Depeche Mode is "one of the greatest rock bands of the modern era" according to Columbia Records CEO Rob Stringer. Good thing he feels this way, as the music magnate just signed the English trio, who has spent the last 30 years with Warner Music labels Sire and Reprise and EMI's Mute and Capitol.
The contract stipulates a new album--the band's 13th to date--is due out sometime in March 2013. Stringer talked to The Hollywood Reporter about the latest addition to the Columbia family and the excitement surrounding their forthcoming release.
Despite selling millions of albums over many years they have still maintained a freshness and mystique in all aspects of their career and are truly a global band with huge fanbases in literally every country. Their new album is unique and invigorating and their best work for ages and we are excited to be involved with Depeche Mode as a worldwide company.
Martin Gore and Dave Gahan also offered up a few hints as to what to expect with the album. Gore compared material to previous efforts Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion, and Gahan described the feel as "organic" and "direct," calling it "not a blues album, but it definitely has a soulful vibe."
In the wake of the album's release, Depeche Mode will kick off a world tour in Tel Aviv on May 7, reaching 25 European cities, including Belgium, Spain, and Portugal among others. A full North American tour is scheduled to follow their last European gig in Minsk, Belarus.