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In the climate of audience familiarity at radio, will we see label signings skew to rock acts that the general CD-buying audience find more familiar.

WHEELS & DEALS:
ROCK STILL SELLS

Rumors of the Demise of Guitar-Wielding Longhairs Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
By Rodel Delfin

Tool and Pearl Jam clocked in at the #1 and #2 slots on the album chart last week, selling over 560k and 270k, respectively. Even though the first-week numbers were on track with retail projections, lots of industry folks still seemed surprised at Tool’s initial sales. Many industry insiders compared the figure to a big Pop or Urban release. What’s important to note is that both bands are also in the Top 10 of the Modern Rock chart, which reinforces the fact that radio is still a big factor in selling albums. However, with most MR stations focused on playing established rock acts to maintain ratings, few new artists are getting their break. So, in the climate of audience familiarity at radio, will we see label signings skew to rock acts that the general CD-buying audience find more familiar (i.e., more mainstream rock and less emo, hardcore or punk)? We’ll keep you posted…. In the wake of the EMI-Warner Music Group merger talks, lots of chatter going on about what will happen with EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell. For those following along, one of the publishing divisions will have to be sold off in order for the merger to avoid violating any antitrust issues. Since this will be an EMI purchase, conventional wisdom points to Warner/Chappell being placed on the auction block. If so, who’s in line to buy the company? Word on the street is that the pubco has already been prepped and dolled up for the sale. Among the list of suitors in line, there’s speculation that Edgar Bronfman Jr. may make a bid. Stay tuned… There seems to be a lot of legal confusion concerning Mute Math’s availability. Warner Bros. reportedly dropped the group last year, but rumor has it that the paperwork wasn’t finalized. Now, in the wake of the band’s DIY success and with numerous majors wanting to sign the band, we hear that the Bunny now wants to keep them… For those following the Interpol management derby, we hear the band has picked up Coldplay manager Dave Holmes as their new talent handler. Holmes’ 3D Management roster also includes Rilo Kiley, producer Mike Mogis and new Capitol artist Annie Stela. Barrister Richard Grabel will be mediating the weaseltude for the band’s next label home… We hear there are three label suitors with checkbooks out for Liam & Me… For those of you going to the Florida Music Festival this week, check out former Creed manager Jeff Hanson’s Silent Majority Group showcase (see Buzz/Gigs)… Have you heard the publishing numbers being tossed around Taking Back Sunday? Pretty big… THE WORD ACROSS THE POND: Our British spies recently shared some info with us. They clued us in on U.K. shite like Franz Ferdinand and the Arctic Monkeys early on, long before U.S. weasels started the hunt. So here’s some tidbits to chew on with your tea and crumpets: We hear SXSW buzz act Love Is All is signing with EMI U.K. (possibly through Parlophone) and signing for some big $$$… Several indies and majors are hunting down acts Beirut and Klaxons… The buzz on Cold War Kids is in high gear in Britannia. They have a string of dates in London this month. Meanwhile, we heard one of their tunes playing at a random bar on the Upper East Side in N.Y. recently. Apparently, the bartender is a big fan… BUZZIN’: Science of the Subconscious and Away StationHit me up: [email protected]

buzz/gigs
SILENT MAJORITY GROUP SHOWCASE
May 18 & 19, TBD, Pine Street, Orlando, FL
MUTE MATH Mon., May 22, 7 p.m, Avalon ,N.Y.
THE DRUG SCENE Tue., May 30, 9 p.m., Key Club, L.A.

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TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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