Update

This past week was one of the most difficult ever for us as a band. We had to make an incredibly hard decision that has a direct effect on our future. Earlier this week our record label offered us a chance to record a cover song for a large corporation to be used in a commercial. In addition to using the song in the commercial they wanted us to put it on our record and potentially use it as a single. We turned down the offer(knowing the probable consequences), and our record label dropped us. Needless to say, this came at a bad time since we were a week away from recording our next record. At the moment we are weighing all of our options and still plan on recording next month. We will release another record, we just are not sure with what record label. We promise to keep you up to date with new information and as always check back here for new show dates and content.

121 Responses to “Update”

  1. Steven Says:

    Gutting news guys, hope your recording goes well!

  2. Kelli Says:

    Wow, it’s definitely the record label’s loss! I’m really glad you guys are still recording. Anybody would be lucky to have your band on their label. Love you guys!

  3. Todd A » Me and the skirts Says:

    […] The Features leave Universal: Earlier this week our record label offered us a chance to record a cover song for a large corporation to be used in a commercial. In addition to using the song in the commercial they wanted us to put it on our record and potentially use it as a single. We turned down the offer(knowing the probable consequences), and our record label dropped us. […]

  4. Clay Says:

    This is the worst update ever.

  5. Rev Says:

    sucks balls, man, sorry to hear it… good luck with your recording, I’ll keep spreading the love of the Features!

  6. Vito Says:

    Any label that would drop a band as amazing as yours is just crazy. I hope you find one that actually appreciates you and won’t ask you to make compromises like that. And soon! I really can’t wait to hear your new stuff!

  7. Chris Smith Says:

    well done. assuming you chose to not do the commercial for artistic and or ethical reasons. if it was just because the cheque wasn’t big enough, you don’t get my sympathy. but if you have made an ethical decision, more power to ya’…

    there’s precious little principle left. we all need more of it.

    congratulations. keep in mind you share the company of a large number of great artists, musicians, writers etc who have refused to capitalise on their work

    Chris from the Great Southern Land, Terra Australis

  8. We Own This Town: Nashville » Features Dropped From Universal Says:

    […] from thefeatures.com blog: “This past week was one of the most difficult ever for us as a band. We had to make an incredibly hard decision that has a direct effect on our future. Earlier this week our record label offered us a chance to record a cover song for a large corporation to be used in a commercial. In addition to using the song in the commercial they wanted us to put it on our record and potentially use it as a single. We turned down the offer(knowing the probable consequences), and our record label dropped us. Needless to say, this came at a bad time since we were a week away from recording our next record. At the moment we are weighing all of our options and still plan on recording next month. We will release another record, we just are not sure with what record label. We promise to keep you up to date with new information and as always check back here for new show dates and content. “ May 2, 2006 | news | […]

  9. herr waldar Says:

    [manual trackback]

    yet another unemployed band

    spring, du hund, oder wir zwingen dich!
    kann man so sagen, wenn man…

  10. Sean Says:

    Just wanted to leave a brief note of encouragement and support in the face of this difficult choice. Good luck with the new record! I anticipate hearing the results!

  11. Bill Says:

    Good luck to you guys.

  12. afm Says:

    I applaud you for standing up for yourselves and not taking the deal, despite what the consequences might be. I’m sorry it was one of the most difficult weeks, but I have no doubt you will land on your feet, because your music is that good! john at kexp.org loves you guys and has a label, if you’re into indie…he’s loveless records. or merge? I can’t wait for your next record. Hang in there!

  13. Buhlah Says:

    You guys made great music before you were signed, keep on doing the same, lots of others will come calling.

  14. Emily Says:

    good luck with everything! I know i’ll still be here to buy tickets to your shows and run around town to find your new album! Stand strong! xx

  15. andrew Says:

    i dont know your music, but i admire your decision.

  16. Matt Says:

    Best of luck, guys. Screw Universal.

  17. MissK Says:

    That is heartbreaking news! But there’s no doubt you’ll keep on. I saw you with Kings of Leon in Baltimore last year and your set was outstanding.

