Maria & Thomas - Record Label Owner

 

If you deal with Steeltown Records (STR), you will quickly realize that you cover many disciplines here – fanzine, label, shop, tour service, promoter, etc. Have I forgotten anything? To start with, please tell us a bit about the history of STR and who is behind the whole project.
Thomas: You forgot to mention our textile printing shop, our fanzine archive, and our affiliated club, Steelbruch. STR started 21 years ago without a grand business plan, simply to give small bands a chance to release records. The people behind it are Maria and me (Thomas). Back then, we never imagined that our passion would eventually encompass every aspect of the subcultural music world that can be created through a DIY approach.

Is it an advantage or rather a disadvantage to be so broadly positioned? Did this result from necessity, or is it simply out of love and interest for the music and the scene?
Thomas: It’s pure love - something that has simply emerged and evolved over the years. You can’t put a monetary value on it; in fact, financially, it would likely be a losing proposition. The upside is that, being out here on the fringes of Berlin’s commuter belt, we have plenty of creative freedom and can really keep our focus on the „punk“ ethos.

What criteria do you use to choose the bands you work with? What is important to you, and what are your absolute no-go’s?
Thomas: The personal chemistry has to be right, and there has to be a genuine love for the music driving the band - people who are truly committed, just like us. You’re never going to find quick money or massive fame in this subculture.

Release date: 18th of October, 2026
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/steeltownrecords/