Janet Jackson has become the first female African-American artist to launch her own record label.
She has also revealed further details about her next album, which will be released in Autumn 2015 as a collaboration between Sony BMG and her new label, Rhythm Nation (named after her hit 1989 song/album).
A press release posted on Jackson’s website states that the label will “offer a home to both new and established recording artists.” It also describes the benefits gained from her new arrangement with Sony BMG:
“The partnership with BMG makes Janet Jackson the biggest worldwide superstar yet to quit the traditional record label system for a so-called artist services deal, designed to put artists in the driving seat. Unlike a traditional record deal, under an artist services deal the artist retains ownership of their recordings and full oversight of all costs and revenues.”
Jackson’s new album was first teased back in April, in a short promotional video alongside the announcement of a world tour. The video features possible hints regarding the new album, including a tweet featuring the hashtag, #conversationsinacafe and the title ‘My Conversation.’ In the 50 second video she can be heard saying:
“I promised you’d hear it from my lips and now you will. This year: new music; new world tour; a new movement. I’ve been listening. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
A specific release date for the album has yet to be announced.
Watch the promotional video, below.
