In Conversation – Jon Withnall of New Retro Records
New Retro Records was born from a shared vision to support artists in an evolving music industry. Founders Jon Withnall, Mario Anastasiades, and Martin Tibbetts initially managed emerging artists Lois Levin and Bette Schindler.
Recognising the benefits of creative control and cost-saving measures, the trio transformed their management company into a label. Their diverse skills meshed instantly, creating what Jon describes as a “dream team.” With a commitment to artist autonomy and a fresh approach to navigating today’s music landscape, New Retro Records is set to make its mark.
Liverpool Noise: What inspired the creation of New Retro Records, and how did the three of you come together to form the label?
Jon: New Retro Records came about very organically. We were already a management company, me (Jon Withnall), Mario Anastasiades and Martin Tibbetts looking after our two first signings – turning that management company into a label seemed like the best way to save costs for the artists whilst allowing them to retain creative control and master ownership. In terms of how we all came together, once me and Mario had decided to manage Lois Levin, Mario proposed getting Martin, with his years of experience in the industry managing artists, involved and that was that. We all clicked as a unit straight away and with everyone’s diverse skill sets pulling together it feels like a bit of a dream team. We’ve recently welcomed Charlie Moody to the team as well and it really is a very solid group of great people we now have down at ‘New Retro’.
Liverpool Noise: With Lois Levin and Bette Schindler as your first signings, what stood out to you about their music, and why did you feel they were the perfect artists to launch the label?
Jon: That’s easy! They’re both incredible talents with phenomenal voices and remarkable songwriting skills. Beyond their artistry, they’re genuinely great people, which made them a perfect fit for ‘New Retro’ and our vision. I was introduced to Lois via a good friend several years ago and once I started recording her, I quickly knew we had something special on our hands. Bette, again, was introduced to me through a friend who cuts hair out in Holland, a barber next to him suggested he listen to ‘Bette’ and then passed her stuff over to me and, again, she blew me away!
Liverpool Noise: You’ve mentioned previously that artists are struggling to be heard in today’s music industry. How does New Retro Records aim to address this challenge differently from other labels?
Jon: There’s a misconception that hitting a million streams means you’ve “made it.” While streams are important, traditional gatekeepers like radio, TV, and press still play a vital role in shaping an artist’s success. When these elements are combined with the right live performances, the streams will naturally follow. And let’s face it, you need millions of streams to make any money anyway haha so it’s about building a holistic approach.
Liverpool Noise: Can you tell us more about your decision to keep everything in-house? What benefits does this approach bring to both the label and your artists?
Jon: It’s simple. More control for the artists and a fair deal for them should make for better outcomes.
Liverpool Noise: Lois Levin has already achieved impressive milestones with plays on major radio stations and sold-out shows. What role did New Retro play in helping her reach these achievements?
Jon: Well firstly Lois is ace, and we still believe you need that, but we understand what it takes to get that “ace” quality noticed, and we’ve worked diligently to make sure her music reaches the right ears.
Liverpool Noise: Bette Schindler’s debut EP ‘Woke Up’ is set for release in March 2025. What can audiences expect from this release, and how are you positioning her within the jazz and soul scene?
Jon: It’s early days for Bette, but the response so far has been incredible. Her first two singles have been well received on the airwaves, with playlist spots on Jazz FM in the UK and NPO Jazz & Soul in the Netherlands. We also brought her to the UK for a label showcase at the Notting Hill Jazz Festival. Her latest single, ‘You’re So Beautiful’, has just made it onto the A-list at Jazz FM, and considering it’s only the second single from her debut EP, that’s impressive progress – but as a label we never like to sit still and are always looking forward!
Liverpool Noise: What’s next for New Retro Records, and how can we expect the label to evolve over the next few years?
Jon: We aim to keep our upward trajectory without getting complacent! Making sure every decision we make is in the best interest of the artist and the label. Cool stuff is happening with Lois, Bette and ‘New Retro’ so more of the same really and keep up the momentum! The music industry gets a bad rap but there are some great people around who feel the same way we do about music, artistry and ethical business so hopefully we’ll forge some great relationships and partnerships going forward and can grow the label even more!
Follow @new.retro.records on Instagram for updates and announcements.
