We caught up with MN2S Label Services client Jon Mavek of Mavek Recordings to hear about the journey his label has taken since it was founded two years ago, as the imprint celebrates their second anniversary.
Congratulations on reaching 2 years. How does it feel?
I feel awesome. These past 2 years have been great. Being able to share my music with the world and help others do the same is a major accomplishment for me. I am thankful for this opportunity and I’m always improving as a producer and label owner. Looking forward to what’s to come in the future.
What does the next year hold for Mavek Recordings?
The New Year is almost upon us and that excites me. What I have planned for Mavek Recordings in 2023 is to release other kinds of music like Tech House and Techno. I like all kinds of genres of music and I would like the label to represent just that. Merchandise to promote the label and the brand is also in the works for 2023.
What inspired you to set up the label in the first place?
After years of producing music and sending it to different labels and not getting a response (most of the time) I felt it was time for me to start my own label. I have many friends that did the very same thing, and it has worked for them, so I decided to give it a shot and I am so glad I did.
How would you describe your musical philosophy and creative vision?
When I was a kid I knew that I wanted to do something with music. I played instruments and later as a teen, I began to DJ. Music is my therapy. It heals all my wounds and washes away any sorrow that may come in my life. My musical philosophy is and has always been to make music that captivates and brings out feelings and emotions. Music that’s inspirational and moving. It’s what I love most about music and I want to continue to contribute to that with my productions and the music on Mavek Recordings.
My musical philosophy has always been to make music that captivates and brings out feelings and emotions
Tell us about your first release – what was special about that one?
The first release that I wanted to showcase as the first on the label under MN2S was a track that means so much to me. In 2019 my grandfather passed away and I wanted to make a track in his honor, to always celebrate his life. The track is called “Baba Ni Orun”. It means father in heaven in the Yoruba language of Nigeria. Due to a delay in the switch over to MN2S it wasn’t the first release. The first release under MN2S was a track called The Love. It is a great tune but “Baba Ni Orun” was my first choice as the first release.
What’s been the highlight of your journey so far as a label head?
The highlight of this journey so far has been meeting and networking with like-minded music lovers with the same passion and goals as me. It’s been an amazing experience talking about music, collaborating on projects and growing as a family. We have built a community because of this love and passion we have and that’s been a great gift as well as sharing my music with the world.
My best advice is not to be afraid and just go for your dreams. Owning and running my own label has been a dream of mine for so long
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
My best advice is not to be afraid and just go for your dreams. Owning and running my own label has been a dream of mine for so long. I am thankful that I did it and didn’t listen to people that tried to talk me out of it.
Also surround yourself with people that want to see you grow, that encourage you and want to see you succeed. Look for a mentor, someone that can teach you the ins and outs of how this whole thing works.