Rush Hour's success story has played a decisive role in shaping today's dance music culture. The label and the shop became a beloved address for a worldwide community of music lovers. Now the Amsterdam institution has just turned 25.

The past 25 years have truly been a memorable journey for Antal, co-founder of Rush Hour (RH), DJ and label owner. The store opened back in 1997 and soon after started its label. With its first release just before the millennium, RH turned into a music institution with a far-reaching influence.

From the very beginning, the crew behind the store believed in this particular kind of music that shifted the way many people are listening to music these days. Surely, the music developed but the approach to it did not change over the past quarter century and so RH has established a name for quality music. This authenticity and dedication to the music, which is rather far away than close to conventionalism and commercial approaches, has led them into a position with a unique selling point.

Recently moved three doors down the road, the communal space of RH is famous for its open-minded music selection not restricted by any boundaries such as generations, continents or cultures. Furthermore, the music label has pushed several talented artists from the local scene as well as from abroad over its lifetime.

The time has seen the likes of Leon Vynehall, Tom Trago, San Proper and Soichi Terada, who released his long-awaited album Asakusa Light (45rpm.ch reported) on the platform earlier this year, developing into underground superstars with a legendary status in the corresponding communities.

Antal and RH celebrate in style as they announced that they will go on a big worldwide tour next year. Additionally, he encourages promoters all over the world to get in contact, if they like the idea of hosting an RH night.

Words by Cédric Kuhn. He is a reporter at UBWG and 45rpm.ch.