The Berlin-based techno visionary Nene H has officially unveiled details regarding her latest creative endeavor, a new EP titled Seltsame Fabeln. Scheduled for release on October 6 via her independent imprint, UMAY, the project signals a continued exploration of both hard-hitting dancefloor mechanics and the deconstructed, experimental sensibilities that have come to define her recent output. The announcement is accompanied by the release of the EP’s lead single, "War das ein Traum," which is currently available for streaming and purchase via Bandcamp.
Seltsame Fabeln serves as a compact yet potent addition to a rapidly expanding discography. The four-track record begins with two high-intensity techno compositions, "Pferdemädchen" and the aforementioned "War das ein Traum," before transitioning into a more abstract sonic territory. By balancing traditional club-ready percussion with experimental sound design, Nene H continues to push the boundaries of contemporary electronic music, maintaining the momentum she established earlier this year with the release of her album, Second Skin.
A Rapidly Evolving Creative Trajectory
The arrival of Seltsame Fabeln marks yet another milestone in what has been a remarkably prolific period for the Turkish artist. Since her emergence in the global underground scene, Nene H has demonstrated a capacity for consistent output that rarely sacrifices artistic integrity for volume. Her trajectory over the past three years highlights a clear shift from established techno tropes toward a more idiosyncratic, multidisciplinary approach to music production.
The chronology of her recent work paints a picture of an artist in constant motion:
- 2021: The release of her debut full-length album, Ali, established her presence as a formidable force in the Berlin techno scene.
- 2022: The Trifecta EP arrived, showcasing a refinement of her sound and a deepening of her rhythmic complexity.
- 2023: Nene H launched UMAY, an imprint designed not merely to house her own music, but to provide a vital platform for SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African), Muslim, and femme perspectives within the electronic music industry.
- 2024: A year of intense activity, beginning with the release of the mini-album ISSA SCAM and the curation of the significant fundraising compilation, Letters to a Future Palestine, which featured contributions from prominent artists such as rRoxymore, Alinka, and Hassan Abou Alam.
This timeline reflects a strategic move toward self-sufficiency. By operating her own label, Nene H has secured full creative agency over her catalog, ensuring that her music is released under conditions that align with her political and social values.
The Role of UMAY as a Cultural Platform
The founding of the UMAY label in 2023 was a landmark moment in Nene H’s career. In an industry that often struggles with systemic representation, the label was launched with a clear mandate: to champion marginalized voices and provide a safe, equitable space for artists who have historically faced barriers to entry in the European techno circuit.
The label’s ethos is deeply embedded in Nene H’s personal background and her observations of the electronic music landscape. By creating a space that prioritizes SWANA and femme identities, UMAY has effectively challenged the status quo, proving that artistic success and social activism are not mutually exclusive. The label’s output has already begun to cultivate a distinct sonic signature—one that often features a synthesis of cultural heritage and forward-thinking synthesis.
The release of Seltsame Fabeln on UMAY is not just a commercial move; it is a reinforcement of the label’s mission. By keeping her own projects on the imprint, Nene H ensures that the revenue generated from her work directly supports the platform’s operations, enabling the label to continue its work of signing and promoting other artists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Musical Analysis: Bridging Techno and Deconstruction
The stylistic transition evident in the lead single, "War das ein Traum," provides a window into the thematic concerns of the new EP. The track, which follows the heavy-hitting aesthetic of her Second Skin album, retains the driving, relentless percussion that is characteristic of the Berlin sound. However, there is a discernible shift toward a more atmospheric, almost narrative-driven structure.
In the context of the broader EP, this track acts as a bridge. The juxtaposition of "Pferdemädchen" and "War das ein Traum" suggests that the first half of the record is designed for high-pressure club environments. The latter half, characterized by the "deconstructed" elements mentioned in the announcement, implies a pivot toward the introspective. This dual-track approach—balancing the physical demands of the dancefloor with the intellectual stimulation of sound design—is a hallmark of Nene H’s production style.
Observers of the genre have noted that Nene H’s ability to "deconstruct" techno is not an act of rejection, but one of expansion. She utilizes the foundational elements of techno—the 4/4 kick, the polyrhythmic percussion, the industrial textures—as a canvas rather than a cage. By stripping these elements back and reassembling them in unconventional ways, she challenges the listener to engage with the music on a more analytical level.
Impact on the Broader Electronic Music Scene
The influence of Nene H’s work extends beyond the immediate reach of her label. Her efforts in 2024, particularly the Letters to a Future Palestine compilation, demonstrate how electronic music can function as a tool for humanitarian advocacy. By mobilizing a diverse group of artists to contribute to a common cause, she underscored the potential for the underground scene to serve as a hub for political solidarity.
The implication of her sustained output is significant for the industry. As the electronic music sector continues to grapple with issues of sustainability—both in terms of artist livelihood and environmental impact—Nene H’s model of independent label management offers a viable path forward. By maintaining a lean, artist-led operation, she avoids the pitfalls of major label corporate structures, which often prioritize marketability over innovation.
Furthermore, the success of her recent releases, including the critical acclaim for Second Skin, confirms that there is a robust audience for experimental and non-traditional techno. This serves as a validation for other artists working on the fringes of the genre, providing evidence that critical engagement and commercial viability are not necessarily in opposition.
Looking Toward the Future
As the October 6 release date for Seltsame Fabeln approaches, the anticipation within the global electronic community is palpable. For fans of Nene H, this EP represents the next chapter in an increasingly complex and sophisticated body of work. For the industry at large, it is a reminder of the importance of maintaining platforms that value cultural representation as highly as musical quality.
The evolution of Nene H from a rising talent to an established tastemaker and label head is a testament to the power of consistent, intentional work. As she continues to navigate the intersections of identity, politics, and sound, her contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the trajectory of modern electronic music. With Seltsame Fabeln, she invites the listener into a space that is as challenging as it is danceable, proving once again that the most compelling art often resides in the friction between the known and the unknown.
Listeners interested in the evolution of the project are encouraged to follow the official UMAY social media channels and monitor the label’s Bandcamp page for further updates. In an era of digital saturation, Nene H’s focused, deliberate approach to curation and production remains a vital touchstone for the contemporary underground.
