We spoke with MN2S Label Services client Antonello Ferrari of Sunflowermusic Records about their journey as a label so far, and their latest Traxsource House No 1, “People Hold On.”
How long has your label been in operation?
“My label has been active since 2016 with distribution by MN2S.”
What inspired you to set up the label in the first place?
“In previous years I have collaborated with the most important labels such as Z Records, King Street Sounds, Quantize Rec, Purple Music. I decided to found my label because I felt the need to publish my productions without waiting for the judgment of others and also to shorten the publication times as communications with other labels are always complicated with long waiting times.”
How would you describe your musical philosophy and creative vision?
“I grew up with funk-soul-disco music and as a DJ since 1979 I have a great love for this music. Consequently I am very influenced by these sounds, of course I also look for new sounds and also new talented DJs / producers who can express themselves freely in my label. I try to recreate the atmosphere of the real club with my productions as unfortunately for various reasons it is clearly in decline. Clearly I receive many demos but not all of them have the characteristics to be published on my label.”
Tell us about your first release – what was special about that one?
“Sunflowermusic’s first release was Race Of Survival, an old house hit written by Seamus Haji. Aldo Bergamasco and I did a remix and I decided to inaugurate the label with this one. The choice made was to show what the Sunflowermusic Records project was: to publish only quality releases without looking at potential sales.”
I am very proud of the collaborations made in recent years and I thank everyone for their trust, in particular all of the staff of MN2S.
What’s been the highlight of your journey so far as a label?
“These 5 years have been very intense and demanding. With great pleasure and satisfaction I have seen my label grow every year and have received many requests for collaboration. In 2021 many satisfactions arrived with great successes among which I mention: “Waiting on a Love” by Funkybeat feat. Angela Johnson, which has been at the top of the charts for many months, and recently “People Hold On” by Aldo Bergamasco and Becka which has been at the first place of the famous Traxsource store. I am very proud of the collaborations made in recent years and I thank everyone for their trust, in particular all the staff of MN2S.”
Buy “People Hold On” now on Traxsource.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of setting up their own imprint?
“I honestly do not think I am a person capable of giving advice on this topic. Anyone who decides to open their own label just has to give and publish their vision of music without being influenced by anyone. Of course, in addition to the artistic discourse, the managerial one of distribution is also important, so the only advice I give is to contact MN2S who represent seriousness and professionalism.”
What lies ahead for your label in 2022 and beyond?
“For 2022 and for the years to come I will try as always to grow and offer good music. We are working hard for this and all my collaborators, DJs and producers have the same purpose.”