No stranger to the world of contemporary classical music, Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has now announced the launch of a new record label.
Greenwood's new label is dubbed Octatonic Records. In a statement on the label's website, he wrote, "I've decided to start documenting the musicians I encounter in the contemporary classical world. Since doing my first soundtrack, I've become friends with lots of these remarkable musicians, as well as more familiar with the music they play. It's a whole world out there."
Greenwood wrote that he's set to record soloists or small groups and will also release his own music through the label. His intent is to capture musicians "playing the pieces they love, both contemporary and ancient, and release the recordings on vinyl and streaming services, as regularly as I can."
"I stand in awe of classically trained U.K. musicians: a 20-something carrying a cello case will always be more impressive than someone with a guitar," Greenwood continued. "It's just harder to do. It takes more commitment, and the sounds they make are so limitless — for all that the instruments they play are 'traditional.'"
Greenwood hopes the label's releases "encourage more people to see live classical music, and to take an interest in the featured artists."
He concluded, "Whilst a recording can only ever be an approximation of the real thing, I'm going to work hard to produce recordings that encourage you to see this music as something vital and passionate."
Limited vinyl pressings of the first two label releases are now available.
Greenwood's new label is dubbed Octatonic Records. In a statement on the label's website, he wrote, "I've decided to start documenting the musicians I encounter in the contemporary classical world. Since doing my first soundtrack, I've become friends with lots of these remarkable musicians, as well as more familiar with the music they play. It's a whole world out there."
Greenwood wrote that he's set to record soloists or small groups and will also release his own music through the label. His intent is to capture musicians "playing the pieces they love, both contemporary and ancient, and release the recordings on vinyl and streaming services, as regularly as I can."
"I stand in awe of classically trained U.K. musicians: a 20-something carrying a cello case will always be more impressive than someone with a guitar," Greenwood continued. "It's just harder to do. It takes more commitment, and the sounds they make are so limitless — for all that the instruments they play are 'traditional.'"
Greenwood hopes the label's releases "encourage more people to see live classical music, and to take an interest in the featured artists."
He concluded, "Whilst a recording can only ever be an approximation of the real thing, I'm going to work hard to produce recordings that encourage you to see this music as something vital and passionate."
Limited vinyl pressings of the first two label releases are now available.