Prince partners with Kobalt Label Services

by Tom Pakinkis

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http://www.musicweek.com/...ces/054757

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Prince has signed a partnership with Kobalt that will allow the artist to self-release music on a global scale.

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Prince will release his own recordings as well as music by new artists and material he has produced using Kobalt Label Services for marketing, distribution and other services.

“This new venture gives Prince the flexibility and freedom he’s always sought in a label partner,” said Kobalt president Richard Sanders.

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“We’re providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customised to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from Prince and his creative community.”

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The new partnership comes after Travis signed a deal with...l Services for their upcoming album to be released on their own label Telephone Box.

In March, the division celebrated the success of...al release, as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Push The Sky Away scored six debut No.1 slots across territories

PRINCE ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH KOBALT

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http://www.kobaltmusic.co...?id=WN1161

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LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK (May 20, 2013) – Ever-blazing new trails to push traditional boundaries for music to be heard, marketed and distributed, PRINCE has announced he’s created a unique new partnership with leading global independent music services company Kobalt Music Group (Kobalt), which, for the first time, will give him the ability to self-release music globally with a new level of flexibility and freedom.

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Through the ground-breaking venture, the seven-time Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum artist, will release a slate of music by new artists, as well as PRINCE recordings and other PRINCE-produced material by utilizing Kobalt’s label services for marketing and distribution and other services. PRINCE will provide artist development and recording services for newly signed artists that Kobalt will market and distribute globally through their wholly-owned global digital platform and network of physical distribution partners.

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With a history of innovation in releasing his music, whether through newspaper distribution, at concerts, via his exclusive clubs or through direct deals with retail, PRINCE is embracing a new label services model to bring new music to the world without the confines of the old-school label system.

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“This new venture gives PRINCE the flexibility and freedom he’s always sought in a label partner. We’re providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customized to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from PRINCE and his creative community,” said Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt.

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Fresh off a sold out nine-city west coast club tour with his highly acclaimed backup band 3RDEYEGIRL, PRINCE yesterday received the prestigious BILLBOARD ICON AWARD during the live broadcast of the BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS. This summer he will headline the Montreux Jazz Festival as well as do select dates in Europe and in the U.S.

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About Kobalt Label Services (KLS)

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Part of the Kobalt Music Group, Kobalt Label Services (KLS) provides the next generation of services for artists and labels worldwide, empowering recording owners with a full-service solution to releasing and marketing records while maintaining ownership of their masters. Established as an alternative to the traditional label model, KLS maximizes client opportunities and revenues from a wide range of global digital retail, traditional physical retail, audio and video streaming, synch licensing, D2C and social media services. Clients benefit from Kobalt expertise in multi-rights management, the security and trust of Kobalt's proven and transparent royalty accounting, advanced data analytics and experienced staff to co-ordinate and manage releases.

[Edited 5/20/13 8:00am]

It sounds promising,but everytime Prince signs one of these deals,things don't always go as planned Hopefully,this one will work out.There aren't too many other options for him,are there? lol

It does sound promising. Let's hope for the best

As SoulAlive says this kind of deal/company seems tailor-made for established but deal-free older acts/artists who have been there and done that with the more traditional record deals.

Promising and interesting to hear. It looks like it gives Prince that luxury of having a foot in both worlds (one off independent single releases, and more mainstream album releases with marketing support) but it's ultimately going to be up to him as regards to a deluge or dearth of new material.

[Edited 5/20/13 4:46am]

Album bombs, he passes the buck..... Next!

serpan99 said:

Fresh off a sold out nine-city west coast club tour

Liars

ludwig said:

serpan99 said:

Fresh off a sold out nine-city west coast club tour

Liars

dude, it's just management, record company, PR spin.

SoulAlive said:

It sounds promising,but everytime Prince signs one of these deals,things don't always go as planned Hopefully,this one will work out.There aren't too many other options for him,are there? lol

He has a similar deal with Sony for Musicology and that was very successful. This sounds even better because he will doing some producing and writing which he needs to do since he is getting too old to get airplay. After wacthing last nights performances on BillBoard award we in desparate need of decent music.

KeithyT said:

ludwig said:

Liars

dude, it's just management, record company, PR spin.

They are lying cuz he had two shows that had 25 tickets left when i got in line...lol...craziness...

KeithyT said:

ludwig said:

Liars

dude, it's just management, record company, PR spin.

Yeah, and that's why I hate this industry so much. You don't have to lie if you have real talents. Talent promotes itself.

KeithyT said:

ludwig said:

Liars

dude, it's just management, record company, PR spin.

They are lying cuz he had two shows that had 25 tickets left when i got in line...lol...craziness...

ludwig said:

KeithyT said:

dude, it's just management, record company, PR spin.

Yeah, and that's why I hate this industry so much. You don't have to lie if you have real talents. Talent promotes itself.

Do you know the benchmark of what constitutues a sellout? It mat not be the variable you think.. Relax and stop getting your pantiesin a bunch over pr semantics

lwr001 said:

ludwig said:

Yeah, and that's why I hate this industry so much. You don't have to lie if you have real talents. Talent promotes itself.

