Erotica is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released on October 20, 1992, by Maverick Records. The album was released simultaneously with Madonna's first book publication, Sex; a coffee table book containing explicit photographs featuring the singer. The album's release marked Madonna's first release under her own multi-media entertainment company, Maverick. Erotica is considered a concept album about sex and sexuality; she incorporated an alter ego for both the title track and Sex named Mistress Dita, inspired by actress Dita Parlo; she talks about sex and romance throughout the album. However, other songs also take on a more confessional tone, influenced by the loss of Madonna's two close friends to AIDS.