Depeche Mode next band to dump label for Radiohead-like approach ?

If we have to believe a recent Billboard/Reuters news article, EMI is about to loose another big fish along the Radiohead like no-label-street, namely UK synthpop legends Depeche Mode. According to the article Depeche Mode is one of 10 acts which are possibly going to dump their label for a different approach in releasing music. Not that the band has never tried the direct approach before; for their most recent 'Playing The Angel' tour, they released a limited set of almost 50 live 2CD's recorded at tens of cities worldwide giving fans the opportunity to purchase the concert they attended directly via the Mute subcompany Live Here Now. Knowing the very close relationship with Mute label founder Daniel Miller it is sure that the band was quite involved in the whole project.

But what makes Billboard/Reuters decide that the band would soon dump EMI/Mute ? According to the article Depeche Mode no longer need a major label in their corner as the band can still fill arenas and land new tracks on DJ playlists without the support of radio. The writer of the piece however seems to forget that Depeche Mode always had a very privileged relationship with Mute labelowner Daniel Miller which resulted in 50/50 deals where the band was as much responsible as the label when it came to investment and return. It is pretty uncertain that Depeche Mode would give up all this just for the sake of having to run all of the risk alone. However, all depends on the position of Daniel Miller, and as far as we know he is still involved in how Mute is being run, for now that is.

A storm in a glass of water? Time will tell.

Posted by B. Van Isacker