Janet Jackson’s next studio album, her first since 2008’s Discipline, will be released this fall via BMG. The as-yet-untitled LP will mark the singer’s first venture with newly formed label Rhythm Nation, which will “offer a home to both new and established recording artists,” according to a press release on Jackson’s website.
Jackon’s partnership with BMG is an “artist services deal,” which – unlike a traditional record deal – allows the artist to retain ownership of their recordings and “full oversight of all costs and revenues.” As Billboard reports, BMG has previously established partnerships with Estelle, Deborah Cox and Leela James, while artists like Prince and Nick Cave have teamed with Kobalt Label Services.
Jackson teased the new LP last month on her 49th birthday, tweeting a link to a video that promised, “This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I’ve been listening. Let’s keep the conversation going.” The clip was accompanied by the phrase “My Conversation” and the hashtag “ConversationsInACafe,” prompting speculation about possible album and single titles. (Both the singer and producer Jimmy Jam have used that hashtag in the weeks leading to the album/tour announcement.)
The singer first teased the news in August 2014, tweeting, “If there’s a new project, you’ll hear it from my lips.” Discipline, Jacksons’s most recent album, was issued via Island Records, but the singer parted ways with the label soon after the release. Her last tour took place in 2011.
Source: Rolling Stone