Prince’s new album Musicology will be released on Sony Music’s Columbia label.

He renounced major labels after his acrimonious split from Warner Music in 1996 and has since released music via his own online music club.

But sales have been disappointing and he had been seeking a partnership with a major record label.

The new album is Prince’s first release since last year’s instrumental N.E.W.S., and his first vocal release since 2001’s The Rainbow Children.

Musicology’s title track, which Prince previewed during club shows this month, will be the first single, reports Rolling Stone.

“I am really an artist and a musician at heart, that’s what I do,” Prince said.

“Musicology has no boundaries or formats. It is long overdue to return to the art and craft of music – that’s what this album is about. School’s in session.”

Credit: ananova