Starbucks launches record label

Building on the success of its iTunes-based "Hear Music" page, Starbucks has decided to launch its own record label. Hear Music will sign its own artists, and sell its recordings through Starbucks stores and iTunes. According to the AP, Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment, says the company has focused on the success of its iTunes page.

One can only presume that in addition to the standard RIAA/Simon Cowell approach[1] to signing musicians, Starbucks will also provide a small percentage of highly-decaffeinated Fair Trade Certified™ recordings, where lucky musicians will receive equitable royalties if ordered in Grande or Venti sizes. Because "Medium" and "Large" talents do not exist at Starbucks.

[1] You have potential but frankly I was bored.[2]

[2] I really felt your performance. You made it your own.[3]

[3] Dawg. Dawg. Dawg.

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Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-starbucks-reco…

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Building on the success of its iTunes-based "Hear Music" page, Starbucks has decided to launch its own record label. Hear Music will sign...

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CatheJ

Great. Just try to be a "new artist".

March 20 2007 at 3:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mark Gilbert

I belive they can count Sir Paul McCartney among their signed artists. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23388851-details/Macca+switches+record+labels+to+ensure+Heather+has+no+claim/article.do This is London reports that he has signed with the label in order to prevent Heather Mills recieving more money. His old label, Capitol, offered his a Â£25mn advance on his next for albums, but since it's an advance it's counted as current earning and therefore Mills would be able to claim it as part of the divorce settlement. So he is apparently signing up with Hear Music.
Cheers

March 14 2007 at 5:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

HolyJaw

Can't wait for this. There are some kickass artists participating in the Hear Music program. As a Starbucks Barista I get to hear EVERY-THING over and over and over... Starbucks has a knack for signing new and different talents that appeal to a good majority... It's a very nice break from the standard MTV BS you hear these days..

March 14 2007 at 1:55 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jbelkin

Your first $100 in royalties is a Starbucks gift card.

March 14 2007 at 1:03 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Danger

March 13 2007 at 6:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

kevin

I'm glad Apple is working so closely with Starbucks to make this record label a success! Thank you The Unsigned Artist Weblog!

March 13 2007 at 5:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply