Steve Angello Leaves Columbia Records to Pursue Independent Release of ‘Wild Youth’

Supporters of former Swedish House Mafia heavyweight Steve Angello have been waiting patiently since the beginning of the summer for any kind of announcement regarding a release date for his debut album Wild Youth. July saw the release of the first single off the album, ‘Wasted Love,’ featuring Dougy from The Temper Trap, and the anticipation continued to build, only to hit a wall when it was announced that we would have to wait until Fall for the album’s release. Now, nearly halfway through October, a reason for the delay has finally been uncovered with Angello buying himself out of his contract with Columbia Records—including the rights to Wild Youth. 

Angello was reportedly unhappy with the lack of support he received from the label with the release of ‘Wasted Love,’ which is currently at number nine after seven weeks on the Billboard charts, and never cracked the top 10 of the “Hot 100,” which was highly expected by Angello due to the major label support he was hoping to receive. There have also been reported clashes between Angello and Columbia regarding the official release date of ‘Wild Youth. Angello has made it known that he has finished the album, and he seemed prepared to release it over the summer, but it was instead pushed back without an explanation.

A successful label head himself with his SIZE Records imprint, Steve could always go in that direction for the album, but there has been no formal announcement from him just yet. More information should be released in the coming days and weeks, but the delay has gone on long enough and it is reasonable to expect the Boss himself to want this album out as soon as possible.

Photo Credit: Rukes