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Howes was being courted by numerous labels for the past couple months and was expected to go elsewhere before Interscope upped their offer at the 11th hour.

WHEELS & DEALS: THE CLOSERS

Hinder Genius Brian Howes Snagged by Interscope Weasel Posse
By Rodel Delfin

Here’s our early December report, as we write our mundane weekly dispatch while desperately running on the treadmill to work off the 15 lbs. we gained eating turkey. For those who’ve been following along, the winner of the label-deal derby for hotshot producer/songwriter Brian Howes—who’s coming off a big hit with Universal Republic’s breakout rock act Hinder—is Interscope. The news reminded us that no deal is done until the paper is signed. Insiders share that Sandy Roberton/Andrew Brightman-managed Howes was being courted by numerous labels for the past couple months and was expected to go elsewhere before Interscope upped their offer at the 11th hour and landed their prize. Barrister Peter Paterno mediated the weaseltude. The score reinforces the widely held belief that Iovine and his crew—Jeff Sosnow, Jack Joseph Puig and Luke Wood in this case—are solid closers and may be the best players in the biz these days. The signing is well timed, following on the heels of Iovine’s big press coverage in last Sunday’s Los Angeles Times. Also, to give credit where credit is due, our coverage on the success surrounding Hinder should include a mention of Universal Republic A&R exec Tom MacKay, who signed the band to the label. Meanwhile, are label tongues starting to flap about a similar scenario with Nickelback producer Joey Moi? Bear in mind that Nickelback’s All the Right Reasons LP just hit the 4 mil mark stateside. Stay tuned… FILTERING THE RUMOR MILL: An agent friend of ours recently shared that the relationship between a current multi-platinum-selling rock act and their powerhouse management team is deteriorating. Could a split be imminent? Inquiring minds want to know… And what’s the deal with a former Warner Bros. star marketing exec/product manager who left the Bunny a few months ago to join Jimmy’s team on the Westside, but now we hear he’s back in Burbank? What’s up with that?… And could a former high-level label hitter be teaming up with a videogame exec to form a publishing company? They’ve reportedly been meeting with several pubcos for a play. Stay tuned… Expect a label home announcement soon for the Reid Hunter-repped Georgia. Sounds to us like it’s going to be an East Coast-based label… Warner/Chappell’s Perfect Game Recordings label, run by former Zomba publishing player Howie Abrams, has signed indie hip-hop act Ill Bill and the Mike McKoy-repped singer/pianist Guyora Kats. Both acts signed publishing arrangements with Warner/Chappell as well… BUZZIN’: The Midway State and Britney’s crotch shot (not a band; we mean her crotch)… Hit me up: [email protected]

BUZZ/GIGS:
MYRIAD
Mon., Dec. 4, 8:00 p.m., Rebel, N.Y.
LEMON SUN Tue., Dec. 5, 8:30p.m., The Echo, L.A.
ASCAP & ANGLOPHILE MUSIC SHOWCASE (featuring Black Market, Death of A Dancer and The Lord Henry) Wed., Dec. 6, 9:30p.m., Club Moscow, L.A.
WIRED ALL WRONG Sat., Dec. 9, TBD, Viper Room, L.A.

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TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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