Rune Reilly Kölsch, known professionally as Kölsch, is a Danish electronic music producer and DJ renowned for his emotive take on techno and house. Born in Copenhagen in 1977 to a German father and an Irish mother, Kölsch’s multicultural upbringing profoundly influenced his expansive musical vision. He first achieved success under the alias Rune RK, notably for the 2003 hit single "Calabria," before adopting the Kölsch moniker to explore deeper, more melodic soundscapes.
Kölsch’s discography is distinguished by a trilogy of autobiographically inspired albums—**“1977” (2013), “1983” (2015), and “1989” (2017)**—released on the iconic Cologne label Kompakt. Each album reflects a period of his life, blending soaring melodies, introspective atmospheres, and dynamic rhythms that speak to universal themes of nostalgia, identity, and personal journey. His critically acclaimed singles, including “Der Alte,” “Loreley,” “Opa,” and “Grey,” showcase a unique style that bridges the dancefloor and the emotional core, with lush instrumentation and cinematic elements.
A fixture on the global club and festival circuit, Kölsch has played celebrated sets at venues such as Fabric (London), Berghain (Berlin), and events including Tomorrowland and Awakenings. His iconic performances from atop the Eiffel Tower and for the BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix further cemented his place as a visionary in contemporary electronic music. Beyond his original productions, Kölsch’s remix work for artists such as Coldplay, Tiga, Flume, and Imogen Heap has continued to earn him respect across genres.
With a signature sound that blends minimalism, melody, and an unmistakable sense of longing, Kölsch remains a pioneering figure, constantly pushing the boundaries of what techno and house music can express.
Techno - DeepHouse - ProgressiveHouse - MelodicTechno - MinimalTechno - Electronic - House - TechHouse