asphalt tango production GbR was started up back in 1996 by Henry Ernst and Helmut Neumann as a result of their long-time passion for Gypsy music from the Balkans, above all Romania. In its beginnings, the Berlin based company evolved around the incredible rise of Romanian Gypsy brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia, but soon afterwards got involved in managing, booking and tour management for other outstanding bands from the Eastern parts of Europe for a world-wide audience.

Just six years after launching the music management and booking agency, Asphalt Tango Records GmbH was founded. The label was initially set up as a sub-label of Piranha Records, but has stood on its own feet since 2004. The musical focus is on Gypsy music from the Balkans, but Eastern European artists from other genres such as Electronica, Psych Folk and Rock are featured, too.