Columbia Records has pacted with Rick Rubin's American Recordings in a long-term agreement that will put the label under the Columbia Records Group banner.
Rubin, who recently won the hotly contested soundtrack rights for the popular Comedy Central series "South Park," will continue to oversee all creative aspects of the label, while Columbia will provide the back office functions of marketing, publicity and promotion.
Rubin's pact had been expected (Daily Variety, May 22) and followed his exit from a deal with Warner Bros. Records.
Rubin had begun negotiations with Warners for a new five-year pact, but sources said Sony's deal was more lucrative. He has been working as part of the Sony family for several months.
Rubin's first artist signing will be System of a Down.
"Rick has a commanding imagination fueled by a genuine street sensibility," said Thomas D. Mottola, prexy of Sony Music.
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