14 DAY TRIAL // Robbie Williams, although not as popular in all territories as he once wanted to be (for some reason, he never quite managed to break on the US market with his recent releases), continues to be one of the most bankable singers of our times. Although he still has some way to go with EMI, his current record label, Williams is already looking for options for a future contract, which might rise to £50 million, NME reports.
However, this time, the singer is trying to avoid being tied down to a record label, so he’s now looking for investors that might make his future albums possible. The deal with EMI that he signed a few years ago and that stipulated he delivered four albums was estimated at £55 million, but also came with creative restrictions as to the material he was going to put out.
By bringing investors on board, Williams could perhaps successfully bypass that, it is believed. “Robbie Williams could be set to sell the right to half his future album, touring and sponsorship earnings in a £50 million deal. Managers for the singer are looking at courting investors as a possible alternative to signing up with a record label as he comes to the end of a £55 million, four-album deal with EMI. The scheme would involve financial partners paying a cash advance in the hope eventual earnings exceeded the investment.” NME writes of the deal the British singer is now trying to ink.
Still, the possibility of signing with a label has not been ruled out completely just yet. “Obviously we are talking to several record companies about a new deal for Robbie, but we are also looking at talking broadly to all potential investors, including financial institutions.” Tim Clark, one of Williams’ advisors, says for the aforementioned music publication.
As some fans might remember, the contract with EMI, one of the biggest record labels worldwide, was, at the time it was signed, a record for any artist, whether British or not. However, it also got Williams into troubled waters, as the first album under it, “Rudebox,” proved a major commercial disappointment, despite being well received by critics. EMI, as anyone can easily imagine, was hoping for a smashing hit that would help it recoup its early investment.