  18. The BM Rant » The Features Choose The High Road; Get Dumped By Universal Says:

    […] Read the whole announcement on their blog. Exhibit A is a really good album. My guess is that there are a bevy of indie labels tripping over themselves to sign these guys. […]

  19. Buddy Says:

    Bravo guys. Bravo. I actually haven’t heard your music or anything like that yet but after I read that you had the guts to stand up to the label and enforce some sort of creative control, I applaud you. Congrats and continued success.

  20. krisan Says:

    well this is sad news ;’(

    good luck with recording…we’re still all here for you!

  21. Martin Dekker Says:

    I am sure you guys find another record label, they must be crazy if they don’t want you. Good luck with the new record.

    greeting from Holland

    Martin Dekker

  22. Mark A. Says:

    Unreal. I trust that your decision was made for the right reasons. Either way - I’m sure that this happened for a reason. Keep your head up, I’m sure you won’t have any trouble getting signed to a label that will respect your desires for your work.

    In the meantime - check my Flickr site for some mean photos (including The Features!). :) Maybe it’ll bring a little smile. The photos have experienced a little quality loss from being copied so much, but they are still sweet and some of my favorites.

    Mark

  23. Mark A. Says:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/14405265@N00/

  24. To The Features Says:

    We love you guys and the music you make. We understand your decision to remain true to your music! Hooray for bands who do listen to their hearts and stay pure. Looking for more from you soon.

    Jane P.

  25. Erin Says:

    This really blows. I had just “discovered” my new favorite band. Well, keep us posted on the possible future of the Features…

  26. Finally a band takes a stand at Says:

    […] The Features posted the story on their offical blog, you can see it here: http://www.thefeatures.com/blog/?p=13 […]

  27. Mike Says:

    I applaud you guys for sticking to your guns in front of corporate rock and major labels who want to tell you what to do and make money off you. Sucks they dropped you, but I am sure you will find a label that will respect your wishes enough.

  28. Lola Says:

    It’s actually better that you guys didnt start recording before being dropped cause then the label would have all the rights to the new stuff. Which would have been a fucking crime. Personally, I think indie labels are becoming a lot more capable of handling bands. Indie labels are the new major labels.

  29. amie Says:

    Best of luck to you guys! I’m a big fan…and I totally agree with the person above (so much so in fact, that I am doing my final music project about it). Indie lables are the new major labels.

  30. Cody Says:

    Who needs that label then?
    I think it says a whole lot that you guys stick the way of yr hearts and do what’s right for music and not chase the easy chilche’d all for the dollar way out. You fellows write and make better music than all other acts on any continent or in any town. I think it will mean bigger and better things for yr music and everything else. best of luck but you dont need it cause yr music is that good already.

  31. Titch Says:

    Stick in there guys!! I’m sure you’ll be fine and produce a superb new record!

    See you on your next UK tour.

  32. larry "the panty boy" Says:

    Best of luck! FUCK Universal! You will come out of this in a better position as a band. I have been following you all for a long time. Your music has grown and sounds great! Things do happen for a reason. In the moment it does not seem right. The outcome will be postive. You have to stand up for want you belive to be right. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter”. Stay strong. Keep family close. See you around town. Look forward to your new music!!!!!!!

  33. chad Says:

    Congratulations! I know that leaving Universal might not have been part of your plans for the immediate future, but recording a fantastic album would be the best way to get where you want to be. It’s not like Universal had made you guys a huge priority. Find a label that feels like home, and make a record that you’re all proud of. Damn the man.

  34. IdolEyes Says:

    “Come on Buick, Light my Fire…” I read in the Scene that the Features were to cover a Beatles song, probably aimed at all the good little consumers in my generation (I’m 52). Bono to the contrary, commercial use of music sucks, from any generation, so kudos to the Features and razzies to Universal. Good riddance.

  35. Dillon Says:

    you know the grand palace in the boro will always have your back…

  36. Hannah Says:

    It’s horrible news for you, I know, but I am incredibly proud of your honourable decision to not compromise yourself and bow to their intimidation tactics. I have no problem with bands allowing their songs to be used in particular ads if it means it helps the band. But to ask you to not only cover a song (i.e. not use your own) and to put it on the album was clearly crossing the line. Fuck that. You have the full support of your fan community and you can be certain that we’ll all be working behind the scenes to spread the word about Universal’s aggregious behaviour. Good luck and keep all of us updated on how things progress! I feel confident that new labels will come calling.

