Not only Netlabels discovered the power of free releases to promote their artists, there are also more and more established 'conventional' independent labels that put out free music on a more or less regular basis. One of the them is the US label Tympanik Audio, that has been launched in 2007 by Paul Nielsen. The Chicago based artist collective has been praised for its excellent output of Dark Electronica, Hard IDM, Techno and Post-Industrial, and their back catalogue already contains over 50 fine releases. Tympanik describes itself as "a vehicle to promote innovative new artists in the electronic music subculture", and signed worldwide musicians such as Integral, Access To Arasaka, and Ad·ver·sary.

A great way to explore Tympanik Audio's music are their 'Approach Lights' compilations, the latest one dating back to 2009. While most compilations more or less give you a rollercoaster ride of good and bad material and oftentimes simply fail to develop a central theme that keeps the listeners attention alive over the span of a whole album, Tympanik has done a great job selecting only the finest material of some their best releases of that year. 'Approach Lights 2009' holds not less than 15 amazing tracks, which are connected through their cold, mechanical and innovative, yet hugely emotional sound aesthetics as well as their sharp production. The release covers almost all of the label's preferred genres and speaks to almost everyone who has a heart for top-of-the-edge electronic music.

So if you're ready for some new and amazing names, you shouldn't miss this mighty fine release. I am already eagerly awaiting Tympanik's 2010 sampler.

V/A - Approach Lights 2009 | Tympanik Audio on MySpace | Tympanik Audio's Blog | Tympanik Audio on Facebook | Tympanik Audio on Last.fm