When it was announced earlier this week that Paul McCartney was leaving Capitol Records to sign with Starbucks' new Hear Music label, I felt that this was a perfect move for both of them. Although McCartney hasn't been a factor on the charts in a long time, he is still a top concert draw, and the very mention of his name, in either his personal or professional life, still creates headlines around the world. For Starbucks to be able to place their logo alongside one of the most famous faces on the planet instantly makes them a player in the industry.
Hear Music is a joint venture between Starbucks and Concord Music Group, the conglomeration that specializes in reissuing jazz and soul classics. Starbucks, of course, has had fantastic success in recent years selling artists like Norah Jones and Ray Charles to aging baby boomers, and in Paul McCartney, they have King Boomer, himself. It's marketing at its finest. You're hear McCartney's familiar voice coming through the stereo system in your local Starbucks, and you've bought a copy before your latte is ready.
Meanwhile, McCartney leaves the sinking ship that is the major label system for a company with a built-in distribution system and a proven track record in his target demographic. The sixty-four year old ex-Beatle should be applauded for recognizing that staying at Capitol would mean that he thinks he can compete with hit-makers one-third his age.
Worse for his position (but great for his wallet) is the knowledge that Capitol is planning to release the long-awaited Beatles remasters and digital downloads at some point in the near future, which would put any new McCartney product even lower on their pecking order. With McCartney's as-yet untitled CD slated to be released early this summer, my guess is that Hear Music is hoping to latch onto a publicity surge should Capitol have plans for a possible 40th Anniversary reissue of McCartney's most iconic work, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was originally released on June 1, 1967.
Article comments
1 - Michel
great great great! even though they claim paul is not a big mover of records these days, to be perfectly honest i would buy a mccartney CD faster than i would buy a babyshambles CD, for example. so what's the diff? paul rocks, always has and always will. chaos and creation in the backyard was one of the greatest records ever!!!!
2 - curt hudson
Paul McCartney is the greatest ever.
3 - Ben Glassman
hands down a brilliant move... reaches his demographic and promotes his music at same time. I have a feeling his disk will kick some ass... he has been beat up this year and the guy is a major talent, a survivor and a fighter ... he more than held is own with lennon, jagger and ANYBODY else in the music biz.
I got my money on Paul this summer
4 - Dave Lifton
I have a feeling this record will be good, but only if he doesn't reign in his emotions. Don't hold back, Paul. Say nasty things about Heather. We're all thinking them!