Massive Attack Ink Deal with Play It Again Sam

Longstanding record label Play It Again Sam, part of the [PIAS] Label Group, has signed pioneering British trip-hop outfit Massive Attack.

Why it matters:

• Formed in Bristol in 1988, Massive Attack are one of music’s most influential voices, with the Irish Independent citing their impact on acts such as Unkle, Radiohead, Air, Hot Chip, the xx and more.

• They pioneered the trip-hop genre via albums such as 1991’s Blue Lines while exploring and incorporating rap, jazz, dub and reggae.

New single:

• Massive Attack’s first single under the new deal, “Boots on the Ground,” is released today, April 16.

• It features Tom Waits, marking the singer-songwriter’s first recording since 2011 album Bad As Me, with additional vocals from his son, Casey.

• It’s the first of several releases planned around the band’s upcoming live dates.

Other activity:

• The single is accompanied by a film directed by Massive Attack in collaboration with US photo artist thefinaleye.

• Available across the band’s digital platforms, the film reflects “a turbulent contemporary American moment, in the wake of unprecedented public protests centered on immigration enforcement, civil liberties and state power,” as per the media release.

What they said:

• Kenny Gates, Executive Chairman of [PIAS]: “We’re honored to welcome Massive Attack to Play It Again Sam. They are a band I’ve admired for decades, not just for their groundbreaking music but for their uncompromising creativity and cultural impact. To be working with them is genuinely exciting for all of us at [PIAS], and this partnership feels like the start of a very exciting journey.”