The electronic music world is mourning the loss of Philipp Jung, the German DJ, producer, and co-founder of Get Physical Music and one half of the legendary duo M.A.N.D.Y. He passed away at the age of 55 in Costa Rica, where he had been living in recent years.
News of his passing was confirmed by close friend and longtime collaborator DJ T. (Thomas Koch), who told Berlin radio station 106.8 pure fm: "He was one of my best and longest friends. This hits me hard." Tributes have since poured in from across the dance music community — from Defected Records to Damian Lazarus, Mixmag, and thousands of fans worldwide.
The Birth of M.A.N.D.Y.
Philipp Jung began his career in A&R roles at major labels in the 1990s before joining forces with childhood friend Patrick Bodmer to form M.A.N.D.Y. in 2002. The duo quickly became a defining force in German house music, known for sets that blended deep, melodic house with tough, driving rhythms — a sound that felt equally at home in basement clubs and festival main stages.
Their breakout moment came with "Body Language", a collaboration with Booka Shade that became one of the defining dancefloor anthems of the 2000s. The track earned Get Physical Music the title of DJ Mag's Label of the Year in 2005 and remains a staple in DJ crates worldwide.
Get Physical Music: A Label That Defined an Era
In 2002, Jung co-founded Get Physical Music alongside Patrick Bodmer, DJ T., and Booka Shade. What started as a Berlin-based imprint quickly grew into one of electronic music's most respected labels, championing artists like:
- Damian Lazarus — whose early work on Get Physical launched his Crosstown Rebels empire
- Audiofly — the duo behind some of the label's most memorable releases
- WhoMadeWho — Danish electronic innovators
- Emanuel Satie — modern house maestro
- John Tejada and Kevin Over — techno and house stalwarts
The label's "Body Language" compilation series became legendary in its own right, with early contributions from Dixon, Matthew Dear, and Modeselektor — effectively serving as a time capsule of the golden era of minimal and deep house.
Jung also founded two sister labels: Kindisch, focused on more freeform and experimental sounds, and Metaphysical, dedicated to album-oriented releases.
Grooveline Archive: M.A.N.D.Y. at Rotterdam (2013)
One of the many treasures in the Grooveline Archive is a recording of Philipp Jung performing as M.A.N.D.Y. in Rotterdam on March 24, 2013 — a masterclass in house and techno programming that captures everything that made his sound so special. Track after track, the set moves with purpose and soul, weaving together Get Physical classics with underground gems.
This set is now part of the Grooveline Archive — a growing collection of over 700 recordings spanning 24 years of electronic music history, from Lisbon to Rotterdam and beyond.
A Life in Music
In one of his final public statements — an Instagram post shared in April 2026 — Jung reflected on his 25-year journey in music:
"After 25 years of doing this, I honestly feel like I've only scratched the surface. There's still so much to discover, explore, re-release, and remix. And of course, to find new talent — the next generation stepping up. This is still my life and my greatest passion. Being able to do it with my team back in Berlin and friends from all over the world is pure bliss." — Philipp Jung, April 2026
Earlier this year, Jung curated "Rewind Forward Vol. 1" — a compilation celebrating the label's 25th anniversary that shone a light on special tracks and moments from the Get Physical catalogue. It stands as a fitting final chapter to an extraordinary career.
Remembering His Legacy
Philipp Jung leaves behind a legacy that goes far beyond his own productions. Through Get Physical Music, he helped shape the sound of house music for an entire generation. The label's influence can be heard in countless producers and DJs who cite it as a key inspiration, and its catalog remains a treasure trove of dance music history.
A GoFundMe has been started to support Jung's family. Fans and fellow artists continue to share memories, mixes, and tributes across social media — a testament to the impact he had on everyone who crossed his path.
Rest in peace, Philipp. Your music made us dance, and that never dies.
Sources & Further Reading
- DJ Mag — Philipp Jung, Get Physical Music and M.A.N.D.Y co-founder, dies aged 55
- Resident Advisor — Philipp Jung, cofounder of Get Physical Music and one half of M.A.N.D.Y., dies aged 55
- Pitchfork — Philipp Jung, Co-Founder of Get Physical and M.A.N.D.Y., Has Died
- Musikexpress — Philipp Jung ist tot: M.A.N.D.Y.-Mitgründer in Costa Rica gestorben
- Beatportal — Philipp Jung Reimagines Siopis' Classic 'Really Love Ya' for 2025
Want to explore more legendary sets? Browse 700+ recordings in the Grooveline Archive — free to listen, always preserved.