The upcoming Martin Scorsese-directed documentary of the Rolling Stones will feature a soundtrack that the veteran rock band has just signed to release via Universal Music Group, it was announced Thursday.

The announcement is especially newsworthy as the Rolling Stones sidetracked their longtime record label EMI Group to release the soundtrack “Shine A Light” through Universal Music labels around the world in March. The album will be released in Britain by Polydor Records.

“The band are looking forward to working with Universal Music and are excited about this new venture,” The Rolling Stones said in a statement Thursday.

Martin Scorsese’s concert film of the legendary British band is scheduled for release in spring 2008. The documentary is a medley of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage recorded over the decades, with a focus on two concerts at New York City's Beacon Theater from the band’s 2006 “A Bigger Bang” tour. It includes appearances by Buddy Guy, Christina Aguilera and the White Stripes' Jack White.

“We are really proud to be working with the Rolling Stones, and so is everybody in Universal Music globally,” Universal Music Group International chairman and chief executive Lucian Grainge said.

The Rolling Stones have been releasing their music through EMI Records for the past 16 years and their recent (and some wonder whether temporary as well) move to Universal is surprising.

The Associated Press notes that this could be a sign the band is ready to follow in the footsteps of Paul McCartney and Radiohead and leave the embattled company.

EMI said the Stones’ collaboration with Universal does not affect its own relationship with the band.

The AP quotes EMI spokesman Andrew Dowler as saying:

“It's good spin: Universal are suggesting this is a broader thing, but it's about one film, one soundtrack and had nothing to do with their relationship with the label. They're an EMI band.”

“Shine A Light” follows Scorsese’s 2005 documentary of Bob Dylan’s life, “No Direction Home.” It was announced in September 2007 that the director would film a biopic on another of his musical heroes, the late George Harrison, with the approval and help of Harrison’s surviving family members. Scorsese said he expects that project to take several years to complete.

The Rolling Stones documentary will open the Berlin International Film Festival on Feb. 7 and is expected to be released in cinemas in April.