In a recent interview with KIDDCHRIS, Staind guitarist Mike Mushok revealed details about the band’s ongoing financial obligations to their former record label.
“Listen, I’ve sold I don’t know how many millions of records, and I’ve never once received a royalty from the record company after whatever 20, whatever, 25 years,” Mushok said. “We still owe them money.”
“We haven’t been on the label since I don’t know 2011 was the last record we put out on Atlantic, and we still owe them money,” he continued. “And listen, I’m not gonna lie — they gave us large advances, and that’s why [we still owe them money].”
“But seriously, they have to be paid off,” Mushok added. “But anyways, I think it’s estimated, I think we’re saying, like, another three years it’ll be paid off and I’ll actually start making royalties on our records.”
The revelation stands in stark contrast to the band’s significant commercial success. This situation highlights the complex financial relationships between bands and record labels in the music industry.
Loudwire documented the band’s early career breakthrough. Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst discovered the band and signed them to Flip Records, an imprint under Elektra Records, in 1998.
The band reached new heights with their 2001 album ‘Break the Cycle.’ Data from Wikipedia shows the album earned five-times platinum certification in the United States. Their hit single ‘It’s Been Awhile’ reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100.
The band’s success continued to grow. Four of their albums achieved platinum status in the United States. Multiple records topped the Billboard 200 during the early 2000s.
The band’s relationship with major labels has transformed over time. Staind and similar acts like Chevelle have moved to independent label Alchemy Recordings. This shift marks a departure from the major label system.
Staind maintains an active presence in the industry. Their latest album ‘Confessions of the Fallen’ arrived in 2023. This release demonstrates their ongoing dedication to music creation despite previous label challenges.
