ONYX was started in May 2005 by Chris Craker (founder of the Black Box label) and Paul Moseley, for many years a senior executive at Decca. Since August 1, 2006 it is wholly owned and run by Paul Moseley. (paul.moseley@onyxclassics.com)

We are a premium quality artist-led label. Our aim is primarily to record classical artists who are already well-known world-wide (often with previous recording contracts with so-called 'major' labels), but who now wish to take more control of their recording careers.

Traditional "exclusive" contracts between artist and major companies have tended to be inflexible and restrictive. Decision-making by committee, moneymen pulling the strings, and often the plug too. Onyx's relationships with artists are true collaborations, enabling them to choose, over and above their music-making of course, exactly how much ownership, control and involvement in the project they want. We don't insist on exclusivity, preferring a good relationship to develop based on results, not promises. We make decisions quickly and stick to them. And because we keep overheads and costs low we can green-light ideas that others would reject.

ONYX will keep its release schedule and catalogue small but hopefully beautiful, with no more than 12-15 releases per year.

It's hard these days to rekindle the kind of excitement felt in the heyday of the LP era. "More of the same" is no longer enough. Yet it doesn't have to be like this. Onyx seeks to record world-renowned artists in their prime in the music that suits them best. If there's a 'story' about the recording then all the better- for example the first recording on baroque violin by the amazing Viktoria Mullova, or the 60th anniversary of the world's longest-running chamber ensemble. But just as often, it will simply be a case of the right music at the right time - Pascal Rogé's first complete Debussy cycle being an obvious example. That's the level we want to maintain, records that deserved to be made, from artists who deserve to be heard.

Who are our distributors?

Onyx combines the advantages of a small, wholly independent 'boutique' label, with excellent distribution and marketing. Throughout the world the best independent distributors have been handpicked, based on 15 years experience and relationship-building. Please click on the 'distributors' button to see the list. In effect, the artistic decisions are left to experienced professionals whose first priority is quality and a personal service to their artists and customers, while our strength in distribution ensures an excellent presence in today's increasingly competitive marketplace. We think it's a powerful combination - and a definite blueprint for the future.

What about digital distribution?

Many music lovers still buy CDs in the traditional way at their high street store. They'll find Onyx there, naturally. But if their preference is to purchase online at a time of their choosing, they can buy Onyx CDs in any of 5 currencies direct from our dedicated site, www.onyxclassics.com. And, unlike many other companies who seem to regard digital distribution with suspicion, we embrace it. Album tracks are available for streaming sample, and every single track or the complete album can be purchased via our unique downloading service, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Content will be constantly updated to keep the experience fresh and exciting. So for example, you'll be able to check out your favourite artists' next concert appearances, take part in exciting competitions and watch artists talking about their latest recordings.