DMB, ATO Seek New Label

By Waldo Jaquith
The New York Daily News reports on a rumor that's been making the rounds for the past few months: Dave Matthews Band is seeking a label to replace RCA. Ever since the band first signed with RCA for Under the Table and Dreaming, they have never been shy about criticizing RCA, so this news should come as no particular surprise. They're reportedly shopping around for a three-record deal, valued at $60,000,000. Although DMB still has two records left under their seven-record deal with RCA, a new label could buy out their contract. Interestingly, ATO Records is also looking for a new label, since they are currently an imprint of RCA Records; David Gray, of course, is what would make ATO a particularly tempting buy, although it's possible that DMB is presenting themselves as a package deal with ATO. ATO ("According To Our") Records was launched in early 2000 by Coran Capshaw, Dave Matthews, Michael McDonald and Chris Tetzeli.