Publication: Reuters/Variety [US]
Date: October 18, 1996
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Title: "EMI-Capitol To Distribute New 3-Disc Album From Prince"
Written By: Adam Sandler

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - EMI-Capitol Music Group North America has teamed with Prince's New Power Generation Records to manufacture and distribute his three-disc set "Emancipation."

The label will take the unusual step of a simultaneous worldwide release for the set, skedded on Nov. 19.

Prince, who for all intents and purposes is an recording artist without a record deal, recorded the material during the period he was trying to extricate himself from his recording pact with Warner Bros.

His disc, "Chaos & Disorder" was suggested to be the last for the label. It bowed last year to a mostly lukewarm reaction. During promotional videos and perfs to tout the disc, Prince emblazoned "slave" on his face as a way of communicating his dissatisfaction with the new regime at Warner Bros.

His disc title was also said to reflect how he felt about execs at the label. "Freedom is a beautiful thing," Prince said in a statement. "I've been looking forward to this day for some time.

"'Emancipation' is the album I was born to make."

Charles Koppelman, chairman and CEO of EMI-Capitol Music Group called Prince "a groundbreaker, a risk-taker, a genius.

People in the industry overuse the word 'artist,' but he is one in every sense of the word. This is a moment in time that will last forever."

EMI execs will hold a press conference next month to unveil details of the disc.