Global industry unveils two forward-looking record labels

Image: Golden Vessel

The global music industry has added a pair of brand new record labels targeting niche music markets. 

Decca Records Group, a British-based label distributed globally by Universal Music, has unveiled Mercury KX, the first post-classical imprint operating within a major music group. The new venture is a new incarnation of the Mercury Classics label established in 2012.

With an aim of identifying and working with artists of strong creative individuality who bring a distinctive perspective to contemporary music, Mercury KX will add London duo Solomon Grey, mysteriously masked pianist Lambert, as well as Australian composer and pianist Luke Howard.

Dr. Alexander Buhr, Managing Director of Mercury KX, made the announcement at a special launch event at London’s Omeara. Buhr was delighted to present the new artists and widen Decca’s already incredibly diverse roster of acts and labels within the group.

“These incredibly talented artists are crafting distinctive new music at the fringes of classical, alternative and electronica,” he said. “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.”

Locally, Queensland-based electronic producer, vocalist and songwriter Danny Harley (aka The Kite String Tangle) has teamed up with UNIFIED to launch independent label Exist. Recordings.

Its first signings are breakout producer Golden Vessel (real name Max Byrne) and Gold Coast siblings LASTLINGS, with the label’s first release being Golden Vessel’s 2016 single Vines.

Exist Recordings was created by Harley to release carefully curated music from gifted artists who fall within the frame of electronic/pop music, an increasingly celebrated genre in Australia.

“Exist. is a great outlet for my own projects but it’s main focus is to sign other acts and develop their music, talent and careers,” said Harley. “Having Golden Vessel and LASTLINGS as the first two acts on the label is huge for me.”

He added: “Max is a production and songwriting prodigy and writes with a maturity well beyond his age. It won’t be long before people start cottoning on to that. LASTLINGS have an unobtainable quality about them, they’re playing in a league of their own and are totally untouchable.” 

Harley has also released his first single in three years, titled Selfish, out now via Exist. Recordings and Warner Music Australia.