Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood has launched a new contemporary classical music label called Octatonic.
On the official website for the label, Greenwood explains the reason why he created Octatonic. While working as a film composer for films, Greenwood has met talented “remarkable musicians” and he wanted to capture that. “I’ve decided to start documenting the musicians I encounter in the contemporary classical world,” Greenwood explains. “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.”
Today, @JnnyG has launched @OctatonicRecs geared towards championing contemporary classical music. Limited pressings of Volume One and Two are available to pre-order now. Click here to find out more: https://t.co/f7Jqiz6LKr pic.twitter.com/Yd5fUXxw3r
— Radiohead (@radiohead) September 17, 2019
He goes on to say that he will only be recording soloists or small groups, including releases of his own that have never been recorded, such as “88” on solo piano and “Miniatures from Water.”
Octatonic is set to release two compositions, Daniel Pioro playing Bach’s “Partita No. 2” on the first, and a second containing Michael Gordon’s “Industry” on the A-side and Greenwood’s “Water” on the B-side. The first two releases will be premiering on September 24th, and an upcoming record is said to include a Steve Reich composition.
Check out the official website of Octatonic here