Depeche Mode Sign Worldwide Deal With Columbia Records (Exclusive)

Depeche Mode has signed a new worldwide deal with Columbia Records and will release a new album in March 2013.

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The influential and critically acclaimed band, comprised of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher and managed by Jonathan Kessler, had previously spent its 30-year career with Warner Music labels Sire and Reprise and EMI’s Mute and Capitol. Depeche Mode’s 12 studio albums have reached the Top 10 in over 20 countries, including the U.S. and U.K.

“Depeche Mode is one of the greatest rock bands of the modern era,” Columbia Records CEO Rob Stringer tells The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”

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In a forthcoming announcement of the deal, Gore provides some clues as to the direction of their 13th album. “I am very happy with how the album turned out,” he comments.  “The music has a similar vibe to Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion and I think the songs on the album are among some of the very best we’ve done.”

Adds Gahan: “The album has a very organic and direct feel to it. It's not a blues record, but it definitely has a soulful vibe. During the recording process we really tried to get the elements of performing and the live show into the album more.”

Following the album’s release, Depeche Mode will embark on a world tour, kicking off in Tel Aviv on May 7 and later hitting 25 European countries. Among the bookings: the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium, BBK Festival in Spain and Optimus Alive Festival in Portugal. A full North American tour will follow the European leg, which wraps in Minsk, Belarus on July 29. 

Additional tour and album details will become available in the coming weeks.

Twitter: @shirleyhalperin