Yes, you read that correctly. Starbucks is planning to further diversify its brand and expand into the music recording business. The company's existing Los Angeles-based Hear Music label plans to sign its own artists; both established performers and those just emerging into the music industry. Naturally, the CD's will be sold in Starbucks stores, as well as through various other retailers. Rumor has it, in fact, that Paul McCartney has ended his 43-year relationship with Capitol Records and will be the first artist to sign under the Starbucks brand, bringing with him his entire catalogue of Wings and solo work. This isn't the first time Starbucks has attempted non-coffee related ventures ,though -- it has already extended into books, a movie and has a branded page at the online iTunes store. Four Hear Music Coffeehouses, where customers can purchase music and burn to CDs, are currently open, so we can probably expect to see more of those coming soon as well.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
3-14-2007 @ 7:17PM
Ira.B said...
Thank heavens. Now we will have a record label to feed lite FM stations for years to come.
http://malemartha.blogspot.com
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3-15-2007 @ 9:51AM
Jon said...
Just when you thought Paul McCartney couldn't get any lamer...
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3-15-2007 @ 3:47PM
Adriane said...
This doesn't exactly seems to coinside well with their new push to bring the chain "back to basics", does it?
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3-16-2007 @ 3:02PM
Alan said...
does that mean that Paul's records will taste like gnats' piss too?
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3-18-2007 @ 7:33AM
steamboathunter said...
Palls.
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3-18-2007 @ 8:04AM
Johanna said...
Paul McCartney is a CLASS ACT! He has multi-generations of fans. He will be "bringing with him his entire catalogue of Wings and solo work" which are proven successes. Smart move Starbucks! The owner and investors will get even richer!
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3-18-2007 @ 8:10AM
Carl Beigle said...
Is this supposed to take your mind off the fact that the java is overpriced? I think Dunkin Donuts is just making good (reasonably priced) coffee, and not having to really add to that, outside of the drive thru window. Maybe Dunkin knows something starbucks doesn't....sell a good (stand alone) product..ie Dunkin Donuts is , from what I can understand....Starbucks primary competition..Have a nice day.
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3-18-2007 @ 8:11AM
Cindi said...
When I first saw the headline, I figured they had hired Ringo Starr as a spokesperson - seemed a natural step. This, though . . .
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3-18-2007 @ 8:14AM
Linda said...
It must have taken a lot to get Paul to leave Capitol!! Well done Starbucks! You got a WINNER!!
The best!
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3-18-2007 @ 8:23AM
George Koppen said...
This late in life and his carrear it semms more likely to me that tjis is more of a publicity stunt for Mc Cartney than a real business venture.
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3-18-2007 @ 8:24AM
CJ said...
Maybe they can sign Heather Mills' leg too while they are at it
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3-18-2007 @ 8:28AM
BobbyRo said...
Oh joy Oh rapture,can't wait till Mick Jagger signs and they can use his tounge logo for the coffee image and the stones library of music , maybe this is a begining of the starbuck/hall of fame /java weekend?
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3-18-2007 @ 8:32AM
MrMayorMike said...
Starbucks is the worst coffee. Not only does it taste awful, it is over-priced. I fail to understand why people go there for coffee. Its a nice place to sit and have a cup of java if the java was good. As far as Paul McCarthy.. He is great. He should have his own label and sign his own artists.
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3-18-2007 @ 8:40AM
Suzanne said...
Just another reason not to go to Starbucks. He has definitely had his hey-day and aren't the fans of Paul already the Starbucks customers?
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3-18-2007 @ 8:54AM
Kathy said...
After a high profile divorce, not surprising he is looking to make some money. Doubt it would make me any more likely to try Starbucks overpriced coffee though.
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3-18-2007 @ 8:56AM
chi said...
Paul! What are you thinking?
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3-18-2007 @ 8:59AM
Susan said...
Let's hope this venture is a smarter move for Paul than when he sold the rights to the entire Lennon/McCartney library of songs to Michael Jackson or when he married Heather Mills.
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3-18-2007 @ 9:06AM
JOHN said...
Paul I love you and the beatles but your new music really stinks... Please kick it up a notch or stop making music for gods sake! As for starbucks its overated burn't tasting coffee thats overpriced. I like the coffee at mcdonalds better!
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3-18-2007 @ 9:12AM
Steve Lee said...
Starbucks Entertainment has been working towards this for two years. As the music industry further fragments into micro markets there are fewer names that can sell CD's internationally.
Starbucks will always try to find mass market material to sell in it's stores.
I wrote about this when Starbucks was making it's initial move into music marketing, Sheryl Crow and Rolling Stones Hear Music at Starbucks: www.associatedcontent.com/article/32593/sheryl_crow_and_rolling_stones_hear.html
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3-18-2007 @ 9:14AM
Lady Mum said...
Paul McCartney is one of the most wonderful people of the world. And a GIANT in the music world! His introduction to Heather Mills was a pitty. It tore the heart out of the music world to see Paul going threw what he has, and STILL IS with that fortune hunter. He has been threw so much, and I personally wish him the best in this venture.. It is possible Heather Mills is creasing the sheets with someone in Capitol and Paul is seeking peace.. God Bless you Paul, and a world of future triumps and peace to you! Afterall, Starbucks is just a bloody name, it has no impact on the greatness Paul can do in an associated entity.. We'll be root'n for ya.. GO GET 'EM PAUL!!
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