Madonna has dumped her major record label Warner Music for a new life in the digital domain of the 21st Century with touring company Live Nation.
The material girl has cast aside the template world of the 20th Century major label business models and has gone with Live Nation in a deal that will control her musical direction for recording, touring and merchandise."The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift," commented Madonna in a statement. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited".
Under the deal, Madonna will become a shareholder in Live Nation and construct a new business model that is sure to set the way for many other major artists to follow.
"I've never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless. Who knows how my albums will be distributed in the
future? That's what's exciting about this deal - everything is possible. Live Nation has offered me a true partnership and after 25 years in the business, I feel that I deserve that", she said.
The major label's reluctance to accept new technology has rendered their business model obsolete in recent years.
Artists such as Radiohead and the Eagles, as well as Australia's Darren Hayes and Ben Lee have walked away from the majors and have grown their careers.
The Madonna move to Live Nation will potentially have the majors shuffling the deck chairs on their Titantic.
Angela Becker, Madonna's co-manager added, "The partnership and vision for the future that Artist Nation along with Live Nation presented to us assured
me that this is the ideal home for Madonna. It is with great trust and optimism that we collectively move ahead together."
In parting words to Warner, Madonna commented, "My time with Warner Bros. Records has been great. I appreciate their hard work and value the many relationships I have developed over the years with the label in the U.S. and around the world. I have an album coming out with them next year and I'm excited about it. We still have work to do together."
