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Morrissey turns down indie record deal
posted by davidt on Sunday February 25 2001, @10:00AM

 Jake writes:

I have a friend who works at Jade Tree Records in Wilmington, DE. They're a label for indie bands like the Promise Ring and Joan of Arc. They get awesome distribution all over the world. They're also kinda tough to sign on to because they give the bands 50% of all royalties, something I think Morrissey would like. Unfortunately he turned down an offer by them last week, sadly prolonging the release of his next album...

 
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    Morrissey turns down indie record deal | Log in/Create an Account | Top | 93 comments | Search Discussion
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    Jade Tree? (Score:1)
    Can you blame him? Distribution and advertisment that would only hit local record store's, and zines?
    Mr Elliott -- Sunday February 25 2001, @10:40AM (#8263)
    (User #2439 Info)
    • Re:Jade Tree? by Only Audrey (Score:1) Sunday February 25 2001, @09:40PM
      • Re:Jade Tree? by Anonymous (Score:0) Tuesday February 27 2001, @09:00PM
        jadetree records (Score:0)
        can you blame him. why would he want to be on a lame ass hardcore label.
        Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @11:36AM (#8265)
        The way of the gun (Score:1)
        I wish something like Matador would pick him up. They have a good roster of people with long-running careers, they tend to leave their artists alone, and are influential enough to where you did have some of their artists like Liz Phair and Pavement getting radio play.

        I'm not familiar with Jade Tree, but that seems too small, don't you think? I'm not really familiar with the artists you have listed. They may be the sort of indie caliber that they get some college airplay and possibly have enough resources to ship their act off to Gavin or SXSW to showcase, but would they have the monetary resources for much else? Not unless Morrissey wanted to pay for the production of his album and use them as a distribution center.

        50% is excellent for any beginning musician, and 50% is what all artists should receive (but do not), but let's be honest: any label with any amount of distribution is going to be flooded with submissions. It's called shotgunning.
        suzanne <{suzsch} {at} {sbcglobal.net}> -- Sunday February 25 2001, @11:51AM (#8268)
        (User #36 Info | http://www.myspace.com/snootywriter )
         I scare dead people.
        • Re:The way of the gun by CantThinkofWittyName (Score:1) Sunday February 25 2001, @07:08PM
          • Re:The way of the gun (Score:3, Informative)
          50% of the publishing rights is the least a record company will do. for beginning bands who are stupid sometimes let the label take 75% not realizing how publishing rights work or what the
          term cross-colateralization means.

          as much as we dont want to think its about money, it is.. and an indie label can't give morrissey a lot of money up front just to sign on because A) they don't have it and B) they know maladjusted had terrible sales numbers.

          as suzanne mentioned, there are costs involved in making a record.

          typically a band signs to a label and the label pays for everything, the studio time, the engineer, the production, printing the discs and
          then they send the band out on tour and the bus
          alone might be $3500/week and hotels and meals
          and all the staff required etc.. and the label
          takes every penny they spend on you and that
          number becomes the amount of money you owe them.

          once you pay off the debt, you can then start
          making money. that is why a lot of new bands that
          are real popular say they dont have any money.
          they dont!

          the only people with the money to do this
          are the larger labels.

          the last tour, morrissey paid all that money
          upfront out of his own pocket and yes, he turned
          a profit.

          putting out a record and marketing it and setting
          up distribution costs a lot of money but isnt
          nearly as safe to get a good return on investment
          like the tour was... so he's looking for a label
          that isnt going to lower the standards he is used
          to in the music industry.

          also, since morrissey knows he can tour and make
          a killing, he might be trying to work out a deal
          with a major label to have only the record sales
          and publishing revenues be used for the payback
          and the tours are up to him and thus no one
          wants to give away a piece of the golden goose
          and then take on all the risk that the record will
          flop like a sweaty pompadour.
          isleofdogs <isleofdogs@fcbl.org> -- Sunday February 25 2001, @07:32PM (#8310)
          (User #1011 Info)
          [ Parent ]
        Jade Tree? (Score:0)
        I doubt that Morrissey will signing with any record company but if he were to sign, it wouldn't be with Jade Tree. Unfortunately, I think he's going to retire soon. Be prepared.
        Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @11:56AM (#8269)
          morrissey on jade tree... (Score:0)
          yah right.

          granted, jade tree is a nice little indie label, but come on...MORRISSEY on jade tree records...??

          that sounds like some sort of joke.

          morrissey will put out another record when everything is right for a new record... what's the rush?! we all know its going to be brilliant, just like all have been in the past.

          Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @12:05PM (#8272)
          Shows in gyms. (Score:0)
          I've seen many bands on Jade Tree (Because I live in Delaware), and not only do their bands only have shows in tiny little gyms, and houses and stuff, I used to work with a guy who's band was on Jade Tree, and He was so in debt because of the cost of recording and touring (which he had to pay for himself) he had to work two jobs.. and his band was really popular. I love indie labels but.. I don't really think Jade Tree is for Moz. What about Bar-None records? They signed juliana Hatfield, and 10,000 maniacs after they lost their major deals.. TVT signed XTC after they quit Virgin... I Hate the business end of the music business and you'd think that any label (major or indie) would love to sign Morrissey based on record sales alone, I mean he would out-sell plenty of bands that they already have signed... but, God knows they are to stupid to know what's good for them.
          Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @12:42PM (#8276)
            Moz Records (Score:1)
            He doesn't need to sign to a indie.If he wants a deal he can get one with a major.If he wants an indie type thing.He can start his own label & wouldn't have a problem getting it in stores.He could call his label Moz Recordings!Maybe he just wants a rest?
            DannyDangerous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @01:21PM (#8284)
            (User #1158 Info)
             "It takes strength to be gentle & kind"
              We look to Los Angeles (Score:0, Troll)
              Maybe Mr. Morrissey has let Hollywood get to his head and expects the red carpet treatment he gets on Sunset Blvd. Maybe he wants a multi-million dollar record corporation sign him up and fly him around in their own private jet a la Courtney Love. Maybe he thinks he's worth the wait and the money... Well yes, of course you are Mr. Morrissey. Just one thing. In America we don't care too much for rich people who are inconsiderate of others. We like artists much better.
              Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @01:29PM (#8286)
              A Few Label Suggestions (Score:1, Informative)
              ...my good man morrissey.. if you're reading this bit of piffle.. here are a few proven labels to consider for a new & happy home.. i think you'll agree that you'll be in good company at any of them....

              1. Matador
              home to belle & sebastian, mc paul barman, pavement, cornelius, mogwai, yo la tengo, steve malkmus, pizzicato five, liz phair, etc., etc..

              2. Minty fresh
              home to cardigans, kahimi karie, komeda, aluminum group, & papas fritas, tahiti 80, etc.

              3. Le grand magistry
              home to momus, stars, toog, my life story, etc.
               
              4. Beggars banquet
              home to badly drawn boy, bauhaus, john cale, delgados, the fall, gus gus, stereolab, many more

              5. V2
              home to stereophonics, black crowes, heather nova, moby, underworld, the late michael hutchence

              6. Merge
              home to magnetic fields, the 6ths, ladybug transistor, neutral milk hotel, superchunk, etc.

              And lastly, momus' new label, "american patchwork." momus has agreed to a 50/50 split for himself and the artist, and I personally think momus and morrissey would get along swimmingly.
              Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @01:55PM (#8288)
              If he wanted to be on an indie lable im sure he... (Score:0)
              I don't blame him, there's no reason that someone of his caliber would need to sign to a small indie label. He is Morrissey after all. Besides I'm sure that if he wanted to be on a small indie label he could do it himself, and probably be better financed than this label. (he can afford to live in a rather exclusive area of L.A. afterall) Besides The Promise Ring sucks. The last thing we need is lots of stupid Emo kids trying to claim Moz as their own.
              Anonymous -- Sunday February 25 2001, @01:59PM (#8289)
              jade tree... (Score:1, Flamebait)
              i really am relieved that moz didn't sign with jade tree. i would hate to see our beloved morrissey on the next "emo diaries" compilation. is there really anything more pretentious than this little subgenre called emo?
              i do like jets to brazil and they are on jade tree but the promise ring and joan of arc are just not mentionable. sorry if i offend anyone who likes such stuff...
              neal -- Sunday February 25 2001, @06:15PM (#8303)
              (User #799 Info)
              enough already! (Score:1)
              Christ Morrissey,
              just get a fucking soapbox, stand on it and sing..
              Really, this is too much. JUST GET GOING!!!!!!
              Maplefreak -- Sunday February 25 2001, @07:09PM (#8308)
              (User #1234 Info)
               And the songs we sing, they're not supposed to mean a thing...
              he'll do what he wants. (Score:4, Insightful)
              Those interested in Morrissey's current label situation should remember the following:

