Manu le Malin has always been a fierce defender of a certain type of hardcore music: uncompromising, dark, industrial sounds that are obviously a catharsis for everyone who dances, screams or nightmares to it, but also a way to howl what freedom is to the world.
From advocating for the rave scene to making it a point of honour to mostly play new releases in his sets, often created by young producers, he’s always cared about how avant-garde and inclusive this scene could – and should – be.

Building a home for these artists and values was the natural next step. Manu has been receiving tracks from unknown and immensely talented artists for years, fueling his DJ-sets and keeping him excited about his scene. So Gildas Rioualen, Astropolis’ boss, whispered to his ear: why won’t you create a label to shine a light on these people? Twenty years after Bloc46, his first imprint, this platform finally takes shape: MKNK – pronounced “mechanic” – will be the home of modern, challenging and open-minded hardcore techno music. 

This time, the lone wolf has decided to work with an entire pack: the Astropolis family who will be the powerhouse behind the project, the man, the myth, the legend Gareth de Wijk (aka DJ Thrasher, head of PRSPCT Recordings) as consigliere mastermind, Triple Vision as distribution experts, Astropolis’ crew visual artist Daff for the biomechanic-inspired label logo, and close friends Aina Semiglia and Shad Bharucha who, respectively, build MKNK’s website and visual identity.

The adventure will start with a double release thought as a gift for the many people who have been supporting Manu for the past thirty years. Dernière Danse Part I & II features iconic and sought-after tracks from Manu le Malin, less-known gems, an unreleased and a remix from Vitalic, all remastered by Scan X and Deathmachine.
Then MKNK will start its mission: being the loud and unapologetic megaphone of a diverse, exciting, hardworking new generation of hardcore artists and old friends whose heart is in the right place – on a dark and untamed dancefloor.