Major labels Decca and Universal Music have launched a brand new post-classical imprint called Mercury KX, announcing Aussie pianist and composer Luke Howard among their first signings.
The label will specialise in composer-performers on the fringes of classical music, bringing in facets of electronic, alternative and ambient music to their traditional sound, in what will be a reincarnation of the Mercury Classics label.
Mercury KX's managing director, Dr Alexander Buhr, says, "These incredibly talented artists are crafting distinctive new music at the fringes of classical, alternative and electronica. Freedom is the engine of creativity, and with this new label we want to offer them a platform without genre restrictions.
"Mercury KX is to be defined by mutual aesthetic values rather than genre, which offer its artists the opportunity to venture into whatever musical directions inspire them."
The label's diverse roster includes Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds, masked pianist Lambert, London-based project Solomon Grey and our very own Howard.
Howard combines strings, piano, synths and electronics into his classical sound and has already performed with the likes of Lior, Jeff Mills and Benjamin Clementine.
