Prince O(+> (March 11, 1995) – “New Gold Dream” Feature – Echoes.
In one of the most revealing interviews of the mid‑1990s, Prince invites journalist Adam Mattera into his world to discuss identity, freedom, Warner Bros., The Gold Experience, and the future of music distribution. Published just days before the launch of the Gold Experience Tour, the feature captures Prince at a crossroads, determined to reclaim control of both his name and his art.
Publication: Echoes
Publication Date: March 11, 1995
Country: United Kingdom
Event Date: March 1995 – The Gold Experience Era
Published under the headline “New Gold Dream”, this major Echoes feature finds Prince speaking openly about the issues that were dominating his life and career during one of the most turbulent periods of his professional journey.
Having abandoned the name Prince in favour of the Love Symbol, he addresses the controversy surrounding his identity and rejects claims that the name change was merely an attempt to escape contractual obligations.
Instead, he presents the decision as a deeply personal and spiritual act, tied to self‑determination and artistic freedom.
Throughout the interview, Prince discusses his ongoing dispute with Warner Bros. Records and repeatedly returns to the subject of ownership. He argues that music should belong to its creator and expresses frustration at being unable to release material on his own terms.
The discussion also touches on The Gold Experience, which Prince describes with obvious enthusiasm. He presents the project as a major creative statement and speaks passionately about regaining direct access to his audience without corporate interference.
One of the most fascinating sections concerns technology and communication. Prince reveals his growing interest in digital distribution and discusses the possibilities offered by the internet. At a time when most of the music industry remained focused on traditional retail channels, he envisioned a future where artists could communicate directly with listeners and deliver music without record company gatekeepers.
The interview paints a portrait of a musician who remains intensely creative but increasingly determined to challenge established industry structures.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
March 1995 was a pivotal moment in Prince's career. Public debate surrounding the name change remained intense, while Warner Bros. still controlled the release of much of his recorded output.
During the interview, Prince openly discusses the conflict between artistic freedom and corporate ownership, themes that would dominate much of his work throughout the decade. Several of the positions he expresses regarding artist control, direct distribution and internet communication would later become standard practices across the music industry.
The feature is also significant because it coincides with the promotion of The Gold Experience, an album that emerged from one of the most contentious yet creatively productive periods of Prince's career.
Today, the interview stands as one of the clearest statements of Prince's philosophy regarding ownership, independence and the future of music.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Echoes feature interview
Era: 1995 – The Gold Experience era
Tone: Defiant, reflective and visionary
Photography: Full‑page colour portraits of Prince in his distinctive black‑and‑white stage attire associated with the Gold Experience period
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Headline: “New Gold Dream”
Interview by Adam Mattera
Prince discussing the Love Symbol identity
Commentary on Warner Bros. and artistic ownership
Discussion of The Gold Experience
Early thoughts on internet distribution and artist independence
Promotion surrounding the Gold Experience Tour
Full‑page photographic feature
Sources Echoes, March 11, 1995
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