain a clear musical direction while allowing individual projects to retain their own character.

• Grotzke is also a musician. This perspective informs his marketing work: he connects an artist’s intentions with listeners rather than treating a release as a product alone. For instrumental music, context and attentive listening can matter more than a quick description.

What does Rainer Oleak's signing mean for Klangspot Nu Jazzical?

Rainer Oleak brings a long history as a composer and producer. Dirk Mahlstedt contributes music industry experience, while Sascha Bauer and Martin Grotzke oversee the label’s curatorial and release work. Each role is distinct, and the collaboration depends on that difference.

Klangspot Nu Jazzical will support cinematic music, instrumental releases and Nu Jazz through digital distribution while remaining close to the musical traditions behind them. Oleak’s first release with the label will show how his background in analog recording, electronic composition and screen music fits within the Nu Jazzical catalogue.

Welcome to Klangspot Nu Jazzical, Rainer Oleak.