Something very wonderful happened when I posted the article about Adam Lambert signing with Warner Bros. Among the many comments we received, one came that really caught my eye. From one of our readers who only identifies as Random: “I like the part where Werner (SIC) Bros had emergency meetings in the middle of the night to put an incredible offer together, within 24 hours, because they know Adam is an INTERNATIONAL ROCK GOD.” I too, immediately started seeing phones ringing, meetings in t-shirts and executives with puffy eyes the next morning. Ha, ha!
Cameron Strang attends the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring L.A. Reid held at The Beverly Hilton on Feb. 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage
I asked if this was from an article and Random answered back with the link. I’m very happy to reprint the article here. Again, the author was Shirley Halperin from Billboard.com. I want to thank Random (I wish they identified themselves more, so I could give a proper Thank You!) very much for being an active and involved reader of our site!
It sounds like Adam is now with a label that respects and values him. I can hear you all saying “It’s about time!”
Love ya!
~ Carol ~
So, let’s introduce you to . . .
Warner Bros. CEO Cameron Strang on Why He Signed Adam Lambert
By Shirley Halperin, Published January 15, 2015
“The potential is ‘worldwide superstar,'” says the veteran executive of signing the ‘American Idol’ star.
When Direct Management Group first started talking to Warner Bros. Records CEO Cameron Strang about possibly signing American Idol alum Adam Lambert, a new album seemed a far-off dream. The singer had just parted ways with RCA Records — according to sources, the Sony label was encouraging him to record an all-covers record — and the split left him looking for direction.
Enter: hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback, with whom Lambert first worked in 2009. The three reconnected, vibed and decided to work together again, with the Swedish songwriter-producers offering to executive produce his next album, due out in summer. By that point, signing the singer, who also fronts Queen on their current tour, was a no-brainer for Strang. Here, the executive explains how the deal came about.
You reacted quickly when Adam became a free agent. What was going through your head at the time he and RCA split?
Cameron Strang: We’ve all been big fans of Adam’s, and we’re also big fans of DMG’s Steve Jensen, Martin Kirkup and Bradford Cobb. We reached out to them and then this interesting partnership started to form with Max Martin and Shellback, who we do quite a lot of business with. So we all got together and discussed it and thought this would be such an incredible team creatively. It has all the ingredients to succeed if we aligned.
What did you see in Adam as an artist?
First of all, his voice. We all feel that there’s a great career there as an artist and as a singer. Maybe things hadn’t lined up right for him historically, there’s a lot of trial and error in our business, but we felt like he’s really ready. He’s already on a career path that has its bumps and ups and downs but we felt it was an opportunity for somebody who’s really poised to have a great career.
What’s the potential here?
I think the potential is worldwide superstar. He has fans all over the world. He’s he’s got one of the great voices and he’s coming into his own as a person and as a man. He more comfortable with himself and his artistic vision of himself and I think there’s a confidence and a freedom that comes with having made more than one record.
How much of the album was done when you first met and where is it at now?
He came in with no music. We’ve made the record together and it’s 90 percent finished now. The plan is to launch singles in the spring and the album in early summer.
By teaming up with Max Martin, you clearly have hits on the brain.
It was more of an organic idea that came to fruition, but yes, Max is incredibly talented as a songwriter and as a record producer. And when I say record producer I mean record producer in the broadest sense of the word. He has incredible vision. Also, Adam’s had a real role with writing all the songs and bringing a certain artistic vision and confidence to the project. It’s been really, truly a collaboration between the two of them.
How do you view the Idol connection, is it a stigma? An asset?
I think it’s a part of Adam’s story. It’s where he began and a big touchstone in his career. Everybody comes in in different ways, starts in different places, has different people on their team, but at the end of the day, and it’s been proven to me over and over and over again, it’s the music and the talent that determines the career.
