As Mavek Recordings celebrates five years of releasing soul-infused house music, label head Jonathan Brito marks another milestone: re-signing with MN2S Label Services, the team that supported his very first release.
Since launching in 2020, the New York-based DJ, producer, and chef has built a home for heartfelt electronic music rooted in passion and perseverance. With Mavek, Brito continues to champion new talent while staying true to the craft that’s defined his life since childhood. We caught up with him to reflect on his journey, creative ethos, and what’s next for the label.
How did you get into music originally?
Music has been a major part of my life since I was a kid. From the age of 6 I knew that I wanted to be a musician. I fell in love with the piano and I begged my mom to get one for me. As I grew older I moved on to learning to play string instruments and the flute. I wish I never gave up learning how to play and stuck with my courses but it’s never too late to pick them up again so I am planning on doing that very soon. I got into house music when I was 12 years old in 1988 and it’s been the beat of heart since. I taught myself how to DJ three years later and I became a student of the craft. In 2003 I took an interest in music production with the goal of one day having my music released and becoming a DJ producer that travels the world doing what I love most.
How long has your label been in operation?
Mavek Recordings was a concept that I initially developed in 2017. I was doing my research on how to get it off the ground and I couldn’t get distributors to give me a shot. I did find an independent division of Paradise Worldwide by the name of PDRS Direct and signed with them in January of 2020. I was with them briefly till I got an unexpected email by Chris James later that year offering me a contract with MN2S. That was purely amazing. I’ve heard of MN2S before and was excited to have this opportunity so on July 25th 2020, I signed the contract and Mavek Recordings was reborn.
Tell us about your first release.
Excluding my own releases under my label, XZ1’s first release was Burnout by Nx4x. I think this one’s special because at the time it perfectly defined my vision for my record label.
Tell us about the latest record you’ve released.
Well I initially wanted to release the track that I had on PDRS Direct as my first with MN2S but wasn’t able to because the process of getting the catalog was taking too long so I released another track that I made as the first release with MN2S. That track is called The Love. It’s a nice tune with some warm vibes but the track that I really wanted to release first is the special one called Days Of My Life. This one was done so organically. I am a chef and I work at a hotel here in New York City. I work with a very talented spoken word artist and one day he was reciting one of his poems when we were working and I secretly recorded him. I told him that I was gonna use it in a track and it became Days Of My Life. It’s an awesome story.
Check out Mavek Recordings on Traxsource.
Could you sum up your label’s philosophy and creative vision?
One of the reasons I started Mavek Recordings was because I was tired of getting rejected by labels. The feeling really fuelled my desire to get better. As a result of this I began to think about starting my own operation and giving other producers that faced the same issues as me an opportunity to have their music heard. That is the philosophy of the label and with my knowledge and expertise I can help up and coming producers to get better. Something that I had to learn on my own.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
If you decide to start your own label go for it with all the passion in the world. Don’t listen to anyone trying to change your mind. When I made that decision I had people telling me that I shouldn’t do it and it’s not what I think it is. Well I didn’t listen and I’m glad that went with my heart. Just learn as much as you can about running a label and always have a positive outlook on things. Never stop learning and never treat it as a job. Treat it as your passion. It’s what I have been doing for the last 5 years.
What are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond?
My plans are to continue to grow my brand. To make Mavek Recordings be global and to release timeless music. Want to expand into merchandise and hopefully get the music on vinyl. That is a dream that I had for years. Would also like to become a featured label in festivals and events around the world. Dreaming big is my thing.
What have you enjoyed about working with MN2S?
MN2S has been wonderful. I feel an immense level of loyalty to this company for believing in me when no other company did. Everyone has been super friendly and supportive and that makes me feel very secure. I plan on staying with MN2S for as long as I can keep my label running.