It looks like U2 may be the next big act that’s leaving the label system and embracing the future. Fox News is reporting that the band is considering jumping ship from UMG and signing a deal with concert promoter Live Nation that would include future record releases.

If U2 makes this kind of deal, along with the Stones and Madonna, soon all bets will be off at the majors over long term or heritage artists. The Eagles are already on their own through Wal-Mart, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell have jumped to Starbucks Hear Music, and Radiohead deserted EMI for their own company.

It’s a sign of the times, really. The economics of the business are changing and people are starting to realize it. You need to start handling your music career differently than you would have in the past. Why waste your time or energy trying to make things happen the old way when you could work smart the right way and take things into your own hands?