Rob Thomas Signs With Universal After Two Decades at Atlantic Records

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Rob Thomas is starting a fresh phase in his career prior to the launch of his first regular album since 2019, as the three-time Grammy-winning vocalist from Matchbox Twenty has switched from his long-standing label Atlantic to a new contract with Universal Music Group’s Universal Records.

Thomas joined Universal Records back in April, and the official announcement was made on July 11. As a part of this transition, he will release two new songs titled “Hard to be Happy” and “Thrill Me”. His fifth solo album titled “All Night Days” is scheduled for release on September 5. This move to Universal marks a significant shift for Thomas, who had been with Atlantic Records for the past 20 years, during which time he released four solo albums, one Christmas album, and five albums with his band Matchbox Twenty. (It’s been learned by The Hollywood Reporter that the band’s contractual obligations to Atlantic have been met.)

According to Thomas, he was quickly taken on by Universal when he departed from Atlantic, as he explained to THR. By the time he left Atlantic, most of the people he knew there had moved on. In a short span, I’ve been making great strides with my new UMG team, and it feels incredibly energizing. I owe a debt of gratitude to Monte Lipman for offering me a place without me having to spend any time feeling uncertain. It’s not often that an artist switches labels, especially when moving to a more prominent one like Universal Music Group.

Thomas recently talked about the deal during a Twitch livestream hosted by his son Maison Thomas-Eudy. From behind the scenes at a corporate event in San Francisco, he emphasized that Atlantic Records no longer felt like home due to their recent changes, including Elliot Grainge taking over last fall. He explained that the label had a distinct feel now and that he had worked out an agreeable exit plan with Elliot.

Thomas shared on the stream that he had quickly messaged Lipman afterward, saying, “I’ve left Atlantic,” to which Lipman promptly responded, “Welcome to Republic!

A source familiar with the situation claims the artist departed from Atlantic Records due to a contrasting viewpoint on what constitutes success in today’s music industry. “There’s no hard feelings, as everyone recognizes the nature of the business. However, you invest so much emotion into your craft.

A rep for Atlantic didn’t respond to request for comment. 

On this occasion, “All Night Days” serves as Thomas’ sixth solo studio release, coming after his albums “Chip Tooth Smile” from 2019 and the holiday album titled “Something About Christmas Time” in 2021.

At a charity event in January, Thomas showcased another track from the album “All Night Days”, titled “Thrill Me”. This is a melodious ballad that carries a deeply romantic tone. The event was for Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization co-founded by Thomas and his wife Marisol (who they’ve been married for 25 years), which provides aid to no-kill animal shelters and rescue missions.

As a gamer, I’m super hyped to share that I’ll be embarking on the U.S. leg of my “All Night Days Tour” starting August 1st in Atlanta. The tour will wrap up at YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles on September 6th, timed perfectly with the release of the album. After that, I’m headed to Australia in October for seven shows before making my debut in New Zealand with three solo performances in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Can’t wait to see you there!

Besides honoring All Night Days, the tour is also planned to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Thomas’ first solo album titled Something to Be. This album produced Grammy-nominated songs such as “Lonely No More” and “This Is How a Heart Breaks.

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2025-07-10 20:55