Lovett And Labels

Lyle Lovett recently surfaced in the press with several jabs made towards a rather raw deal with his record label. Despite being with Curb/Universal for over 22 years, Lovett says he’s never reaped profits from any of his releases. This doesn’t necessarily mean he’s been shouldering two decades of resentment, but the forest has appeared through the trees.

Lyle Lovett recently surfaced in the press with several jabs made towards a rather raw deal with his record label. Despite being with Curb/Universal for over 22 years, Lovett says he’s never reaped profits from any of his releases. This doesn’t necessarily mean he’s been shouldering two decades of resentment, but the forest has appeared through the trees.

In a recent interview while touring in Santa Rosa, California, Lovett explains his financial perspective as a working musician. “I’ve been very well supported over the years by my record company. My recording budgets are generous and I spend every penny I get to make the best record I can make. But I make my money from playing live. That’s just the way artist deals are structured. It hasn’t recouped for me, but it has recouped for (the label), otherwise I wouldn’t have kept my job with them for the past 22 years.”

After last year’s release, It’s Not Big, It’s Large, Lovett is obliged to two more records, one of which he’s trying to push as a live feed of his current touring 14-man musical powerhouse. As for the future, Lovett looks forward to a little more freedom in pursuing his idea of success. “Records are very powerful promotional tools to go out and be able to play on the road, but you do have to think about it as a way of sustaining itself at some point. I’m very excited about being able to do some of that on my own… maybe.”