About Circa — CIRCA RECORDINGS

ABOUT THE LABEL

Circa Recordings believes music has the ability to define the sound of a modern generation while building on the rich traditions of the past.

Defining the modern classical genre requires a balancing of two ends of a vast musical spectrum. Classical music spans hundreds of years, while “modern” music spans a handful of decades. Emerging composers are borrowing from the traditions of classics and tuned to a perspective embraced by a contemporary audience. Our recordings represent a sound and aesthetic of a modern era – a time and space happening right now.

Circa represents emerging modern classical composers from around the world, as well as electronic and avant-garde artists.

L O S A N G E L E S

CHRISTO DOWNS
Founder & Creative Director

Based in Los Angeles, Christo Downs is a creative director with 30 years of experience in the design industry. His work spans multiple industries and includes clients such as Giorgio Armani, Nike, Levis, ESPN, T-Mobile, Cosmos TV Series and the Carl Sagan Institute.

Developing a fascination with graphic design at a young age, his interest in design for music was inspired by the iconic album cover designs of Peter Saville for Joy Division, New Order and OMD for Factory Records. Other equally important influences are the works of Vaughan Oliver and Chris Bigg as the defining designers of 4AD Records for Cocteau Twins, Pixies, Lush and David Sylvian among many other artists.

Seeking to combine his love of music with his passion for design, Christo began developing new opportunities to collaborate with like-minded musicians. This lead to close creative partnerships with composers all over the globe. He designed the artwork for Grammy nominated albums by Chick Corea and Tony Trischka; multiple covers for Japanese composer, Marika Takeuchi; as well as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer, Michael Shrieve (Santana). Christo also designed the first ever Stan Getz double-disc set combining Jazz Samba & Getz/Gilberto which was released by Nordstrom Music.

Christo founded Circa Recordings in 2020 and serves as the label’s artist manager and creative director.