Cartel (Militia Group) has signed a deal with Epic Records, Sire Records signed Armor for Sleep, and rumors claim that Interscope signed Interpol. Is Interpol a good signing? Hard to tell because the track record is sketchy. Sure they sold 400k+ records but the sales were mainly due to designer press. I can’t say the the songs speak for themselves. Jimmy Iovine (Interscope) is only interested in reaching the critical masses, which is the ultimate goal for any major record label president. As I said, the track record is volatile and I really don’t think Interpol can craft those type of songs that will convince 700,000+ music buyers. You never know, but based on the probabilities, I’m not placing any bets.

These indie-gone-major bands can go one of three ways.

1. the band changes their sound to hit mass appeal

2. the band doesn’t change their sound, flops and gets dropped

3. the band picks up a ton of steam but resents their new major for the way they’re portrayed and then jumps ship to go back to an indie, taking all their record buying fans with them

I only mention #3 because I recently spoke to one of these types of bands and they hinted that this was in their future. Given how well this band sells, it should be interesting. Can’t say I blame labels for trying to cash in on what is already selling (or being hyped)….but find your own bands.    source: coolfer