  37. Eric Says:

    A lot of great bands have been dropped from their labels at some point in their career. Consider yourself one of them now. The best revenge is to make a kick butt album and show them what they’re missing. Having listened to Exhibit A, my favorite album of the last few years, I have no doubt you’ll do it. Keep on going guys! There are a lot of people out here who are looking forward to the next big thing.

  38. Simon Says:

    The Fish is the murder!!!! Rock“n Roll

  39. Y2J Brock Says:

    True to their word, the Features have proven once again that “Its the music, not the money……..that matters, anyway!”

    GOD SAVE ROCK ‘N ROLL

  40. Lara Says:

    Ironically I hadn’t heard of your band until I read about this on another messageboard! I couldn’t believe Universal’s treatment and just wanted to give my support and best wishes for the future. From what I’ve heard it doesn’t sound like finding a decent indie label should be a problem, hopefully this will end up a blessing in disguise. Stay strong and good luck!

  41. woodshed Says:

    Few and far between–thanks for not selling out. There’s a lot to be said for integrity in rock.

  42. joeri Says:

    just want to say good luck. i love your music and i loved the show you gave a while ago in rotterdam. fuckin bastards at universal don’t give a shit about good music and integrity.

    i think the magic word today is: MY SPACE

  43. Brad Says:

    Wow! I have nothing but respect for you guys for making a really difficult choice. That’s integrity! To take the hard choice when the easy choice could make your life “better” and “easier”.

    You count count on the folks over at Selifes to promote your music the best that we can….

    Looking forward to new music in whatever form it takes.

    Brad

  44. Just a Guy Says:

    So where are all of the Features fans hanging out while the message board is down?

  45. Si Says:

    Keep going guys, the UK scene won’t be the same without you!

  46. Mr Manager Says:

    My curiosity is piqued… what was the song they wanted you to cover? Was it anything you’d ever consider covering on your own? I’m just wondering whether it was the choice of cover, or the idea of labels growing meddlesome that you balked at. Either way, more power to you. I’m kind of ambivalent to the whole “music I like in commercials” question, but if your label is looking to whore you out, at least they could use an original composition. Your original songs rock, and I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t consider them viable, either to put in an ad or, bucking convention, to release on an album. Best of luck, I’ll be buying your record no matter what label it appears on.

  47. nina~colada Says:

    Whatever you choose to do and where ever you go from here, we will follow… The Features fans united! I’m in shock; the label’s issue is ultrasketch… You will indeed persevere. Much love from a 5-year fan!

  48. Tanok Barracus Says:

    You’ll find another label soon!!!!!! Exhibit A is great!!!!

    When to Spain????

  49. Clearwood Bellawater Says:

    hey guys…you made the right decision….an album is supposed to be a work of art from the creative conscious of the artist….not a money making machine including warmed over covers…i have no doubts that the album will be incredible, i don’t think your band is capable of anything less…i will be at every show in the nashville area with bells on….your live show is something to be experienced, and i will continue to turn people on to the features, and this type of behavior coupled with incredible songs make it very worthwhile…keep doing what you are doing…fuck the majors

  50. Frogstomper82 Says:

    I haven’t even heard this band’s music and they have already gained huge respect from me. You have no idea how many bands would sell out in a heart beat. Keep on trucking, your integrity will pay off.

  51. somethingman Says:

    One word: Wilco.

  52. Man Down Says:

    Where is the love for your fellow man!!!

  53. more man Says:

    One Word: Judus

  54. Denise Says:

    Keep recording, and most important of all, keep playing live. I bought the Begining at a live show in TN and I bought Exhibit A in a record store. I will buy your next release wherever I can. If you make music, if you gig, we will show up and support you! Build your own impire. Fuck Universal!

  55. Tim Says:

    Very cool. I also haven’t had a chance to listen to your band yet but I know you did the right thing by turning down that kind of offer. A record label should put out records, not credit cards. Best of luck, I’ll have to listen to your songs sometime.

