Pop star Paloma Faith recently shared a humorous anecdote about her former record deal, shedding light on a time when she felt her contract terms were far from ideal. Speaking to The Sun’s Bizarre column, the 43-year-old artist recalled her reaction when her initial contract finally came to an end and the unique demand she made before signing a new one.
“When Jason [Iley, chairman] came to Sony, I was on the end of probably one of the s******* record deals negotiated. I was signed for five albums for about £2.50 an album,” Faith said, reflecting on her dissatisfaction with the original deal’s low payout.
After years under the restrictive contract, Faith wanted to make a statement. Drawing inspiration from classic game shows, where winners would receive oversized prizes, she decided to ask for something unusual: a “giant chair.” She explained, “I remembered back in the day those game shows where people would win a giant chair. And I said to Jason, ‘I’m not signing to Sony unless I get a giant chair.’”
While her demand for the chair was met, Faith and Iley agreed on a condition—that she would refrain from sharing any photos of the oversized seat on social media. Iley expressed concerns about how the chair might be perceived by her followers, particularly during tough economic times. “Jason said, ‘It’s not very tasteful to have a giant chair when there are people with no money who would hate to see it,’” Faith shared.
Faith agreed to the condition, humorously adding, “I promised Jason that if you give me a giant chair, I’ll never post a picture of it ever in the history of our lives.” True to her word, she has kept the chair offline, acknowledging, “I did think about it, but it is kind of crass.”
Through this playful story, Faith provided a glimpse into her unique personality while also highlighting her journey through the music industry, from restrictive contracts to playful victories. The “giant chair” has become a symbol of her resilience and her distinct approach to reclaiming her power as an artist.