Rostrum to Relaunch Cantora Records, the Indie Label That Helmed Careers of MGMT and Bear Hands (EXCLUSIVE)

Cantora Records will relaunch under the creative direction of Will Griggs and Nick Panama, who were founders of the label when it launched in 2005.

Rostrum Records is relaunching the Brooklyn-bred indie label Cantora Records. As part of the refresh, indie pop band Bear Hands — who first signed to Cantora Records in 2010 — will be returning to the label to release their forthcoming album.

Cantora is best known for their successes with psychedelic pop band MGMT and other indie acts like Bear Hands and Francis and the Lights. In 2005, the label released MGMT‘s first EP“Time To Pretend,” with the eponymously-titled hit single and the Grammy-nominated “Kids.”

Rostrum acquired Cantora’s catalog in 2015 with the hopes of an intentional relaunch with new signings. In January 2023, Rostrum Records tappedErika Montes as its new president while label founder Benjy Grinberg leads Rostrum Pacific, the parent company of Rostrum Records.

Will Griggs and Nick Panama, who were founders of the label when it launched in 2005, will be involved with the label as creative directors.

“Relaunching Cantora Records with Nick and Will is a dream come true. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for their dedication to discover -

'So Grateful' (Exclusive): Maria,...

ing different sounds,” said Montes. “This partnership allows us to further expand our reach across multiple genres and presents endless opportunities. We couldn’t be more excited”

Panama adds, “This relaunch is so reminiscent of when we originally started Cantora Records and it’s incredibly meaningful to return to our roots. The world-class team at Rostrum has incredible taste, and we knew Cantora was in good hands when we first met Benjy years back. Kicking things off by bringing Bear Hands back home couldn’t be more perfect and we can’t wait to announce what else we have in the pipeline.”

Cantora Records is actively signing new artists, acquiring existing catalogs, and investing in larger joint ventures. According to the label’s official announcement, “this relaunch not only expands Rostrum’s artist reach but also solidifies its position as a front-line label for indie rock, pop, and punk.”

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

More From Our Brands

ad To help keep your account secure, please log-in again. You are no longer onsite at your organization. Please log in. For assistance, contact your corporate administrator.

What the Pentagon Has Learned? Are UFOs ,...