  56. Marty Nowak Says:

    Dear Matt & Features:

    You guys are a rare breed!!! It is a admirable quality that is nearly extinct in our great country. Your decision is one Jim Morrison would make and people would label him a rebel, the real deal, anti-establishment and more! But when those labels are associated with a rockstar it is usually coupled with legend, genious and the awesome! The Features = Jim Morrison Remember me when your next album goes platinum.

    Marty Nowak
    Can & Will films

  57. Andy Says:

    Congrats to you guys. You stuck by your music. I’m a bigger fan because of it.

  58. Dominic B Says:

    You silly silly bastards! There is no shame in using your songs in adverts. The Arctic Monkeys allowed ‘Bet you look good on the dance floor’ for an advert even before anyone had heard of them and no one is suspicious of their authenticity (and hundreds of thousands bought their album!!!). You’re not the sodding Beatles! I hope that you will learn from this and remember not to get too big for your boots in the future. I love your music so I do hope you get signed up again soon. Disappointed.

  59. Joe Deats Says:

    I have your album and love it, I just discovered your blog and want to express my support for you. If the music world had more of the Features and less producer based pop/Mtv crap we would all be better off. If you turned the deal down because of morals or standards then good for you! Another label will come along but we only have 1 Features.Let some pop sellout do the gig you guys stay true to what you believe.

  60. Serah Says:

    Way to stick to your guns, guys. This too shall pass! Lots of love from Nashville.

  61. Mr.B Says:

    Dominic B,

    Does the “B” stand for bastard? You are an idiot. You obviously didn’t read the posts to get the correct information. Do us all a favor and die in a house fire you dumb jackass.

    Yours Truly,
    Mr.B

  62. beavis Says:

    what happened to the message board?

  63. Carlos Says:

    I have read this board for a year now and never posted. However this is sad, sad news. It shows the flaws with the label, not with the band. You guys are very talented musicians and you write great pop songs. Quite frankly, my album collection has been dull since the release of Exhibit A so get your asses into gear! All the best from the UK.

  64. Dominic B Says:

    Yes it does stand for bastard. I suppose I should expect an American to be so hostile to an opposing point of view. I happen to think that there is no shame in covering a song, whether it be for an advert or otherwise. I don’t know where exactly my understanding of the situation falls down but please, by all means, attempt something constructive and tell me.

    P.S. Features Rule!

  65. mrs. d Says:

    May I ask why you assume Mr. B is an American? That is pretty ignorant.

  66. Joeywade Says:

    Dominic B, I happen to agree with you about doing covers although you, seemed pretty hostile yourself to the band’s point of view callng them “silly silly bastards” - I guess it isn’t just us Americans that think others should always see things our way.

  67. Steven Says:

    let me show you then

    Earlier this week our record label offered us a chance to record a cover song for a large corporation to be used in a commercial

    Note that it is a cover song. The arctic monkeys played their own song, and also please note that the arctic monkeys were big before they even released that song. It just took longer for the scenesters to come about *cough* NME *cough*

  68. Natty Says:

    Keep rockin’ guys. You won’t be unsigned for very long with talent like yours. I saw you play three times here in the UK with KOL, and Exhibit A is superb.

    Screw Universal.

  69. Atom Says:

    Way to stick it to the man! Cheers! I’ll support you regardless.

  70. krisan Says:

    to the moron above, arctic monkeys are sellout bastards. the features absolutely made the right decision. don’t be a fag.

  71. Jeremy Says:

    Fuck those corporate vampires, you guys will be fine. Your music speaks for itself and you guys will get the recognition and success you deserve on your own terms and not by the guidline of the buisness that has all but ruined rock n roll. Keep creating!

  72. Steven Says:

    hey krisan, long time no speak. did the arctic monkeys ask to be sellouts? i don’t think so. Your point of view is typical to the average NME reader. Like a band till they get so big you change your mind coz everyone else likes them. FACT! happened with Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, and it’ll probably happen to the arctic monkeys no doubt. i know this has nothing to do with the features, but it’s true isn’t it? The Features did make the right decision, though the arctic monkeys had little choice considering the growing support it was only a matter of time till they got signed and obviously after getting picked up by NME they were sorted.

