i think that the writer of this story just misunderstood the sanctuary publishing deal and assumed it meant that sanctuary was their new label...the deal was not to make sanctuary their label - if so, they would've stated that in the announcement as well...
Exactly. I know it's easy for fans (like us) to get it confused, but you would figure
that music outlets would get the information right. This deal has nothing to do with
their record label. Melodicrock.com did post a retraction on the article, and clearing
up that they mis-interpreted the news.
Interestingly, Kid Rock just signed a new publishing deal (leaving Warner/Chappel) too.
However, he still has 3 albums left on a contract with Warner. Recording contracts
and publishing contracts need not be with the same company, nor do they need
to co-exist. Some songwriters have publishing contracts, but don't record or perform.
And I'm sure that some artists (maybe country singers or boy bands) who don't write
any of their own music, have recording contracts but no publishing contracts.