After successful careers in the music industry, what inspired you to start your own label, and how did you come up with the name?
Jon: It all began when the three of us—Martin, Mario, and I—were managing two brilliant jazz/soul artists, Lois Levin and Bette Schindler. We quickly realised that if we built a label around them, we could save them a lot of money and give them more control over their careers. Instead of giving away 50% of their record sales, we could keep things in-house, empowering both the artists and our team. Mario, being the lawyer, came up with the name “New Retro Records,” which we all agreed perfectly captured our vision.
Martin: My inspiration stemmed from my experiences with classic genre-based labels like Rough Trade and Two Tone. I believed that labels could—and should—bring fans together. If Lois’s fans discovered Bette and vice versa, we’d be creating something much bigger than just managing two separate acts. It made perfect sense.
Jon: For me, it was really about allowing the artists to keep control of their careers and ensuring they weren’t being shortchanged by the industry. We’d already been managing Lois and Bette for a while, so starting a label felt like a natural progression. It allowed us to focus on their unique sound while providing a solid foundation for their growth. And that’s how New Retro Records was born.
What does each member of the ‘New Retro’ team bring to the table?
Mario: We have a fantastic team dynamic, blending diverse expertise in the music industry. Jon is an exceptional producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter who works closely with artists to perfect their masters, elevating the music we create. Martin has a solid background in live music, sync, and artist management, having worked with an impressive roster of artists. His business acumen adds tremendous value to our operations. My focus is on legal matters, label knowledge, and music catalogues, where I thrive in negotiating deals. Together, our unique strengths create a perfect mix to navigate the complexities of the music business.
Is there a ‘New Retro’ ethos, and if so, how would you describe it?
Martin: Our primary goal is to look after our artists and ensure they have the support they need. Jon constantly emphasises the importance of nurturing them throughout their creative journey. While creativity and talent are crucial, I believe it’s equally important for artists to be passionate about their social media presence to connect with their audience effectively. Mario’s strong focus on building brands and negotiating deals provides a solid launch pad for new artists. Together, we prioritise artist development, helping them grow and succeed in the competitive music landscape.
You’ve already signed two fantastic artists, Lois Levin and Bette Schindler. How did you first discover them, and what stood out to you?
Jon: I first heard Lois’s music through a good friend, and I was so impressed that I reached out immediately. Bette’s story is similar; her songs were played by a colleague who’s a hairdresser in a salon in Amsterdam, and I knew I had to connect with her right away. Both artists have incredible voices and remarkable songs that truly resonate. As a producer, you just know when you know, and with these two, I knew.
When it comes to discovering new talent, do you rely more on traditional methods, social media, or a mix of both?
Martin: We see and hear a great deal of acts. When the right one comes along, you just know—the stars align, and off we go. We’re launching a cover version search shortly. We love a good cover, and both Lois and Bette have recorded some great ones. We encourage acts to post covers in the jazz/soul genre on TikTok or Instagram and tag us at New Retro Records. We’re planning to press a compilation album of the best submissions next year.
New Retro currently focuses on jazz and soul. Do you see the label continuing in this direction, or are you open to evolving into other genres?
Martin: Quality is the key word for us. We want to build a community here. Jazz and soul are our focus for now, but who knows what the future holds?
