Chantal

Defunct Belgian label and company (1918-1932), based in Ghent. Sub-labels often mention the company as Compagnie Belge "Chantal", or simply Compagnie "Chantal". The Chantal label grew from the music shop Chantal (located in the Vlaanderenstraat), founded in 1913 by Julien and Albert Moeremans, whose father Léon Moeremans was a locally famous conductor and instrument builder. In 1918 the record company was founded in the Kleine Huidevettershoek, initially as an importer of records but soon also as manufacturer - the first in Belgium. Throughout its existence, Chantal recorded about 4000 songs, many with their own band and dance orchestra (Jazz-Band Chantal and L'Orchestre De Danse Chantal). Sessions took place in the nearby Minardschouwburg and the repertory consisted of both Dutch and French songs. Louis Lynel was one of their major recording artists, being responsible for many in-house recording sessions. Another notable artist was the famous Belgian operatic tenor Jean Noté, who cut 20 sides for Chantal just before his sudden death. Unfortunately the records produced by Chantal were of relatively poor quality; the material employed was too soft and could not withstand the wear and tear caused by sharp-pointed steel needles. (Their vertical-cut records, played by sapphire ball-shaped needles, were far superior, though fewer in number.) This, together with the economic crisis and the growing popularity of radio, led to the company's demise in 1932. Initially it was taken over by Edison-Bell, which itself went bankrupt in 1935. The plant was then taken over by Sobedi and remained in operation until at least 1970.