              1). The Smiths turned were ready to switch over to Virgin; they changed their minds on the day they were to sign because a single Virgin representative rubbed them the wrong way. (Q; Jan '94)

              2). Pissed off by Arnold Steifel's sub-rosa decision to have him play three high-profile U.S. shows in spring of '94, Morrissey canceled a video shoot with Anton Corbijn (sp?) & an interview with that cornerstone of progressive culture -- Rolling Stone -- and returned to England. (LA Times, sometime in Feb. '94)

              3). Moz abandoned the David Bowie's Outside tour due to demands and pressure from Bowie Inc. (Irish Times, Dec. '99)

              4). According to reports on this web site, Madonna's Maverick label approached Moz requested some demos. Appearently, he didn't like their attitude & refused to deal with them. (Morrissey-solo, Dec. '99)

              These incidents, combined with the fact that the people around Moz influence him enormously (e.g., Johnny Marr; Mick Ronson; Nigel Thomas) lead me to conclude that he's just biding his time for an offer that feels right.

              One of the things I love most about Morrissey is his unwillingness to compromise. Yes, people who don't compromise are difficult, but few things are more endearing than a combination of stubborness (sp?) and charm. I hope he gets exactly the deal that he wants.
              s-man -- Sunday February 25 2001, @08:29PM (#8313)
              (User #1233 Info)
                Money Changes Everything... (Score:1)
                well in a time of reality based tv, and puppet-types selling the most records, one has to admire Morrissey for having standards when it comes to getting a deal. He is a true artist and why should he sell himself to an indie label who will not be able to provide him the marketing, promotion, a&r, and support he needs. Morrissey is an established name, artist, and to these industry types he's a commodity, but either way he needs to be marketed, promoted and provided with adequate representation to the masses who have no clue who this genius is. The larger labels are usually the ones who are willing to spend more money on all of these things because they expect more out of the artist (sales sales sales). The record industry is a sick sad business which takes peoples talent and packages it in way which at the moment may seem palatable, but the after taste is quite disgusting. I'm sure that all Morrissey wants, like any other real artist is a contract with longevity with a label who is credible. We all know Morrissey may not go platnium or make sound scan numbers that are sky high, but we do know that he is a master at what he does, the bad thing is that lots of people in the industry don't realize this. Us Morrissey fans are awaiting new material from him, but if he's gonna have to lower his standards (which i'm sure is the reason why he hasnt been signed yet), and be a slave to the wage, then i'd rather keep waiting. ...and thats just my opinon.
                ilovemoz -- Sunday February 25 2001, @10:40PM (#8322)
                (User #1720 Info)
                 "Rejection is one thing, but rejection from a fool is cruel"
                there is nothing (Score:1)
                There is nothing for us to do, just sit and wait till he comes around.
                MozQgirl -- Sunday February 25 2001, @11:06PM (#8323)
                (User #966 Info)
                  How we would all moan if Moz did become huge again (Score:2, Insightful)
                  ... and you know it. If he released a huge selling album that was brought by all 'the kids' you wouldn't be able to log onto this page because it would be clogged up with more moaning than a Manic Street Preachers website. Goodnight and thankyou.
                  MyMelody -- Monday February 26 2001, @04:36AM (#8328)
                  (User #2329 Info)
                   ...don't make fun of me later... cos I'm just lost...
                  The Truth! (Score:0)
                  Ok, I love Morrissey to death but I think we are all overlooking the truth here. Morrissey keeps stalling the new record by saying that he cannot find a label. This I feel is not true. I think the real problem is that he either

                  A. Does not have new songs ready
                  B. Is having severe writing block.

                  Either one is perfectly fine. Many artists go through this, just dont sugarcoat the fact by blaming it on not having a record label. Morrissey could start his own if that was the problem. Just please write some songs! Give the cd away with the purchase of cereal if you have to. Come on now.
                  Anonymous -- Monday February 26 2001, @06:01AM (#8331)
                  • Re:The Truth! by Ruffian (Score:1) Monday February 26 2001, @09:12AM
                    • Re:The Truth! by Puppet on string (Score:1) Monday February 26 2001, @11:31AM
                      encore again..and again (Score:1)

