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Starbucks launches record label, Paul McCartney signs

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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Filed Under: Trends, Stores & Shopping, Drink Recipes, Coffee Shops, New Products
Tags: america, cd's, coffee, coffeehouses, hear music, paul mccartney, record label, starbucks, stores-and-shopping

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 5)

Ira.B

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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Jon

3-15-2007 @9:51AM Jon said... Just when you thought Paul McCartney couldn't get any lamer...
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Adriane

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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Alan

3-16-2007 @3:02PM Alan said... does that mean that Paul's records will taste like gnats' piss too?
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Buddy

3-19-2007 @10:49PM Buddy said... Lame? Compared to who? Britney? Limp Bisquit? At sixty something, Paul leaves the young in his dust. And quite a dust it is.
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Johanna

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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Carl Beigle

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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Cindi

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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Linda

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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George Koppen

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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Chris

3-18-2007 @10:16AM Chris said... This is what makes America great - capitalism and free enterprise. Go Paul, and make that money!
P.S. Support the Fair Tax.
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CJ

3-18-2007 @8:24AM CJ said... Maybe they can sign Heather Mills' leg too while they are at it
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BobbyRo

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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MrMayorMike

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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Suzanne

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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chi

3-18-2007 @8:56AM chi said... Paul! What are you thinking?
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Kathy

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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Susan

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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Jaclyn

3-18-2007 @11:42AM Jaclyn said... Well all you who have so many stupid negative things to say about Starbucks and there direction must be great CEO-CFO because you must know so much about buisness. You all have large companies that you grew out of an idea right. That's where your getting all you advice from? Must be. You must be so successful.
Starbucks is a great company with a lot of diversity and may have it's lows times but will always be better then you.
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89 Comments / 5 Pages

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