Do you know the benchmark of what constitutues a sellout? It mat not be the variable you think.. Relax and stop getting your pantiesin a bunch over pr semantics

The tour wasn't sold out, probably because of the high ticket price. That's a fact, read the reports.

They didn't have to lie to promote Prince, but they did.

serpan99 said:

Prince, Kobalt Pen Partnership Pact

• News

By Gail Mitchell, Los Angeles | May 20, 2013 6:00 AM EDT

http://www.billboard.com/...rship-pact

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Just hours after accepting the Icon Award at Sunday night’s Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Prince is announcing his new partnership with Kobalt Label Services (KLS), a division of independent music services company Kobalt Music Group.

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Under terms of the partnership, the singer/songwriter/musician/producer will release music by newly signed artists, as well as his own recordings and other Prince-produced material. KLS will provide marketing and distribution through its wholly owned global digital platform and network of physical distribution partners. According to a Kobalt spokesperson, details regarding the inaugural slate of releases under the new pact will be announced by Prince at a later date.

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"This new venture gives Prince the flexibility and freedom he's always sought in a label partner,” Kobalt president Richard Sanders said in a press release announcing the partnership. “We're providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customized to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from Prince and his creative community.”

Prince joins a KLS client roster that includes Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (“Push the Sky Away,” released Feb. 18 via Cave’s Bad Seed label), New Kids on the Block (“10,” April 2) and the Pet Shop Boys. The latter’s album, “Electric,” is due on July 15 through its x2 Recordings.

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Separate from Kobalt’s publishing division, KLS began operations about 18 months ago. KLS provides full-services solution to releasing and marketing records while allowing artists to maintain ownership of their masters.

Seven-time Grammy winner Prince recently wrapped a nine-city West Coast club tour with his backup band 3rdEyeGirl. Upcoming summer performances include the Montreux Jazz Festival and select dates in Europe and the U.S.

Prince partners with Kobalt Label Services

by Tom Pakinkis

.

http://www.musicweek.com/...ces/054757

.

Prince has signed a partnership with Kobalt that will allow the artist to self-release music on a global scale.

.

Prince will release his own recordings as well as music by new artists and material he has produced using Kobalt Label Services for marketing, distribution and other services.

“This new venture gives Prince the flexibility and freedom he’s always sought in a label partner,” said Kobalt president Richard Sanders.

.

“We’re providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customised to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from Prince and his creative community.”

.

The new partnership comes after Travis signed a deal with...l Services for their upcoming album to be released on their own label Telephone Box.

In March, the division celebrated the success of...al release, as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Push The Sky Away scored six debut No.1 slots across territories

PRINCE ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH KOBALT

.

http://www.kobaltmusic.co...?id=WN1161

.

.

.

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK (May 20, 2013) – Ever-blazing new trails to push traditional boundaries for music to be heard, marketed and distributed, PRINCE has announced he’s created a unique new partnership with leading global independent music services company Kobalt Music Group (Kobalt), which, for the first time, will give him the ability to self-release music globally with a new level of flexibility and freedom.

.

Through the ground-breaking venture, the seven-time Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum artist, will release a slate of music by new artists, as well as PRINCE recordings and other PRINCE-produced material by utilizing Kobalt’s label services for marketing and distribution and other services. PRINCE will provide artist development and recording services for newly signed artists that Kobalt will market and distribute globally through their wholly-owned global digital platform and network of physical distribution partners.

.

With a history of innovation in releasing his music, whether through newspaper distribution, at concerts, via his exclusive clubs or through direct deals with retail, PRINCE is embracing a new label services model to bring new music to the world without the confines of the old-school label system.

.

“This new venture gives PRINCE the flexibility and freedom he’s always sought in a label partner. We’re providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customized to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from PRINCE and his creative community,” said Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt.

.

Fresh off a sold out nine-city west coast club tour with his highly acclaimed backup band 3RDEYEGIRL, PRINCE yesterday received the prestigious BILLBOARD ICON AWARD during the live broadcast of the BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS. This summer he will headline the Montreux Jazz Festival as well as do select dates in Europe and in the U.S.

.

About Kobalt Label Services (KLS)

.

Part of the Kobalt Music Group, Kobalt Label Services (KLS) provides the next generation of services for artists and labels worldwide, empowering recording owners with a full-service solution to releasing and marketing records while maintaining ownership of their masters. Established as an alternative to the traditional label model, KLS maximizes client opportunities and revenues from a wide range of global digital retail, traditional physical retail, audio and video streaming, synch licensing, D2C and social media services. Clients benefit from Kobalt expertise in multi-rights management, the security and trust of Kobalt's proven and transparent royalty accounting, advanced data analytics and experienced staff to co-ordinate and manage releases.

