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A 50 Cent collab and a ringtone album – AFI share terrible advice from record label
AFI frontman Davey Havok has recounted how label executives pressured the punk band with misguided commercial strategies during the recording of their 2006 album 'Decemberunderground'. When the band's label was absorbed into Interscope under Jimmy Iovine's direction, the A&R department attempted to align the group with the executive's musical interests at the time, leading to a series of ill-fated suggestions.
Among the proposals were a collaboration with hip-hop artist 50 Cent and an experimental venture into mobile phone ringtone production designed as a full album project. Ultimately, neither idea materialised, though ringtone versions of some tracks were eventually released. Despite the troubled creative environment, 'Decemberunderground' proved commercially successful, debuting at the top of the US Billboard 200 and spawning the hit singles 'Miss Murder' and 'Love Like Winter'.
In short
- AFI's Davey Havok recalled terrible commercial suggestions from his record label during 'Decemberunderground' (2006), including a proposed 50 Cent collaboration
- The label also pitched a ringtone album concept; both ideas were rejected, though the album itself achieved commercial and critical success
Explained simply
AFI are an American punk rock band who achieved significant commercial success in the 2000s. In 2006, whilst preparing their album Decemberunderground, the band's record label underwent major changes. The label was absorbed into Interscope Records under executive Jimmy Iovine, and the new A&R department attempted to align the group with Iovine's musical interests.
The team proposed a collaboration with hip-hop artist 50 Cent and a project involving mobile phone ringtones. These suggestions diverged substantially from AFI's established punk rock sound. The band ultimately proceeded with their original creative vision.
Decemberunderground debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and produced successful singles. The situation illustrates broader dynamics between major labels and their artists during periods of corporate consolidation and leadership change.