It was due to be released on the Polydor label but was delayed by the merger of Polygram and Seagram to form the new Universal Music Group in 1998.

The Badlees were dropped by Universal[citation needed] and the album was eventually released in August 1999 on the Ark 21 label.

It was originally due to be released for the Christmas season of that year, but all projects were put on hold owing to delays by Polydor and the company's takeover by Seagram.

Selders contacted John Rotella, who had worked at Polydor when the Badlees were signed and was himself affected by the Seagram's takeover.

Selders became so frustrated with this that he flew to the record company offices and manned the phones himself, to try to arrange licensing deals for songs from Up There, Down Here.