You've Come A Long Way, Baby: Electronic Arts Starts a Music Label

So here I am wondering why there was no mention of this at the company meeting a few weeks ago. The New York Times is reporting (FRR) that Electronic Arts is partnering with Cherry Lane Music Publishing to form Next Level Music (get it? It's a clever pun based on the fact that it's music from videogames, but also implying that the music is better than the competition!). Apparently, the genesis of this idea came when Universal Pictures approached Electronic Arts to ask about using the orchestral theme from the Metal of Honor series in a trailer for Seabiscuit.

There are a couple of EA videogame soundtracks floating around out there, including some rather rare ones, like the vinyl promo singles from the NHL game that came out a few years ago. There's a copy of that one tacked to a wall near the sports bar downstairs from where I sit.

What this likely means is that, in the future, EA will probably try to secure exclusive tracks from artists it puts on a game soundtrack, and then release soundtrack albums on its own label. Like a movie studio, really. Nevertheless, I will quietly hold out for The Best of Archon b/w Theme from Pinball Construction Set.

Comments

[bowler]

So when's EA going to buy ABC from Disney then?

But seriously, I'm wondering how they'd get exclusive tracks, as I'd imagine most major recording artists have an exclusive deal not to record for other labels?

[ClockworkGrue]

Bowler, never underestimate the power of the money hat.