Hi guys,
Someone has asked me what is the current status of Prince and record companies. Does he actually own one himself, what about a label, and what is the state of Paisley Park Enterprises?
Over to the experts... I thank you!

This is my current understanding, but please correct where appropriate:

The present arrangements (I am not referring to past contractual obligations)can broadly be summarised as follows. There are a variety of corporate bodies through which Prince's business interests have or are being managed.

Prince does not appear to have any contractual obligation with a record company to provide them with future recordings. Effectively he operates as an 'indepenndent' who chooses to strike deals with companies for particular pieces of work.

Prince is the registered copyright holder of his original work. Copyrights in musical and other recordings, tend to be assigned to NPG Records - his 'label'. Prince strikes contractual deals with organisations for whatever work he wishes others to undertake beyond that - perhaps manufacture, market or distribute.

For example, the DVD for 'Prince Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas' was distributed by Hip-O Records, part of the Universal Group, whereas the CD, 'Musicology' was marketed and distributed under a deal with the Sony Group.

Publishing rights vest in Prince's publishing company, Controversy Music, and are presently administered by Universal.

'Paisley Park Enterprises' did operate as a business channel in the past, but I'm unaware what its active business role (if any) is as a corporate body nowadays. It may simply serve as a holding company? However, the Paisley Park record label disappeared some time ago. Of course, Prince still owns the Paisley Park studio complex, although I don't beleieve it is presently actively marketed for third party hire.
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[Edited 1/15/05 9:59am]

Thank you, sir!

langebleu said:

I think the Paisley Park studios were closed for some years for third party hire (I think from 1996???), but are now open again and can be hired for recording again. There is a website with contact information (unfortunately, I forgot the URL, google was unsuccessful), does anyone have more information on that?

EmancipationLover said:

Thanks

It's http://www.paisleyparkstudios.net

The prince.org FAQ incorrectly states the URL as www.paisleyparkstudios.com. This latter domain name is currently registered in the name of someone with an address in Texas.

The studios were refurbished in 2000, and it was the intention to market them after that. A brochure was produced together with full technical details - and handed to attendees at the very first Celebration for the guided tour of the building.

The website gives contact details for booking enquiries.

The website domain name (as well as at least three similar ones) have been registered by Sam Jennings in the name of Paisley Park Enterprises.

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[Edited 1/15/05 11:13am]

Thanks for the info, langebleu!