So here we are, after almost a year at war, and the time has come. The time to make peace, to move ahead, and to begin again. We are finally and thankfully at a place where we are excited and relieved to put behind us one of the most challenging battles of our entire careers.
For almost a year now we have been in Los Angeles, California, putting our hearts, hopes, and dreams into making a record that means absolutely everything to us. In addition to this incredible and creative adventure, we have had the added challenge of carrying the rather heavy burden of a 30 million dollar lawsuit filed against us by EMI records. Not the most ideal of conditions to make a record under but an integral part of our story nonetheless.
We are now nearly finished with our new record and have found ourselves in a place ready to accept an end to the arduous conflict with our former label. There are many reasons that have contributed to this decision but overall the willingness and enthusiasm by EMI to address our major concerns and issues, the opportunity to return to work with a team so committed and passionate about Thirty Seconds to Mars, and the company’s dedication to changing the status quo of the business of recorded music made this choice possible. We have decided it best for the music, for the fans, and for Thirty Seconds to Mars to accept a resolution with EMI.
Throughout, we always looked for opportunities to make peace, and stayed open to compromise and resolution. But not at any cost. We were prepared to continue down this path as long as we needed to. This was a fight we believed in wholeheartedly. A fight about art. A fight about truth. A fight about fairness. And a fight about freedom.
This was the first time we had to defend ourselves in litigation and hopefully our last. It was never for a single moment something we wanted, something we enjoyed, or something we treated lightly. A 30 million dollar lawsuit is serious business and we always respected the trepidatious path we were walking down. But we knew this was an important and worthy fight, and unfortunately unavoidable.
In case anyone is wondering, litigation is not fun. At all. My suggestion; avoid it at all costs. We tried. And tried, and tried again. Unfortunately, we eventually arrived at a place where it was impossible to continue working with EMI and necessary to terminate our contract. Citing a California labor law that protects the individual against unfair contractual obligations we gave notice to EMI of our intention. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_de_havilland#Career)
A little back story…
All of this started once we had finally, and thankfully, achieved some success around the world, only to learn that although we had sold millions of records we would never see a single solitary penny. On top of that, we were then told that we were also millions of dollars in debt. As you can imagine, that was more than confusing so we began to educate ourselves and started to discover what a strange situation we were in. For more of the reasons we went to war in the first place, here’s a link to the previous letter I wrote addressing it all.
Over the past eight months, there was plenty of internal debate about our future, about how far to take this fight, about what is important to us as artists, as individuals, as a band. About whether to put our new album out through a traditional record company or to experiment and break new ground. Many feel that the system now is antiquated and that with the help of new technologies and available platforms the conventional method is quickly on its way out. Others feel no one does it better than the experienced companies that have serviced most of us with the majority of music we love. It’s a great and endless debate. We are in the death throws of one system and the birth of another, which is as exciting at times as it can be painful.
After carefully considering all of our options, what would be gained, what could be potentially lost, we ultimately decided that reuniting with EMI/Virgin would be the absolute best route for the music and that no matter what, sharing this latest creative adventure with you all in the most timely manner possible is the most important part of any of it.
In the future, whether there are record companies or not, whether you put your music out only through the internet or sell it from an ice cream truck, you still need the help of individuals. And at the end of it all the biggest reason for us to reunite with EMI is exactly that. The people. It isn’t for business or finance or contracts or the end of lawsuits. It is for the chance to rejoin the people who remain, who have been a part of our phenomenal journey throughout, and for the limitless possibilities of those wonderful new individuals who will be helping us along this new path.
We are more than happy that this has all come to a close and we can begin to put it behind us. It’s not only a good thing, it may even be great.
We always left the door open for resolution and peace throughout this process, and we are thankful it did not fall on deaf ears. We look forward to a new beginning with EMI, and to sharing our new music with you in the very near future.
We will never forget the unrelenting support from all our friends, family and fans around the world.
A very wise man once said “We make war that we may live in peace.”
And I suppose sometimes we must fight in order to be free.
With love
Jared Leto
Great Kid…Sometimes show Respect to your fans too, like write a PERSONAL & DIRECT REPLY like “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT$$$” tweet… (something you lack terribly)…Respect and consideration go both ways!!! I heard rumors that you’re down to earth but I don’t see it your majesty!
Great Kid…Sometimes show Respect to your fans too, like write a PERSONAL & DIRECT REPLY like “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT$$$” tweet… (something you lack terribly)…Respect and consideration go both ways!!! I heard rumors that you’re down to earth but I don’t see it your majesty!
(STOP TREATING FANS LIKE TRASH)!!!
I can not find this very fair comment dear Robert ..
For you, maybe you heard it all so different, why do not you think ..
But I think seriously
everyone wants to be free, feel free reviews!
I believe a lot in 30 seconds to mars, 6 years with their music, and I've never heard of them as people .. do not know them and not
judge them! I can understand when they will know something more.
I wish that you were to put in their shoes and made their lives before judging … I bet most who do not think so.
Speaking as a common person, or fans as you want to put you dear Robert …
Forget it and seize the good that life can give you is not making war to people who do not centered, but your ghosts! Forgive me but I do not know the English.
Your words surprised me. Not only because of the terribles things that happened but the way that you keep it. Courageously e nobly.
I am still young (27) and I have no idea what can happen with me in my life, but happened so hard things that I know now I am more strong, but at the same time, fragile. Life will continue so, and we must to be prepared to take care of us in the best way. The truth is we are alone, with our head, and we have to use it ans search the equilibrium inside.
