CMU reports:
Prince ended much speculation about whether or not he would form a
partnership with a major record label yesterday by announcing he has signed a deal with Sony Music's Columbia Records.
Since his acrimonious split from Warner Music in 1996, Prince has released most of his music himself via his online music club. However following his return-to-form performance at the Grammys earlier this year there was much
speculation that the singer would look to undertake a more mainstream release of new album 'Musicology', and various major label talks were rumoured. Some thought Prince had decided against a mainstream retail release when it was announced that everyone who attends the singer's up coming US tour will get a free copy of the album. But yesterday both Prince and Sony confirmed they had reached a deal.
Sony will manufacture, distribute and market the new album - the first single from which (also called 'Musicology') is due to be released in the States on 20 Apr. No word on the financial specifics of the deal, or whether Sony hope to form a more long term relationship with the artist.
Confirming the deal, Prince told reporters about the new album: "I am really
an artist and musician at heart, that's what I do. 'Musicology' has no boundaries or formats. It is long overdue to return to the art and craft of music - that's what this album is about. School's in session."
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