  73. S.S. Says:

    It was a Beatles song. And it was for a credit card commercial. Fuck credit card companies and fuck universal.

  74. krisan Says:

    haha, hey steven! i’m just bitter about arctic monkeys…big fan base- that doesn’t bother me. they were just ego driven jerks here in the states, i decided to give them up. yeah, and i hate nme…i’ve given that up too. i’ll still stick to the other bands who’ve made it big- i see where you’re coming from though :)

    oh yeah…and the features…woooo!! still my favorite!

  75. Steven Says:

    haha! that’s cool, over here they seem to be avoiding the press at any chance! a beatles song eh? i wonder which one…if it was a well known one like hey jude and they covered it well….i’d be very sad. it’s one of those songs where EVERYONE gets up and joins in NA! NA NA! NA NA NA NA! NA NA NA NA! HEEY JUDE! and then all the drunk people join in and it’s just wrong.

  76. joey Says:

    Well it’s June: I wonder if they’ve started recording…

  77. davidm Says:

    they chose not to cover a beatles song???
    i figured it was something sucky.

  78. lalalayousangtome Says:

    i saw THE commercial the other day. i wonder what fuckwank they got to do the song.

  79. not so bad Says:

    lylas rocked tonight!!

  80. GSTP Says:

    I saw it too… if IT is the right commercial. Chase credit card commercial with “all you need is love”… Am I right or wrong?

  81. joey Says:

    After seeing the commercial I’ve changed my mind and am now happy the band refused to do the song… I wouldn’t have wanted that on the new album anyway.

  82. krisan Says:

    oooh, i’ll be looking out for the commercial. what song / credit card company was it for?

  83. beavis Says:

    go back 3 spaces.

  84. krisan Says:

    wow…i’m amazing.

  85. carrie Says:

    what if the features did that credit card commercial?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMj0C54U5R8

  86. David S. Says:

    See the commercial here:

    http://www.choosechase.com/#

  87. Mani Says:

    Cant believe the news about universal, that really sucks guys. Exhibit A is without doubt the best album of last year, hasnt left my car since the day i bought it. I really hope you find another label real soon, they’ll be the lucky ones to have been so fortunate to grace having you on their label. I’m really glad you decided not to the advert, for whatever reasons, having studied media law, it sucks the lack of creative control bands have and i love tha fact you’ve stood up for yourself and to become succesful on your brilliance. Everyone ive played your album to absolutely loves it and has bought a copy because of this - keep going guys, cant wait to see you back in England, hopefully the Southwest - and Soon!!!Good luck Guys

  88. Clay Says:

    Wow, what a crappy commercial. I can’t believe they got dropped for that pile of crap. It didn’t even have any robots or lasers. If you are going to drop a band from your record label for not doing a commercial, it should at least be a semi-entertaining commercial and not a pile of crap.

  89. Mark Says:

    It sounds like Nada Surf on that commercial, but I’m not certain

  90. Your Buddy Says:

    Is it true that Mark Bond will be the new keyboard player for The Features?

  91. Steven Says:

    yeah it definately is, it’s even on their myspace. http://www.myspace.com/nadasurfny

  92. craig65 Says:

    hey lads,
    keep your chins up.
    something better will come from all this.
    so much looking forward to new cd.
    come back to uk ,we will make you more than welcome.
    it was a night i will never forget meeting you guys in nottingham last year.
    keep smiling
    craig and sandra

  93. yer mom Says:

    is Mark Bond the guy from De Novo Dahl? cuz that’s who i heard was taking over….

  94. brooke Says:

    i have to agree with many of the comments below, that it is definitely UMG, or whatever music-label’s loss…i love exhibit A - since i have had it, i have all but slept with it under my pillow. pllleeeaaasssee follow thru with the plans on the second full length album!

  95. Tara Lawson Says:

    Hi guys gutted about your news….but you made the right choice..it was fate you guys are far to talented for this to affect you in a bad way

    when i saw you guys support Kings Of Leon in the uk people where running out of the main arena to get there mates to come in and as soon as people heard you play they where even leaving there beers behind to catch you guys play and after the gig there where stacks of people trying to buy your cds at the merc stall before they sold out and every person that hears the cd then goes out and gets a copy

    just come back to the uk very very soon as somone else saidyou will be more than welcome…keep rocking on whatever happens xx

  96. andrew myron Says:

    Best site I see. Thanks.

