Tags: On The Lookout
Here’s a look at some of the artists/bands out there that you might expect to have a label, but currently don’t. Most of them are looking for a new deal.
Counting Crows – although they were with Geffen for 18 years, Adam Duritz and his band are currently free agents. According to their website, they’ve sold over 20 million albums worldwide. They may not have the same selling power that they had years ago, but Duritz is a solid writer. You have to expect someone will pick these guys up if they are indeed interested in entertaining offers.
Pearl Jam- Following the success of frontman Eddie Veder’s solo release, the band is back in the studio and working on a new album that they plan to release themselves. Apparently this one one act who feels like they do not need a label. They could be right. But only time will tell. For the record, they’ve sold roughly 60 million albums worldwide since forming in 1990.
Ace Frehley – The lead guitarist of KISS who also has a decently successful solo career, is still performing on a regular basis and recording new material. He is in the process of looking for a deal that fits his needs. His last album came out in September of ’09 and debuted at #27 on the Billboard 200.
Hilary Duff – The actress/pop singer spent a good amount of time on Hollywood Records and sold a fair share of albums as a youngster (3 platinum albums and over 13 million sold worldwide). Now a bit more mature, Hilary is no longer under the Disney umbrella and seeking a new home.
Biohazard- This heavy metal/rap band has spent a long time on bigger labels including Warner, Roadrunner and Sactuary. They are also platinum certified and have spent time touring the world without a label or manager.
Prett Ricky- The rap/R&B group who made waves just a few years back with their hits “Grind With Me” and “On The Hotline” and have recently left Atlantic and have released their self titled album on their own Blue Star Entertainment label.
SWV- The Grammy award winning female trio SWV who had hits like “Weak” and “Right Here/Human Nature” has reunited and is currently recording. In today’s climate, it’s gonna be hard for them to compete with the Beyonces, Rihannas and Ciaras of the world. But with Destiny’s Child and now the Pussycat Dolls seemingly over, there is a hole as far as girl groups go. This should be interesting to see how it goes.
Yellowcard- One of the early pop-punk big timers, the Florida band had a huge hit in “Ocean Avenue.” But after an acoustic tour back in ’08, the band took a break and eventually left Capitol. They have double platinum status and are rumored to be seeking a label to partner up with for a new release. Unfortunately we can not confirm if this is 100% true.
Styles P- The rapper has been affiliated with the LOX (aka D-Block) and has been on tracks by a number of big name artists such as Jadakiss, Akon and Swizz Beatz. After releasing albums with Ruff Ryders and Koch, he is now on his own.
Primus- The multi platinum band took some time off so Les Claypool could work on a solo project. They are now back together and no longer on the Interscope roster.
