Insiders say alt-rock heavies Vampire Weekend are inking with Columbia. The global deal for the Monotone-managed troupe reportedly came after leader Ezra Koenig hit it off with Columbia chief Rob Stringer; look for a new album sometime around Q2 or Q3 of 2017 and a tour later in the year. Vampire, formerly on XL, scored their second #1 album chart debut with 2013’s Modern Vampires in the City, which bowed with 135k and has moved 564k RTD. That set, like prior #1 Contra (2010), was certified gold (it's done 633k since release). Both were nominated for Best Alternative Album Grammys, and Modern Vampires won.