Steve Angello said he wanted to "go indie" album. Who knew just how serious he was?
In a precedent-setting move that will likely have huge repercussions as major labels learn how to best handle dance music, dance culture, and the goals of DJ/producers on a micro (EDM) and macro (Billboard charts) level, it has been confirmed that ex-Swedish House Mafia member Angello has bought his way out of his recording contract with Columbia Records–including the rights to his entire forthcoming artist album Wild Youth. Reportedly, Angello is unhappy with a perceived lack of support his summer single “Wasted Love” got from Columbia, as the track did not meet Angello's expectations insofar as being a festival mainstay or a Billboard-charting smash.
Angello's last major single was 2013's "Don't You Worry Child," (released when Angello was with Swedish House Mafia) which hit number one on Billboard's Dance charts, and number six on Billboard's Hot 100 charts. Comparatively, "Wasted Love" is currently at number nine (and rising) after seven weeks on the chart (and did not crack Billboard's top 10 of the "Hot 100" charts). Logically, with a major label push behind it, the single could be charting much higher. Of note as well is that Columbia Records has also signed Daft Punk and Dillon Francis, thus Angello may want a level of artistic autonomy not present in Columbia's EDM marketing plans.
There has been no formal statement yet from Angello regarding next steps, but his Size Records imprint has recently been re-launched with Junior Sanchez at the helm, or, Angello could attempt any great number of other release strategies. This is certainly a story worth following.
(THUMP)
