Bowie signs new record deal

David Bowie has signed a new record deal with Columbia Records.

His first release for the label will be the album Heathen, due out on June 11.

It is Bowie's first new album in three years.

Bowie quit Virgin Records last year, after refusing to renegotiate his deal with the label and saying he was tired of "bumping heads with corporate structure."

After walking away from Virgin, Bowie said he would be releasing material through his own fledgling company ISO. That label has now been signed to Columbia for future releases.

For the new album he has revived his partnership with Tony Visconti, with whom he worked on classic albums such as Low, Heroes, Lodger and Scary Monsters.

Bowie said of his new deal: "After my first couple of meetings with the guys at Columbia it was apparent that their enthusiasm for what Tony and I are doing right now borders on boundless."

Columbia chairman Don Lenner said: "David Bowie is simply one of the most distinctive, influential and exciting artists of our time, and Heathen is a remarkable addition to his incredible body of work.

"Music needs David Bowie right now, and we couldn't be more proud that he has chosen Columbia as his new home."