From its inception in 1968, Move has aimed to provide a means whereby some of Australia's best classical and innovative musicians are able to have their work recorded and exposed to the public. Large recording companies in Australia are for the most part, driven by decisions based on quantity. There exists a very real need for small, specialised labels in assisting performers and composers to have their music recognised through the recording process. However, despite Move's goals it is not possible to take on board every worthy request. In order to take some projects through to completion and to remain in business, Move has had to establish very specific criteria in selecting projects which offer both an opportunity for music which is inherently valuable and to some degree, commercially viable. Move has never chosen projects on the latter criteria alone and in some instances recordings have proceeded with the knowledge that the project will never break even financially.

Move is a recording label that concentrates primarily in classical music, particularly Melbourne based musicians and composers. Although we venture out into jazz and contemporary fields, broad diversity would only serve to dilute our specialised focus and also to lose a tight grip on a specific customer market. Indeed its small operation is the very key to its success. Move is a small independent label, by now one of Australia's longest running. This may result in some limitations however it has also been the reason for its stability as well as the label's steady growth. It has never been Move's aim to blow out into a huge corporation. Individual commitment to each project, offering consistent, high quality recording services underlines what Move is about. Being small has enabled direct contact between the artist and the manager. Artists have often remarked with satisfaction that they pick up the phone knowing they can talk directly with Martin instead of cruising around staff unfamiliar with their project.

Move endeavours to offer as many performers as possible the opportunity of having their work recorded. A CD is a tangible record that their work is recognised by the Australian community, both here and overseas. For many the CD represents years of hard work to achieve the standards of excellence in their field. Often the work is highly innovative and unique. To deprive future audiences of the contributions these artists have made would be to neglect the heritage that Australia ought to be establishing in the present.

The kind of works selected varies considerably. Some artists will only perform standard European classical repertoire but others do include Australian compositions in their concert programs. One of the aims of the company is to record not only living composers but also to rediscover composers of the past who have never made it into the CD era. Irrespective of the nature of the project, Move has always provided a close personal as well as professional liaison with the artist, which involves collaborative decisions regarding aspects of recording and also presentation of the CD itself. Aware that sales of the disc are dependent on the artist's willingness and enthusiasm in promotion, Move makes considerable effort to ensure that the artists assume a shared responsibility for the CD beyond the initial recording. Often mutual arrangements are made whereby artists agree to take a quantity of CDs to recording venues for direct sale. Tapping into this captive market has proved to be an effective means of distribution for regularly performing groups.

Many Move sessions now take place in our own recently built studio. Again funds were ploughed back to try and meet an urgent need for a quiet acoustic venue. It has a reverberation time that varies between one and two seconds, making it perfect for any acoustic small group or solo performer. The studio also boasts a Yamaha C7 grand piano hand-picked by pianist and composer, Tony Gould.

There is a huge dilemma when it come to selecting material for inclusion on a CD where funding is sought from the Australia Council. The performers know that live audiences tend to prefer what is familiar. Yet we feel a responsibility towards living, working composers. So, the argument might go, why produce a CD featuring a barely-known Australian composer when the Schubert, Bach, Mozart and Chopin is what the audience has requested? Yet even though they will sell far fewer copies, we do embark on projects of the more "difficult" music.

Despite many of the frustrations that beset a small record label, Move stands proudly on its reputation as a label committed to quality recordings of Australian musicians. The ever increasing array of titles now available under the Move umbrella indicate a celebration of high standard and diverse talent that is present in Australia. Many of Move's artists tour interstate and overseas, including pianist Ronald Farren-Price who has visited at least 50 countries. At a time when economic rationalism might demand popular titles by established artists, Move continues to put the music first.