Compost Records is a German record label established by Michael Reinboth in 1993. The label is known for progressive downbeat dance and Nu jazz releases incorporating influences of bossa nova, techno, and drum n bass. The Future Sounds of Jazz compilation series helped establish the label early in its history. The majority of artists signed to the label are those known to Reinboth personally, from connections in the German downbeat club scene. The label has resisted licensing its catalog to larger labels, instead it sought to develop roster reputations in-house. Reinboth selected the name "Compost" for his label because it translates well among many languages, and felt it denoted a "catalyst for constitution and reactions".