Radiohead Making Record Execs Nervous
Published
U2's Bono has cited Radiohead as one of the best - if not the best - bands in the world. And there's no question that they influence scores of young bands breaking into the charts these days. The group is currently enjoying a critically acclaimed US tour while rolling out several brand new tracks for concert goers. The new tracks have raised a few interesting questions. When is the new cd coming out? And, what label - if any - is going to get it?
Radiohead has put out most of their records- like "OK Computer" and 2004's "Hail to the Thief" - via EMI. The band's contract with Capitol/EMI however has expired and the lads are free to search for a new label. Indeed, frontman Thom Yorke will release his solo record through XL Records - "The Eraser," which is due out this July. That has led to some speculation that Radiohead will not sign a new deal with EMI. Yorke addressed their current "unsigned" status in an interview with NME:
"Will we re-sign to EMI? I don't know. I don't think we'd sign to anybody. Give someone a record when it's done if we feel that they can do it justice. That's it."
The real question that should worry EMI and other big label execs is what is to stop Radiohead from releasing the record themselves? Obviously its hard for new acts to break through without the millions major labels can spend on public relations and marketing campaigns, but with today's technology monster artists like Radiohead could easily sell millions of records and downloads without any label's help. There aren't many acts that have the credibility and talent of Radiohead, but this is exactly the type of band that could break away from the label machine and prosper just fine. I wouldn't be surprised if they give it a shot. And, if they did try it, there's no question that other big names could follow.