TWO Isle of Wight entrepreneurs are taking on the music business.

Andy Barding, proprietor of AAA Records in Newport's Scarrots Lane, has joined forces with radio DJ Tony P — have launched a new record label, Wight Vinyl.

In a conversation with the County Press, the duo revealed their aspirations for the new label and shared details of the first band they have signed.

How did the two of you first meet?

Tony: "I moved to Newport from London with my husband about two and half years ago and a mutual friend put us in touch."

What made you decide to join forces for the new label?

Tony: "Andy thought I looked flush and crazy enough to do something like open up a poster shop but that didn’t materialise. A while later he suggested collaborating on his Wight Vinyl idea with (grunge-pop band) Panda Swim."

Isle of Wight County Press: Panda Swim are the first band signed under the Wight Vinyl labelPanda Swim are the first band signed under the Wight Vinyl label

What are your respective histories in the music industry?

Andy: "I have a chequered history in music management, music journalism and music PR, and until lockdown in March I was making a living as tour manager for a number of artists."

Tony: "I have been broadcasting the Tony P Radio Show every weekend on NCBradio.co.uk since 2016. It has a running theme based on my love of all things Bowie, but I also write a few comedy sketches and play as many local bands and artists as I can."

What impact has Covid-19 had on the music industry this year?

Tony: "It has been devastating to those who rely on the income generated from live music. This includes the bands, venues and all the other professionals such as road crew, lighting, sound and stage crews."

Andy: "I had a full diary of tours and one-off gigs to work on in 2020 — all now gone, with no certain sign of ever coming back. I have had to completely reboot my life.

"It's sink or swim time, so I am sinking everything I have into the record shop and Wight Vinyl."

Isle of Wight County Press: The Wight Vinyl label aims to provide a platform for local talentThe Wight Vinyl label aims to provide a platform for local talent

Newport based grunge artists Panda Swim will be involved as the first band signed under your label, how did that come about?

Andy: "Stu from Panda Swim is a customer in my shop. I like what he buys and could hear some of those records influencing his band.

"Panda Swim's Downer EP will be the first release under the new label, early in 2021. It will be a 10" limited edition vinyl-only record. It's being produced this way because white vinyl/Wight Vinyl is too brilliant a pun not to use!"

How can people get in contact to find out more about Wight Vinyl?

Andy: "Please email us at wightvinylrecords@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at @wighvinylrecords, Twitter #wightvinyl or Instagram.

"Please also hunt down the Panda Swim bandcamp page at pandaswim1.bandcamp.com/releases."