[Edited 5/20/13 5:48am]

"Partnership pact" It's still a CONtract.

ludwig said:

lwr001 said:

Do you know the benchmark of what constitutues a sellout? It mat not be the variable you think.. Relax and stop getting your pantiesin a bunch over pr semantics

The tour wasn't sold out, probably because of the high ticket price. That's a fact, read the reports.

They didn't have to lie to promote Prince, but they did.

I dont need to read the reports as i dont give a fuck,....

lwr001 said:

ludwig said:

The tour wasn't sold out, probably because of the high ticket price. That's a fact, read the reports.

They didn't have to lie to promote Prince, but they did.

I dont need to read the reports as i dont give a fuck,....

So then why are you even arguing?

ludwig said:

lwr001 said:

I dont need to read the reports as i dont give a fuck,....

So then why are you even arguing?

not arguing, just trolling these threads...that is all

[Edited 5/20/13 7:30am]

PRINCE & Kobalt Make Marketing & Distribution Deal Official!

PRINCE told us on the 1st day of the year that 2013 was going to be big. We are not even at the half-way point but PRINCE has just signed a deal with Kobalt Label Services (KLS) hours after his Billboard Award's performance with 3rdEyeGirl!

As part of a press release that was shared with Billboard first before other outlets, the deal states:

Under terms of the partnership, the singer/songwriter/musician/producer will release music by newly signed artists, as well as his own recordings and other Prince-produced material. KLS will provide marketing and distribution through its wholly owned global digital platform and network of physical distribution partners. According to a Kobalt spokesperson, details regarding the inaugural slate of releases under the new pact will be announced by Prince at a later date.

"This new venture gives Prince the flexibility and freedom he's always sought in a label partner,” Kobalt president Richard Sanders said in a press release announcing the partnership. “We're providing a high level of diverse services that will be particularly customized to his vision for each release, allowing the world to experience more music from Prince and his creative community.”

We first heard back in April of "Plectrum Electrum" a new record by 3rdEyeGirl that would feature PRINCE on one song and Hannah Ford-Welton singing lead on another song, leading us to assume the rest of the record, at that time, would be instrumental. Assuming.

The interesting and cool part of this deal with KLS is that it would feature the newly signed artists, along with his own material and other material that he has produced.

KLS is behind the distribution of the new Pet Shop Boys record, which is on their own x2 recordings, which we have featured on the site. KLS has done a good job of promoting that record and several others we have featured on the site.

Congrats to PRINCE on the deal and we await the announcement of the inaugural slate of releases that PRINCE will provide at a later date.-DocFB

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED & ANNOUNCED FIRST BY DR. FNB( 's official spokesman}

Wow! Just the perfect deal Prince been looking 4 2 distribute his everlasting “MasterPieces”. Eye wonder is that the reason Prince stop using his newly formed websites, Prince2013.com & 3rdEyeGirl.com that have been ghost lately..

This deal with Kobalt this year is turning out 2 b as promised a big year 4 U & even bigger 4 ur christened "MasterPieces.....

This is going to go well, like his other partnership ventures.


Like when he teamed up with the web developers of lotusflow3r, or 3121 perfume, etc.


Kobalt should be excited. Prince has had a long history of cooperating with people he's doing business with, and honoring his part of the deal.

thanks for sharing the info cant wait for the new album

lwr001 said:

KeithyT said:

dude, it's just management, record company, PR spin.

They are lying cuz he had two shows that had 25 tickets left when i got in line...lol...craziness...

Pur-lease. They had to GIVE AWAY TICKETS.

BartVanHemelen said:

lwr001 said:

They are lying cuz he had two shows that had 25 tickets left when i got in line...lol...craziness...

Pur-lease. They had to GIVE AWAY TICKETS.

Did they?

WTF is Prince thinking charging so much for shows where he uses the same tired ass stage and setup?

I hope that they bring old albums back into print along with distributing the new ones. There's so many of his albums that are unavaliable.

BartVanHemelen said:

lwr001 said:

They are lying cuz he had two shows that had 25 tickets left when i got in line...lol...craziness...

Pur-lease. They had to GIVE AWAY TICKETS.

Cuz you weree there BArt, [Snip - luv4u]

this is exactly the type of thing i think he needs. marketing a distribution (both physical and digital). i think it's perfect. plus now he can do what he want; even more so than at Warner. put out whatever he wants, as much as he wants and it's promoted AND he'll retain masters haha.

only question, will they be releasing his back catologue? can they even do that? or will they release those "re-recorded versions" he rambled about in the mid-90's? i'm curious. i hope the rest of 2013 is a great year for Prince music.

lwr001 said:

BartVanHemelen said:

Pur-lease. They had to GIVE AWAY TICKETS.

Cuz you weree there BArt, [Snip - luv4u]

Dude, it's the truth. Read the reports. Welcome to reality.

ludwig said:

lwr001 said:

Cuz you weree there BArt, [Snip - luv4u]

Dude, it's the truth. Read the reports. Welcome to reality.

He made no money and the only reason why it was succesful was cuz they gave anway txts.. [Snip - luv4u] if you beleive that