Warner Bros. Records Signs Duran Duran To Global Recording Contract. Warner Bros. Records (WBR) announced today that it has signed a global recording contract with international superstars Duran Duran. Singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, and drummer Roger Taylor have just completed work in London on a new studio album, their 14th. Produced by Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson and Mr Hudson, it is slated for release in September of this year. Duran Duran first teamed up with Rodgers as a producer on the band’s hit single, “The Wild Boys.” This followed his remix of their first worldwide No. 1 single, “The Reflex.” The CHIC co-founder also produced their multi-platinum album, Notorious. Ronson (Bruno Mars, Amy Winehouse) produced Duran Duran’s last studio album, 2010’s All You Need Is Now, which hit the #1 slot in 15 countries. The first single: “Pressure Off” from their upcoming release features critically acclaimed singer / songwriter Janelle Monáe. The new album also includes guest appearances by former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, and Canadian Juno-Award winning newcomer Kiesza.
“I am thrilled to welcome Duran Duran into the Warner Bros. family,” said Warner Bros. Records President Dan McCarroll. “This is an iconic, enduring band that continues to make brilliant, timeless pop music. The combination of Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson and Mr Hudson is a dream team, and the songs they have created together for this new record are as fresh and compelling as anything in the band’s long career. All of us at WBR are looking forward to working with Simon, Nick, John, and Roger as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
“We could not be happier to be making this deal with Warner Bros., and are looking forward to working on our forthcoming album release with not only their US team but also everyone else within the Warner family around the world,” said bassist John Taylor. “We are also excited that this deal means we will be reunited with our catalogue after years apart – and in that sense it really feels a little like coming home.”
Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978, Duran Duran went on to become one of the most culturally influential and commercially successful bands of all time, topping the charts around the world over the past three decades and selling more than 100 million records worldwide. They have been the recipients of Grammys, Brits, Ivor Novellos, six Lifetime Achievement Awards and a 20th Century Style Icon award from the City of Milan. Tireless innovators, they are always at the vanguard of music, fashion, art, technology and film – a group with unique and everlasting appeal. Link into their world at www.duranduran.com