Vote for Adam + Queen for Best Tour of 2014 from Classic Rock Magazine! You can vote once an hour until Feb 3, 9 AM PT. The easy way is on your cell phone, leave it open in your browser and just keep coming back when you can and vote! Styx/Foreigner is the only tour that’s challenging Adam + Queen, so speak up Glamberts! Let your voices be heard!! Vote here: http://ultimateclassicrock.com/tour-of-the-year-2014/?trackback=tsmclip
I haven’t seen this article. What a great article. I think it’s about time he is embraced here in the states. I am so happy for him and cannot wait to get his new album. He has to be the most talented performer out there.
I did read this article. When his single comes out we will have to really push radio stations (assuming they will try and get him on radio) to play his song. It will be harder than ever I know. It has to be a great song. But I will hope and pray this works out for him. He is old for the pop music world. But I hope he misses a few genres and does a lot of rock ‘n roll.
I’m hoping with active promotion from Warner Bros, we won’t have to push the radio stations. Remember the retaliation from the stations when Glamberts flooded their request lines, and even Adam cautioned us all to chill?! I just checked some other pop stars’ ages. Pink, Christina Aguilera & Adam Levine are all older than Adam Lambert. I think there’s plenty of room for him! Great to hear from you, glamity58 – we love your involvement!
Good point Carol. I hate bothering these stations anyways. But I want so bad for Adam to get this chance. It’s really hard to come back. Pink and those people you mentioned had long careers early on. I’ll never understand Adam Levine…..he does nothing for me and really isn’t a great singer. But people love his songs.
This was a great interview! I am a loyal glambert and all I can say is that it is about time he got the recognition he deserves. I cannot wait for April!
My feelings about Adam are so complex, in that although I adore him, and enjoy what he has done so far, I feel he has not hit his mark yet. His voice and his persona are still evolving and developing, and his potential to be mega-super star level has not been reached yet—-Adam has such a vocal range, and credibility, and deserves the opportunity to explore ALL genres, and styles. I always wanted to hear him re-work some Broadway show tunes, but with the right writer/producers could develop a real signature style (like Elton John with Bernie Taupin). Adam has commercial “legs”, but I expect even greater things from him. His gig with Queen is fitting, since there has not been a voice that can touch Adam’s since Freddie Mercury, may he be resting in glitter and glamor on the Other Side! Adam is Freddie’s long-lost son, in some respects, but has some elements even Freddie did not have. When I saw Adam in concert some years back (Glam Nation Tour) I was amazed at the diverse fan base—young girls, teens, gay, straight, male, female, old crows like myself (I am a grandma!) middle aged—and all of us screaming for him at once! Freddie NEVER had that broad an appeal in terms of fan base–it was strictly rock, girls, some gays….
I am very interested in watching what Adam (continues) to do next, and how he re-invents himself to meet the changing times, and how he will exceed the expectations of his fans.
He is a chamelon, but I want to see his star rise high into the heavens, since a voice like his is only once in each generation, if we are lucky. And his charisma and magnetism are unique and compelling. I pray for his success in all endeavors, since I look forward to (what years I have left) being held in thrall by his talent.
He’s got, and is getting much more attention almost everywhere else in the world – except here. sad, really sad comment on our I Heart radio stations.
Can’t wait to hear what sound Adam and Max come up with. He needed some time to grow and touring with Queen has given him that space. I think he is more confident and poised now then ever and seems ready to hit the charts once more. I know I’m ready for more of his great music! It will be an exciting summer 🙂
I think Adam should do a ballad like, Soaked, Broken Open or Sleep Walker as his new single. Those slower songs really show how amazing his voice really is. I love all of his music but think maybe radio stations may be more inclined to play those type of songs. Am very excited for new alblum.
Adam is far from old. Adam is at the prime of his game. Warner Bros. has a star now. Promote him well because the Glamberts are behind him 100%. This is Adam’s year to shine. Happy Birthday Adam.
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, to you, Happy Birthday dear Adam, Happy Birthday to you. I am so glad you found a new label home. I can hardly wait to listen to your upcoming material. I’m sure I will love it as much as I love listening to your voice.