Mark Recording contract

[ds1984]

Is someone in the know about current contract with Mercury?

Previous one was a four album plus one compilation (GH->SL).

This time Mark reach the fourth album (ATRR-KTGC-GL-Privateering)

And Privateering being a double album could be a way to end it early...

[dmg]

I'm sure it's just a formality of extending his contract.  PC needs to start earning his money now, what with the tours and contract it's all go!

[Jules]

As long as he is free to create his music as he wish, I guess the contract with Mercury has been extended.

I recall some artists like Van Morrison ending his contracts to sign with more or less independent labels just to get the freedom to create what he wants, and not what the record company asks him.

[dustyvalentino]

MK is still probably good business,  his fans are older and therefore more likely to actually buy a CD,  he's not selling 20m anymore but probably at least a million?  With few promo costs? So yeah, good business probably,  I don't know.

[IrisRose]

I can't imagine that he would sign a contract with a company that would presume to tell him what to do or how to do it.

[Fletch]

Warner Brothers famously told George Harrison they wouldn't release his new solo album if he didn't drop half the songs!!!
I don't think Mark has ever had that kind of pressure, but sometimes I wish he did! Too many 'yes men' don't always create the bes albums.

[ustas]

I do not know about millions but if I remember The Ragpickers dream sales in US consist of 186 000 CD.

Warner Bros is actually is not record company for Mark now, just major provides with production (CD, LP print, promotion etc) and distribution under Universal / Mercury license for US market. So if WB does not work with Mark more it means that album is released by Universal Music which is presented in US too. It means (as I understand) that CD will be printed outside of USA and imported and price will not be so good for the local buyers.

[Pottel]

186k to date? and is that good or bad?

[Jules]

186k to date? and is that good or bad?

In such a big country, I guess its bad.

[Maxx]

Is there info about the other albums as well?

RPD sold really bad, but thinking about MK's so called "album promotion" at Conan O'Brien is it strange that he sold anything at all. 

[Jules]

Is there info about the other albums as well?

RPD sold really bad, but thinking about MK's so called "album promotion" at Conan O'Brien is it strange that he sold anything at all. 

Did MK any interview with CoCo?

[ustas]

186k to date? and is that good or bad?

The statistic from 2004-2005. It's too bad comparing to Sailing To Philadelphia with over 500,000 copies in USA in 2004

[Maxx]

Is there info about the other albums as well?

RPD sold really bad, but thinking about MK's so called "album promotion" at Conan O'Brien is it strange that he sold anything at all. 

Did MK any interview with CoCo?

No, but his performance and choice of song (Devil Baby) was everything but good for his sales in US.  

[dmg]

Is there info about the other albums as well?

RPD sold really bad, but thinking about MK's so called "album promotion" at Conan O'Brien is it strange that he sold anything at all. 

Did MK any interview with CoCo?

No, but his performance and choice of song (Devil Baby) was everything but good for his sales in US.  

That's what happens when you've no longer got Ed Bicknell but got PC in your corner instead.

[Jules]

Is there info about the other albums as well?

RPD sold really bad, but thinking about MK's so called "album promotion" at Conan O'Brien is it strange that he sold anything at all. 

Did MK any interview with CoCo?

No, but his performance and choice of song (Devil Baby) was everything but good for his sales in US.  

That's what happens when you've no longer got Ed Bicknell but got PC in your corner instead.

100& agree...

I always say (and I can be wrong, of course) that the difference between Ed and PC managing MK looks like Ed guided MK career, and PC follows MK instructions...