Morrissey, not a man to get along with record labels, has discovered that music imprints aren't too excited to work with him either. Speaking with newspaper El Pais this week, he says that he's approached several labels to gather a supporting base for his next album, and has been turned down by all (from NME).
"I recently contacted some labels and all have rejected me," the former Smiths frontman said. "Pop music lives in the era of marketing which just leads to people with very low levels of competition, it is much easier to get rid of them once six months of fame have evaporated."
Morrissey's fame has yet to disintegrate, although much of his fame also consists of notoriety. He split with Harvest Records shortly after the label released his 2014 set World Peace Is None of Your Business. He released a statement at the time, declaring that he was "once again" looking for a label, although this came as a surprise to Harvest. The label claimed no role in his leaving, while the songwriter suggested otherwise.
Amanda Palmer, who will open for Morrissey at the Los Angeles date of his forthcoming American tour, has suggested that he go to Kickstarter, as she herself has had success in attaining funding using the service. Morrissey showed no such interest, saying in the interview that he found such methods "desperate" and "insulting to your audience."
The lack of labels and respective lack of new material has led Morrissey to draw most of his income from touring, he said. Which makes it extra unfortunate that his last two American tours have been cut short die to illness. He beat us to that punch however:
"It's the only option left for me but fortunately it's very good and exciting," he said. "The only unpleasant part of this is that, whenever a concert is cancelled the story captures attention, but if the concert takes place it will hardly be mentioned. Many people enjoy writing negative things about me. Which is fine with me. Let them, if it makes them happy."
