Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood launches classical label Octatonic Records

Greenwood's new label arrives after the multi-talented musician debuted his new classical piece Horror vacui at the BBC Proms earlier this month.

Writing on the Octatonic site, Greenwood states, "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. I’m only recording soloists, or small groups, and as it’s my party, including in the releases some of my own small ideas that have never been recorded, like ’88’ (for solo piano), and ‘Miniatures from Water’ for piano, violin, string drone and tanpura."

The first two releases on Octatonic Records include Daniel Pioro playing Bach’s "Partita No. 2", and a second release that features Michael Gordon’s "Industry" on the A-side, and Greenwood’s own "Water" on the B-side.

Greenwood's statement adds, "The first two releases should include music by Bach, Messiaen and Michael Gordon, and we have plans to record some Steve Reich in our next session. The sessions we’ve already had with some of these friends have been glorious - any excuse to hear them play - but more importantly, I want to produce a great, intimate recording, that captures the music in a way that does justice to their talent, and the composers they chose. I stand in awe of classically trained UK musicians: a 20-something carrying a cello case will always be more impressive than someone with a guitar. 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’. I hope these recordings encourage more people to see live classical music, and to take an interest in the featured artists. And, 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."