Jonny Greenwood has launched a classical music-focused label called Octatonic Records.
Formed as a subsidiary of the London-based imprint Council Records, the imprint, the label, a press release explains, "aims to document and champion some of the best musicians Greenwood has encountered in the classical world, along with a selection of his own compositions".
Speaking about the label, Greenwood said, "I’ve been documenting the musicians I’ve worked with and encountered in the contemporary classical world. Since doing my first soundtrack, I’ve become friends with lots of these remarkable musicians, as well as familiar with the music they play. It’s a whole world out there.
"I’m only recording soloists, or small groups, and as it’s my party, I’m including some of my own ideas that have never been recorded, including ‘Miniatures from Water’ for piano, violin, string drone and tanpura.
"My intention is to capture these musicians playing the pieces they love, both contemporary and ancient, and release the recordings on vinyl and streaming services, as regularly as I can. The sessions I’ve already had with some of these friends have been glorious. Any excuse to hear them play is a pleasure. But, more importantly, I want to produce a great, intimate recording, that captures the music in a way in a way that does justice to the musician’s talent, and the composers they choose to interpret."
Octatonic Records’ first two releases, titled Volume 1 and Volume 2 will be released digitally on September 24 and on vinyl a week later. Volume 1 sees Oliver Coates performing work by Michael Gordon as well as Greenwood, Daniel Pioro and Katherine Tinker performing a piece by the former. Volume 2 Daniel Pioro performing a piece by Bach.
