German DJ/producer Michel Baumann, better known under his Soulphiction and Jackmate aliases, has died at age 52 after a long battle with cancer.

Hailing from Stuttgart, Baumann first starting DJing in 1989, and after falling in love with the sounds of Chicago, began spreading house music throughout his native Germany.

Over the next 30 years, Baumann established himself as one of dance music’s most celebrated and varied producer/DJs and live acts. Whether submerging listeners in funk-imbued deep house through his Soulphiction moniker, or with minimal techno and on-the-floor tracks via his Jakemate project, Baumann was as prolific and consistent as they come.

In addition to running his celebrated Philpot Records imprint, Baumann released an extensive catalogue of timeless dance productions that appeared on labels like Kompakt, Pampa Records, Madhouse Records, Poker Flat Recordings, Local Talk, Heist Recordings, and many more. 

To help celebrate Baumann’s life and music,  we’ve created an In Memoriam Beatport chart, and detail five of our favorite of his songs below. You can also donate to the Pampa Records fundraising campaign, which will help support Baumann’s family, by clicking here.

Soulphiction, Missing Linkx – Full Swing (Original Mix) [Philpot Records]

Perfectly demonstrating Baumann’s deep-seated appreciation for jazz and his ability to use jazz arrangements as a blueprint for his toothsome house music productions, the track simultaneously shows his skills as a live musician. Missing Linkx is the name of a live project that Baumann performed and produced under between 2009 – 2012, taking audiences on a wild ride with deep piano grooves and uplifting house vibes.

Soulphiction – U’ll Like It (Original Mix) [Local Talk]

A master of both mood and texture, Baumann’s 2019 album 24/7 Love Affair showcases the studio wizardry of a true soundsmith. The LP’s opening track, “U’ll Like It,” features chunky percussion with shuffling rhythms that form the backbone of the groove, which get fleshed out with wicked bass and funky house vocals that move mind, body, and soul.

Soulphiction – When Radio Was Boss (Jakemate Remix) [Pampa Records]

“When Radio Was Boss” is a tribute to those magical electromagnetic waves that ruled yesteryear. In the gritty Jakemate rework of his original Soulphiction single for Pampa Records, subtle hints of acid and detuned bassline set the tune’s mood of mischief. A pleasantly jarring shout-out from NYC’s defunct WBAU hip hop station interrupts the track before launching back into a jacking and minimal rhodes outro.

Jackmate – Modulation Nightdrive (Original Mix) [18437]

Demonstrating a knack for techno that equally matches his house music reputation, Baumann’s Modulation Nightdrive EP — released in 2020 via his Jackmate alias — is worthy of your record collection. The title track is a mind-expanding, deep techno affair. Remember when techno had funk and made you sweat? Voilà.

Alma Negra – Endless Summer (Soulphiction Remix) [Heist Recordings]

Remixing the Swiss-based funk and afro house outfit Alma Negra for Dam Swindle’s Heist Recordings imprint, Soulphiction adds to the track’s filtered wahwah’s, African chants, and cheery disposition with his expert percussion skills and a punchy bassline. It’s a track that is bound to make your day brighter, so grab this tune, take a stroll outside, smile, and give thanks for the musical mastermind that was Michel Baumann.

Check out Beatport’s ‘In Memorium: Soulphiction’ Chart below.