Of this words, I admire your soul, your equilibrium, the way that you are more than a beautiful guy, so pure and strong. You have balls man!
I admire who dont have fear to live, to fight and in the same time, find the best way to be peacefull. it is what I am trying to do of myself, and I am doing my best!
*** still sorry for my english***
l.
Just discovered your blog Jared
Love the commitment you have to your music and the people who have helped you
By the way you were incredible last night in Toronto.
I really can't wait to see you guys again.
Lots of love,
Ursula
Art is a beautiful thing. When someone tries to step in and tell you how you should conduct your creations it's time to separate from them. I do think that artists are being exploited. In the end keeping your fans interest in mind has paid off. It shows that you truly understand that without fans you would not be heard. It is true sometimes we need to go to war to gain peace and sometimes we need to do what is best for the greater good. One thing to remember is that the industry needs you not the other way around. Cuz without artists industry would be nothing. Keep making great art and keep your head up! Much love!
i love you too jared very much
You are all amazing artists and it is sometimes hard to believe how hard you all must work as you make it look effortless to be so creative and inspiring! I think it is great how much you share of yourselves with the fans and how much you let the fans share with you. You are a great group….Can't wait to see ya'll the next time you are in San Diego!
Big hugs!
JessieLynn
amazing and heart warming xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you.
I really admire that you've opened up to everyone, maybe not 100% but I really respect that you take the time to tell everyone what went down, and I still cannot believe how much courage you all had, and how determined you were to release the album under all the stress.
Again, thank you.
I do, and always will, believe.
xx
I'm an artist too and I can understand your frustrations… I'm currently studying graphic design and I've had a rude awakening. I was looking forward to doing art for all my life and to let my creativity flow only to find out that design companies and my school do not allow creativity. You have to do exactly what they tell you to do. Basically you become a computer to them and nothing more. Just a way to give their ideas life. And quite frankly their ideas aren't always the best. I want to break new ground and expand my horizons and open my mind. I fear I will never get this chance with the path I'm going… The problem is I'm not sure how to change it.. I'm in my last year of school and once I graduate I fear I will be stuck working for a company that uses me as a puppet. I could use some help. Is there anyone out there looking for a designer that actually wants creativity? If you know anyone I'd greatly appreciate you telling me… I don't want to become a puppet and lose my passion for art.
Thank you.
Wow thats horrible! I myself am too an artist/musician and am soon to be heading to design/painting school. Dont worry, you wont lose your passion for art for a true artist is passionate, passion for art is a passion for life. Although the flame may die out every once in a while, the chance to rekindle that fire is always around the corner.
Katie
x
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=global+warming+myth&revid=749339244&sa=X&ei=_guNTPr3BM2inQe08vWbCw&ved=0CDAQ1QIoAA
The "people" is always what life comes down to. I work in a hospital I hate because of management. I stay working there because of the "people" I am around getting support from and giving support to as we work with cancer patients. I find my patience being tested all the time. I don't hold back my feelings about the wrongs that go on were I work, the only reason I still have a job is cause I can out-work my mouth. I'm a damn good nurse. I do my job and I do it well.
Thanks for making a truly Epic album. Continue the great work. Tour safely. Say 'Hi' to Shannon for me
, and Tomo too.
Hey, guy, I know almost nothing about your band or your career. To be honest, I am visiting your site because of the great pictures you have here. You should be photographer, you have the spirit!
Well, I decided to write because I believe in one thing: world and people are not always fair. What makes things happen is love. With love you create a new reality. Love your work, believe in your work and fight for it with dignity and honesty, always. You are young (I'm younger than you, but, yet… I have some experience) and that's just the beggining. The way is up to you! Forgive me for my poor english and come to Brazil for some shows. I admire you now because of this post and the pics, now I want to see, live, what you do for a living!
I just read this today..Wow!! hats off to 30 secs to mars for not giving up and believing in ur music…love u guys!!
Again and again – I am very proud of being a Thirty Seconds to Mars admirer. You guys are the best, you deserve all the love that you get. God bless you
O my God. This is sad, but beautiful story. I'm happy I read it.
Polish fans love you, and we miss for you. Come back to Poland. We waiting.
the War is WON!!!
Find the Argus Apocraphex, find the hidden/secret giant. This reminds me of the fight between David and Goliath, and as we all know, David won. But only this time, there is three people against a whole company, respect to you guys for having guts to go to war !
A very wise man once said: " All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. " And you guys have chance, nature, reason, passion and desire! Please, PLEASE come to norway! <3
I'm such a dork!
This is the reason why i love 30 seconds to mars.!!
Paz.!!
ps. Venezuela is so ready for you guys…
Guys Pliss comee to Ecuador!!!.. xoxo
Now that I've read this, THIS IS WAR, the album, has an even greater meaning to me.
On a side note, Jared, I love your writings. If a were your teacher, there would be lot's of A+++++
BIG HUG from SPAIN =)
(I wonder this post has only 25 comments so far!)
When I feel drained, or when it seems to me that I give up and I can’t do something, I remember those words… and I feel better. And even if I lose, I know what I’m doing everything to win.
Thank you for your support. Jared, Shannon, Tomo.
Love u, guys.
I love not only you and your crazy music, but you have all my respect and my appreciation guys, really! a great good luck! xoxoxo
I am respect you Jared!!! Love xo