                      Rearrange the letters in Jade Tree.....and you get
                      Deja et re...which is French for ``Once again and yet again''......I wonder how many more times will we have to read these pleas from desperate people...most things in life i look forward to are never as good as the occasions that just spring up and grab you...it's the same with most albums...
                      neworleans -- Monday February 26 2001, @07:04AM (#8334)
                      (User #2197 Info)
                        Morrissey not signing to indie label (Score:0)
                        I guess he doesn't really want to release another album because it sounded like a good deal to me. If he were in front of me, I'd bitch-slap him on the spot for being so picky. I mean it's not as if labels are clamoring to sign him. Cheers!
                        Mike Mozfan -- Monday February 26 2001, @07:52AM (#8336)
                        (User #442 Info)
                          you want indie? ill give you indie. (Score:1)
                          theres a surprise. its not about whether the label is "hardcore" or whateva-- just put out a g*ddamn record already!! ill make the sleaves myself and sell it outta my garage..
                          thinlizzie -- Monday February 26 2001, @07:59AM (#8337)
                          (User #1134 Info)
                            Morrissey = ***moron*** (Score:0)
                            what a dick head????? He is so stupid. Let him rot away for all i care now.
                            Anonymous -- Monday February 26 2001, @02:43PM (#8358)
                            I don't think record labels want to bother (Score:0)
                            Hey I love Morrissey's music, I think he's brilliant, but we all know the troubles that record companies have had with him in the past, like cancelling tour dates, or interviews, and not talking to the record company for months untill he deems it neccersary to speak to them, especially when the record companies wanted to get a hold of him for some reason. He has that reputation of hard to manage, and hard to deal with. Plus it's also hard to believe in the past 3 years that he has not had a record label, that he hasn't found one. Just strange, also he put on a tour last year without supporting an album, it was like hmmmmm can Morrissey still tour and sing without making new music, and just using his old song list. It's possibly that he is on the verge of retirement.
                            Anonymous -- Monday February 26 2001, @05:35PM (#8366)
                            Jade Tree blows (Score:0)
                            I am with all of you out there.....how dare Jade Tree even think that Moz would sign to there label......they really don't have a big distibution system.....I worked in an indie store and it took forever for there cds to come in when they sell........It is no surprise that he didn't sign to this crap label.......the money is in the touring, and not the sale of records.......
                            Anonymous -- Monday February 26 2001, @07:19PM (#8370)
                              The Vulgar Picture (Score:2, Insightful)
                              Frankly, I don't think Moz will sign with anyone any time soon. Here's my reasons why:
                              1) He's not a naive 21 year old and he counts his dollars. Therefore, a company isn't going to be able to milk him like they could some disgruntled nu metal teenagers. For them it's a 'why bother?'
                              2) Sub Pop + Jesus And Mary Chain: JAMC had a similar profile to Moz, a similarly respected catalog and completely flamed out, costing Sub Pop tons and no doubt creating a 'buyer beware' on older U.K. acts.
                              3) Maladjusted was horrible. That's not the resume to bring into a business meeting.
                              If he wants to make guaranteed cash he should just sell his services to a big promoter and tour north america a half-dozen times. He's still a top live act and it's a no fail proposition.

                              madegrave -- Monday February 26 2001, @09:15PM (#8373)
                              (User #2369 Info)
                                Finally, lets put this to rest! (Score:0)
                                Ok, hopefully this will put to rest the above comments. (Is everyone so miserable that this is how they spend their time these days, I am glad to see that everyone still cares for such an icon! (Blush) The following songs may or may not be included on the next Morrissey release-whenever that may be!

                                "Brigham Between Us"- A mix between Boxers and Hated for Loving if one can imagine that.

                                "Misplace My Own"-one of the heaviest songs Morrissey has ever done, but with a strong sense of melody.

                                "Applicant For Nothing"-An autobiographical story of someone we all know. Very Southpaw sounding.

                                "Could You Please?"-How Soon Is Now? part 2. I swear. Amazing!!!!!!!!!!

                                "Of All My Life"-Very gritty, Yes I Am Blind style. The closest thing to a blues song that we have heard from Morrissey, but in his typical fashion. "When I turn back the clock, I'll get what's mine!"

                                Night Heads Down-Very creeping sounding. "If you face the obsolete, who is there, who is there?"

                                This is just a hint. There are more and Yes, these are completed songs. Just something to wet your palate with.

