WHEELS 2.0 DIALS IT UP TO 11½

By Jesse Beer-Dietz

This week we zero in on a road-tested alt-rock band poised to bust out of the indie-rock underground. Also, check out guest writer Brett Cooper’s review of the impressive up-and-coming group Pan Am. Keep feedin’ my inbox: [email protected].

ARTIST SIGNINGS

Big congratulations to L.A. Reid and his team on the signing of Karmin (http://karminmusic.com). We think big things are in store for them, and the Internet is already buzzin’ about them… White female rapper Kreayshawn has signed to Columbia. Her video for “Gucci Gucci” (www.youtube.com/kreayshawn) has over 2 million views.

WHOOZNXT PROMOTION
Get your shot to play Vans Warped Tour. WHOOZNXT has four slots. Artists earn their slot by growing fans on their own sites (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.). Acts with the most fan growth over the next four weeks will be eligible for a chance to play Warped. The Warped Tour will review top runners and pick final acts. Sign up for free right here.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
The Wedding (www.theweddingrockandroll.com): In alt-rock format, a lot of bands are flying below the radar. Many of them flounder for years on the indie-rock circuit and never make a record that would allow them to break out of that scene. But occasionally, one of these bands gets to a point where it all seems to come together and they make a record that not only solidifies their sound, but is distinctive enough to separate them from all the other bands in that world. Which leads us to The Wedding, who appear to be on the verge of taking that next big step.

Fronted by Matt Shelton, formerly of the Letter Kills (Island/IDJ), The Wedding recently released an EP titled Distance and are currently out touring in support of the project. The band has sold over 60k units to date between its two full-length projects and two EPs. They tour incessantly and have been out with Anberlin, Mutemath, Red, Flyleaf, Reliant K, and many others.

The live show is the thing most people talk about when referencing this group. They recently played at Sunset Sessions and exposed many in the industry to their new sound for the first time. They are everything a rock band should be, and their show is one of the most energetic performances you’re likely to experience.

“Heartbreak and Melody” is one of the rock standouts on the new EP, with driving rock guitar, a strong melody and great gang vocals. Another highlight, “Not Like I’m Doing Now,” hews to the alternative style that is at the root of their sound. Powered by snarling guitars and rousing group vocals, the track boasts a visceral kick while sitting nicely with other straight-ahead rock songs on the project. You can listen to the EP at www.uegmedia.com/thewedding.

The Wedding heads out this fall to tour the West Coast with Brian “Head” Welch (ex- Korn). The band is currently unsigned and unpublished. For inquiries contact David Williams at Union Entertainment Group: [email protected].

ON DECK
Brett Cooper lets us know about an awesome new band he caught at a venerable L.A. club. Expect more reviews from Brett in the coming weeks.

Pan Am (www.myspace.com/panamband): The Troubadour has held significance to a number of incredible acts over the years, from Elton John, The Eagles and the Buffalo Springfield to Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam and Radiohead. On May 27, a band with many of the same sensibilities as these performers hit the stage of the legendary club: Pan Am, a band that pays tribute to their heroes of yesteryear while maintaining a modern rock sound all their own. Despite not being the headliner, Pan Am was able to draw the largest crowd of the night as they commanded the stage. The band looked like they were having a blast as they led the audience through a 45-minute set of original songs, including standouts “Save Me” and “He Called Himself Dan,” which takes a new perspective on Paul McCartney’s Beatles classic “Rocky Raccoon.” They capped the night with a blistering rendition of a song that singer/guitarist Steven Lundy introduced to the crowd as one that they “unfortunately did not write”—David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel.” Catch Pan Am opening for The Postelles at the Echo on June 28 and see the latest band to have the Troubadour buzzing. You can download “Save Me” at their Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/panamband.