UPDATE: Zach Quillen, a member of Macklemore’s camp said Macklemore is not signed to WBR and stated that Macklemore owns and operates his own record company, Macklemore LLC. Here is part of his statement clarifying Macklemore’s relationship with WBR:
“We hire out varying services from a few places, just like many indie artists/companies do: PR, distribution, booking, etc. ADA is hired by Macklemore, LLC to distribute The Heist and also is hired to promote at radio. WBR owns ADA and also helps promote at radio, hired on for this specific service and nothing more. People tend to confuse the situation, because it’s highly unique (and revolutionary imo).”
Original post below:
I typically don’t go posting rumors, but the source and the news here seemed to merit some digital ink. So keep in mind that this is 100 percent unconfirmed because there has not been a statement issued by Macklemore’s camp, but I am hearing word from a reliable source that Macklemore has signed a record deal with Warner Brothers Records.
If true, the news is a big deal but it isn’t necessarily surprising. While Macklemore has been the poster boy for independent success, with his No. 1 Billboard hit “Thrift Shop” selling more than 3 million copies and his album The Heist debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard charts, he has never said he wouldn’t consider signing to a major label.
Interview: Macklemore share some of the secrets to his success
Yes, he’s gone on record for being against major labels (exhibit A: “Jimmy Iovine“) but when I asked him whether he would go to a major label last year this is what he had to say:
I’m not 100 percent opposed to signing with a label. If it grows to the point where we can’t manage it on our own, I’m open to expanding. That could be joining with a major. But, I’m not willing to compromise our creative control, one-third of our merch or one-third or our touring. That doesn’t make sense, and that’s what a lot of majors are proposing.
This means it’s a safe bet that Macklemore’s reported deal with WBR isn’t one of those 360-type agreement that gives the label a cut of merch, tour profits, etc. that are commonplace nowadays.
Also, out of all the major labels a deal with WBR makes the most sense. The Heist is being distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance, which is operated by Warner Brothers. The ADA distribution has been a key part of the album’s success.
From the archives: 5 things learned at a Macklemore secret show
Here’s what Macklemore had to say about working with ADA and his advice for other independent artists looking to do the same during a recent interview with Billboard:
It all comes down to leverage. We didn’t have it six months ago but [we] have it now. But for other artists, you’ve got to want to still have creative control in order for a deal like this to be intriguing to you. It’s figuring out how to maintain your connection to your core fan base that has ridden with you from the jump and remembering them as you continue to grow. I’m looking forward to that in 2013.
Again, I’ll stress that this is a rumor (albeit a very strong one with the news coming from a highly reliable source) and I will update this post with any more information as it becomes available.
