Werner B.

Essen's minimal techno purveyor and Subios Records co-founder 🎛️🔊

Werner B. (real name Werner Bäcker) is a German DJ, producer, and label owner based in Essen, in the Ruhrpott area of western Germany. He is best known as the co-founder and A&R manager of Subios Records, which he established in 2016 alongside TiM TASTE and Earl Grau. The label has become a respected platform for minimal and peak-time techno, featuring both established artists and emerging talents from the underground scene.​

Werner B.'s production style blends crisp, driving minimal techno with peak-time energy—described by the artist himself as “Knusprig, cremig, wollig” (crunchy, creamy, woolly), with the “B” standing for Bäcker (baker). His sound ranges from smooth and groovy to hard-hitting techno, earning him a reputation as a versatile producer within Germany's electronic music community.​

Since launching Subios Records, Werner B. has released prolifically across multiple labels including Vision Serpent, KOSMOS, Notion Records, ZODEM, Alula Tunes, Friendly Critters, Soupherb Records, and Crypt Music. He frequently collaborates with Earl Grau, with whom he has produced numerous releases including the popular tracks “Interview,” “Wait and Beat,” “Passage,” and “Noisique”.​

Werner B. has performed at notable venues throughout Germany, including regular appearances at the iconic Goethebunker in Essen. According to Viberate, he has also played at renowned techno institutions such as Berghain and Tresor in Berlin, as well as major festivals including Time Warp and Awakenings. His performances are known for their immersive soundscapes, seamless mixing, and ability to maintain energy throughout extended sets.​

As a label boss and A&R, Werner B. continues to champion the minimal techno sound from the Ruhrgebiet, releasing compilation series such as “7 Years of Subios” and “Best of 2024” that showcase the depth of talent on his roster.​

'2025' – Illusion (Earl Grau, Werner B. Remix) – Notion Records

'2025' – Interview EP – Vision Serpent

'2025' – Wait and Beat – KOSMOS

'2024' – Queendom – Subios Records

'2024' – Love and Exstasy – Notion Records

'2024' – After Eight – Subios Records

'2024' – Revolver Ocelot – ZODEM

'2024' – Fire (with Artur Achziger) – Alula Tunes

'2024' – Best of 2024 (VA compilation) – Subios Records

'2024' – Noisique – Friendly Critters

'2024' – Toxique – Soupherb Records

'2024' – Passage – Subios Records

'2024' – Synth Cicada – Subios Records

'2024' – Spectrique – Crypt Music

'2024' – Blizzard – Subios Records

'2023' – 7 Years of Subios (VA compilation) – Subios Records

'2023' – Metrique – Subios Records

'2022' – Made in Fronx – Subios Records

'2022' – Harzer Käse – AKASHA MX

'2021' – The Explorer I V.A (VA compilation) – POINTZER0 Rec

Goethebunker (Essen, Germany) – Regular resident and Subios Records showcases​

Berghain (Berlin, Germany)​

Tresor (Berlin, Germany)​

Time Warp Festival​

Awakenings Festival​

Subios Records Showcase at Goethebunker – May 2025

Werner B. often collaborates with Earl Grau, forming one of the most consistent production duos within the Subios Records roster. The label's tagline “Your local minimal dealer” reflects the tongue-in-cheek humor and community-focused approach that Werner B. brings to the scene. Subios Records hosts the SUB-Cast series, a collection of dark minimal DJ sets available on SoundCloud.​