The Insider: In Hype and Hope – where next for the big three?

In Depth by The Insider

Whilst XL, Domino, 4AD, Wichita and others put new acts on the map and control the direction and priorities of the new alternative scene, the major labels look distracted and erratic in their signing policy and approach to new acts. Many of the staff realise the game has changed but no one across the big three is really looking as though they know the rules by which to play. For now, to allow the scenes to flourish and to protect itself from further unwise and costly bad investments the sensible major label should focus on catalogue and known artists. It isn’t a panacea but its a way forward for a group of companies that look to be in serious need of new strategies. »