Nickelback looking for new recording contract

Nickelback is "in discussions" with Warner Music Group, the parent company of the band's longtime label Roadrunner Records, over a new contract, according to the New York Post. Although the multi-platinum Canadian act has three albums left on its current deal, the Post reported that the band is looking to use its massive success as leverage for a rich new payday. Warner is also said to want to lock up the band in a long term deal at a time when fewer acts are consistently selling millions of CDs.

Sources said that the three other major label groups -- EMI Music, SonyBMG and Universal Music -- have all been in touch with the band as well about a future deal.

The same sources said that Nickelback wants to regain ownership rights to the master recordings of its catalog, a valuable source of income. Nickelback has sold 16.5 million copies of its five albums, including more than six and a half million alone for its latest effort, 2005's All The Right Reasons.

Warner is said to be seeking a "360" deal with the band, which would give the label a cut of merchandise and touring income in addition to record sales in exchange for more money upfront. Madonna recently did such a deal with the Live Nation concert promotion organization.

If Nickelback does jump ship to another label, Roadrunner/Warner would still potentially retain its catalog and generate money from that.

Nickelback manager Bryan Coleman said that the band "has enjoyed its relationship with Roadrunner," while Roadrunner founder Cees Wessels said the label is "looking forward to a long and prolific relationship" with the band.
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