Madonna helps define a new Artist Nation
A master of self-reinvention, Madonna has entered into a partnership with concert promotions giant Live Nation to create a new model for the music business.
The company has launched a new division, Artist Nation, that will serve as a one-stop shop for entertainers, taking care of recorded music, merchandise, ticketing, fan websites, broadcast/digital media rights, sponsorship and marketing.
Madonna , who is leaving her longtime record label, Warner Bros., for the new venture, said the music businesses has shifted and it's time she makes a change.
"For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited," the superstar explained in a statement. "I've never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless. Who knows how my albums will be distributed in the future? That's what's exciting about this deal--everything is possible. Live Nation has offered me a true partnership and after 25 years in the business, I feel that I deserve that."
The 10-year agreement makes Maddy a shareholder in the company and is worth about $120 million, according to various reports. The all-encompassing deal puts the Grammy winner's many music ventures under one umbrella for the first time in her career.
Artist Nation has the benefit of the Live Nation network, which includes more than 80 offices in 18 countries, nearly 200 national and local sponsorship personnel, more than 160 concert venues, and access to more than 35 million fans who attend upwards of 10,000 shows that the company produces, promotes and/or hosts each year, according to a press release.
"Artist Nation works for the direct benefit of the artist to better market their music across all their diverse businesses to extend their fan base," division chief (and Rolling Stones tour producer) Michael Cohl said in a statement. "Our company can leverage Live Nation's many assets in order to help artists reach their fullest potential and deliver the ultimate experience to the fan."
The company expects the Madonna partnership to attract other acts to Artist Nation. Live Nation Chief Michael Rapino told the Associated Press the division plans to work with a range of talent, from superstars to up-and-comers.
Meanwhile, Maddy still has some loose ends to tie up with Warner Bros.
"I have an album coming out with them next year and I'm excited about it," she said.
Over the past 25 years, Madonna has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, according to a press release. Her 2006 "Confessions" tour reportedly generated nearly $200 million, making it the highest-grossing concert tour of all time by a female artist.
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