EMI Music and Mute boss Daniel Miller have reached an agreement over the future of the label, which will once again be independent.

The label specializing in alternative and electronic acts launched in 1978 in London. It signed acts including Depeche Mode, Moby, Goldfrapp, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Erasure and Richard Hawley. EMI took control of Mute in 2002 in a deal worth £23 million ($33 million).

EMI Music and Mute have reached a preliminary agreement, whereby EMI will support Miller in the launch of a new independent label that will carry the Mute brand name.

Miller’s new label will resemble the old one in many ways, as it is licensing the Mute trademark. EMI is also licensing part of the existing Mute back catalog to the label, including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman, Yeasayer, Erasure, Andy Bell, Liars, Polly Scattergood and A Place To Bury Strangers.

Originally Mute artists Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp, Richard Hawley, Kraftwerk and White Rabbits remain signed to and marketed worldwide by EMI Music. The remainder of the roster will move to the new label.

Info submitted by Mute.