UMEK (born Uroš Umek, 1976, Ljubljana) is a Slovenian techno DJ and producer who has been active since 1993, making him one of the longest-standing figures in European club music. He founded the influential label 1605 in 2007 and runs it as both a platform for his own releases and a launchpad for emerging techno talent. His sets - hard-edged, industrial-leaning, relentlessly driving - have taken him from Berghain to Tomorrowland, clocking around 100 gigs a year across nearly every continent. He also co-founded the music analytics platform Viberate, applying data science to the business side of the industry.
UMEK announced a 50th birthday event 'UMEK 5.0 (NE)ZDRUŽLJIVO' at Gospodarsko razstavišče in Ljubljana on 23 October 2026, featuring Valentino Kanzyani on the Techno Arena lineup.
UMEK released the single 'Echoes in My Mind' on his label 1605 on 19 December 2025.
UMEK dropped a new track on 1605 in September 2025, continuing a steady release schedule throughout the year.
UMEK released multiple singles in 2025, including 'Machina Motus', 'Waiting for the Rave', 'We Got the Fire', and 'Ivory'.
Since 2018, UMEK has produced eight Beatport #1 tracks and 46 tracks that charted in Beatport's Top 100, with his label 1605 ranking among Beatport's Top 10 labels.