                                Anonymous -- Tuesday February 27 2001, @08:28AM (#8384)
                                jade tree (Score:1)
                                What an idiot. That label is so good. They have Pedro the Lion and he is reall articulate and has great music. Morrissey would love being on a label with him.
                                sleaterkinney22 <digmeout22@hotmail.com> -- Tuesday February 27 2001, @02:36PM (#8401)
                                (User #1769 Info | http://www.geocities.com.theprofessionalex )
                                 all is full of love
                                  how much to sing your life? (Score:1)
                                  Let's not forget about a little band called The Smiths who were signed to Rough Trade, which was *gasp* an indie label. Now, i've read all the biographies too, and i know that they had distribution problems and touring problems and all that crap - but - does it matter today? The fact is that the music was important and good enough to be heard - to be sought out by people - and will continue to be so until the world finally offs itself. The quality of Morrissey's future work remains to be seen however, and whether his next record is released by an indie like Jade Tree or by some transglobal record/soft drink company makes no difference when you consider whats important - the quality of the music.
                                  ideal -- Tuesday February 27 2001, @04:15PM (#8410)
                                  (User #1492 Info)
                                   I will surely never find a girlfriend here...
                                  Moz CAN NOT get a deal BECAUSE ....... (Score:0)
                                  Moz cant get a deal because he is nearly impossible to work with. He is mean, nasty, and a complete backstabber. I worked at Mercury when he was there and we couldnt waitt o kick him off the label. Very unprofessional and uncooperative
                                  This alone sent waves through the industry and that is why no one will touch him
                                  sorry guys but that is the truth
                                  Anonymous -- Tuesday February 27 2001, @05:39PM (#8412)
                                  Ipecac (Score:1)
                                  I'd like to see Moz work with Patton on Ipecac!(He wouldn't make much money, but...)
                                  As far as big labels go, how about Capitol? They've always been very good at letting the artists maintain a great amount of control. They also sell Radiohead, Dandies, and others very well. Or, even though his genre isn't fitting - Astralwerks?
                                  Whoaba <whoaba@hotmail.com> -- Tuesday February 27 2001, @05:52PM (#8414)
                                  (User #1366 Info | http://www.geocities.com/whoaba/ )
                                   "Man is not born wicked: he becomes so, as he becomes sick." -Voltaire
                                  • Re:Ipecac by Anonymous (Score:0) Wednesday February 28 2001, @01:09AM
                                    • Re:Ipecac by Whoaba (Score:1) Thursday March 01 2001, @09:11AM
                                    too good for jade (Score:1)
                                    moz is too good for jade. i agree that he needs to get going and decide - V2, matador, and minty fresh are all good labels because they have big artists on them. and yes, moz is an artist! he just needs to get his next album out there so we can hear more of his musical genius.
                                    rusholmeruffian -- Wednesday February 28 2001, @02:13PM (#8455)
                                    (User #1450 Info)
                                     "Ask me why and I'll spit in your eye"
                                      eff the whole effing world (Score:0)


                                      Who the hell cares what label he goes on.

                                      Just record the freaking album already, Morrissey,
                                      you sloth.

                                      By the time he finally gets around to it we
                                      may all have outgrown pop music in favor
                                      of jazz or something!

                                      Can't he at least find some stupid soundtrack
                                      to stick a new song on or something??????

                                      Oh, btw, Jade Tree is a good label, so eff you
                                      all.
                                      Anonymous -- Wednesday February 28 2001, @05:33PM (#8465)
                                      Retirement (Score:1)
                                      I don't know that I care so much about Morrissey getting a record deal. He hasn't done anything interesting since "Vauxhall and I" and his latest tour was nothing more than a cult gathering for his blind worshippers.

                                      I have loved The Smiths/Moz since 1985, so obviously I'm not out to attack him here (he is the most intelligent man in pop music and one of the greatest figures in its history, but I for one would would rather get a nice long interview from him every few months than an album every few years.

                                      Having said all of this, if he does make another album, I do pray that it be his best and that he shut my mouth!!!!
                                      blurjose -- Wednesday February 28 2001, @10:54PM (#8475)
                                      (User #533 Info)
                                      Question? (Score:1)
                                      Does anybody know when Moz might be getting a new record deal? The anticipation of brand new material is very strong. It has been said that he will go the route of the internet to release his songs. Soon, I hope.....
                                      eventhorizon2 -- Wednesday April 04 2001, @02:29PM (#9845)
                                      (User #959 Info | http://www.fullerton.edu/ )
                                       "Another case of unrequited love in which I, as ever, take the leading part."
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