Album News, Record Labels — December 11, 2012 at 8:25 am

Depeche Mode signs to Columbia Records for release of new album in March

Depeche Mode today announced that Columbia Records will release its upcoming 13th studio album in March, signalling an end to the synthpop act’s relationship with EMI Music, which picked up the group when it purchased Mute Records in 2002. Neither an exact release date nor the album’s title have been revealed.

Following the release of the record, DM will embark on an already-announced European tour, opening May 7 in Tel Aviv, to be followed by a full North American trek, details of which are “to be announced shortly,” according to today’s announcement.

In the message posted to the band’s website, Martin Gore reiterates his prior comments about the sound of the new record: “I am very happy with how the album turned out. The music has a similar vibe to Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion and I think the songs on the album are among some of the very best we’ve done.”

Dave Gahan adds: “The album has a very organic and direct feel to it. It’s not a blues record, but it definitely has a soulful vibe. During the recording process we really tried to get the elements of performing and the live show into the album more.”

In October, Depeche Mode previewed an untitled track as the first taste of the new record.

Today’s announcement of the Columbia signing does not include any reference to Depeche Mode’s status with longtime home Mute Records, which severed its ties with EMI in 2010 and is once again an independent label.

 

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10 Comments

  1. I’ve never understood the whole label thing. Sure, I get that bands have more feedom/support with some over others, but it today’s digital age I don’t understand why they are needed.

    • as someone that owns and has run an independent label for the last 12 years, i can tell signing to a major today is more about the physical product and global distribution of that product. sure creative freedom, percentages of money owed to the man, and all that come into play but without good distribution the people can’t get the product. plain and simple. and not everyone wants to buy from an online shop or a bunch of digital files. i agree that depeche could follow a radiohead or NIN model and just screw everyone and post it online. but obviously they’re of the machine mentality and want to get it out there as soon as possible as opposed to a slow burn.

  2. I looked up Columbia Records and they had Beyonce at one point, maybe they are trying to get more noticed in the States? I also have a sneaking suspicion that the whole Simon Cowell thing was put on.

  3. Well heck, if Columbia is good enough for Neil Diamond and Willow Smith! Seriously though…DM has enough money to do whatever they want, why sign?

  4. Columbia: Adele

    Comprende?

  5. FYI… release will be 3/26/13

  6. How many records will Depeche Mode realistically sell? 50 – 100K in the US? Maybe another 100K worldwide?

    We know this album will sound NOTHING like Violator or SOFAD, the only reason they are saying that is to market the record.

    That “Angel of Love” song was garbage.

    The bottom line is that Depeche Mode suck without Alan Wilder. They have put out one decent record PTA since he left. Everything else has been crap.

    And the DM tour.. another 20 song set where the play the same greatest hits they play every single tour, lol.

    If ever a band needs to hang it up – it’s Depeche Mode.

    • Strong words. In all honesty, a lot of people consider both Ultra and PTA to be DM’s best albums. I thought SOFTU was a lazy, tired offering but it sure had great moments. And as it sold about 195.000 copies in North America and went to number 1 in 21 countries – probably bringing total sales to well over 500.000 – and being the slightly tired album that it was, I think it did fairly well. If the new album is good and there’s not much that suggests that it’s not, why would it do any worse? I’m looking forward this release. If it’s as tired as SOFTU or worse, I might give up though..

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