As the music industry continues to circle the drain, Starbucks has decided to focus more on making coffee rather than releasing records. The caffeine-powered company launched its Hear Music label last year with a release from Paul McCartney to kick it off. Although that particular album did quite well, the label’s follow-ups (Kenny G?????) didn’t do nearly as well.
Although Hear Music isn’t six feet under quite yet, Starbucks did decided to pass day-to-day duties over to Conchord Group. Also, former Hear Music head honcho Ken Lombard has left the building so he can “pursue other business interests.” It will be interesting to see how much life the label has in it. One thing is for sure – releasing Kenny G records sure won’t help keep them afloat.
