What with Radiohead finally mellowing out in recent years into a bunch of friendly, regular guys who wear blue jeans, smile, offer you a warm ale, and occasionally write and record handfuls of comparably affable, jaunty jingles, Radiohead manager Brian Message probably has a whole lot less to do. But hey, problem solved, I guess, because Message has launched a new record label.
But don’t worry. The spirit of the ’Head is actually quite a strong presence in this new endeavor. For starters, the label, which is called Polyphonic, will allow artists to keep their copyright. Further, the new company's policies look set to place emphasis on these newfangled digital distribution models for album sales and may even see variable pricing release plans similar to... that one record from that one band from like Scotland or wherever with the weird singer and the bald drummer and the Asian (I think?) guitarist that people are always talking about.
Now for some of those details and numbers and stuff. Polyphonic is reportedly a joint venture between Message's company ATC and management firms MAMA Group and Nettwerk Music Group. Artists are likely to get a 50% share of profits, with their share increasing with success. Co-chief executive of MAMA Group Adam Driscoll further explained: "We will do whatever is most effective to get an artist noticed. Giving an album away for free may get one million people listening to a new artist."
And as for the 1,000-pound gorilla in the room? Well, sorry folks. It is yet to be announced which acts will be working with Polyphonic. But it sounds like hopes are high for Yorke and his mates, doesn’t it? I mean, after all, let’s face the facts, people: Radiohead aren’t nearly as alluringly badass when they’re not staring down a record label. Even if it’s a cool one.