  97. greta Says:

    Y’all are good guys. A few months ago, I moved 2000 miles away from tennessee, and i miss the days when I could head down to the boro or the exit/in every few months at least and rock out to the features. some of the best nights of my college days. I can’t wait to do it again, and to purchase your next album, but will gladly wait until you find an upstanding label.

  98. matt mahaffey Says:

    wow, i just saw the commercial. it seems to me that even if the features DID a version of the song, it wouldn’t have worked anyway. the vibe is too family…i mean the company is partnered with disney & the footage is of parents putting their children to sleep. knowing the features, their version would have been too quirky.

  99. lalalayousangtome Says:

    if we promise to be good and not call each other names, will the message board come back up???

  100. Keith Says:

    Will you put the message board back up already? I think pretty much everyone knows about the Parrish situation by now anyway.

  101. Steven Says:

    yeah…i’m down with that. when will the message board be back up or when was it planned to be put back up?

  102. krisan Says:

    more importantly…when are we going to get another update. i need to know whats going onnnnnnnnnnn yo.

  103. Jo Says:

    Hey, so sorry to hear about the label, but come on, you are obviously better than them anyway!
    good luck with the recording and so hope to see you in the uk touring soon
    miss you guys over here we do!

  104. joeywade Says:

    I’ve heard that they are recording a 5-track EP and will use that to shop around for another label. Kinda disapointing that it won’t be a full-length album, but I’ll never complain about new Features music. I do, however, wish they’d do another show . . .

  105. GSTP Says:

    I’m not sure if EVERYONE knows about the Parrish situation…

  106. Steven Says:

    i’d like to know about the “parrish situation” and a lot more too! this thing hasn’t been updated in about 2 months!

  107. Braden Says:

    Universal never seemed to be fully behind you. It sucks to hear or accept - but maybe you are better off.

    Best o to ya boys!

  108. Braden Says:

    Also. I understand these are personal choices but I wouldnt feel a loss of integrity or artistry in selling one of my songs or covering someone elses for an ad (tho LOVE + 18% APR doesnt make sense to me). You have to pay the bills. I think no less of Nada Surf for doing this. I would have a serious problem with this being my single though.

    Keep on keepin on…

  109. Heidi Says:

    you guys are awesome. seriously, you could record an album in a basement, burn it to cds on a computer, print a cover on copy paper, and make a million dollars. your talent and entertainment will shine through…universal or not. good luck…and i hope to see you guys live around the boro soooooooonnn!!!

  110. krisan Says:

    wasn’t that the problem though anyways?? to actually have the cover on the album and possibly the single. universal…what a bunch of morons.

  111. Clay Says:

    Watching the White Sox vs. Yankees game on Fox, and they just played a highlight reel to “Blow It Out”. Looks like the band is still getting some play.

  112. did someone already mention this? Says:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMj0C54U5R8

  113. Carligula Says:

    Two new songs (Contrast and Wooden Heart) can now be heard on the Myspace profile.

    www.myspace.com/thefeatures

  114. krisan Says:

    ^^^

    i
    am
    obsessed
    :)

  115. krisan Says:

    ^^^

    i
    am
    obsessed
    :)

  116. Dave Says:

    what a commendable decision by the band, pretty rare these days. Indie labels are the way anyway, all the majors are souless!!!

  117. Carligula Says:

    Obsessive AND compulsive!!

  118. Bowl of Fire Says:

    Is there a functioning fansite somewhere we can learn about Features stuff while the messageboard and the website are down? I mean… besides here? I’d like to know if they’re going to be playing any shows soon.

    I don’t really think I have anything original to say about the record label deal, except that “music” has been ruined since it was made into an “industry” and it’s just a bitch to deal with.

    I still tell people that The Features are my favorite band, and they will continue to be. I wish you guys all the best.

  119. RaymonWazerri Says:

    Hey,
    I love what you’e doing!
    Don’t ever change and best of luck.

    Raymon W.

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