Seems that some music groups are getting into bed with big corporate sponsors.

Bacardi has always been a big supporter of music and utilized groups and tours extensively through their marketing campaign. The dance duo Groove Armada left Sony/BMG to sign with Bacardi in a one-year trial contract. In this contract, Bacardi will release their music through their record label and online distribution outlets as well as paying the duo to play exclusive parties. Essentially, the same thing a major label would have done: Sell your music for you, and book you a tour. But this time around, Bacardi isn’t after the rights to the music (at least not yet…). GA gets to keep their music.

I bet Bacardi sees it like cutting out the middle man in a situation where both parties can benefit. Why pay Sony BMG a premium to license Groove Armada’s music when they can pay less to Groove Armada directly? Groove Armada makes more without Sony BMG taking a cut, and Bacardi pays less. Win/win, right?

Many major acts are divorcing their labels to pursue other interests. Trent Reznor has lead the way with online distribution. Metallica isn’t far behind. Perhaps this is another avenue to explore. Regardless, it’s another nail in the Major Label’s coffins.

Via [timesonline]