RUMOR MILL
“We found a loophole in iTunesU whereby, since Posner was a student at Duke, we could upload his mixtape using the iTunesU system even though it was designed for lectures.”
——Dan Weisman
Friday, August 5, 2011
WHEELS 2.0 GETS EDUCATED
In the Latest Edition, Jesse Reveals What Happens After The Last Goodnight and Raps It Down With a Very Wise Man
By Jesse Beer-Dietz
This week, I spotlight Kurtis John, former lead singer of The Last Goodnight, who has just released a solo EP. And check out my interview with super-manager Daniel Weisman (Mike Posner). Keep feedin’ my inbox [email protected]
SPOTLIGHT
Kurtis John (www.kurtisjohn.com): The Connecticut-raised, L.A.-based songwriter self-released his debut EP this month, reintroducing the world to his infectious voice and undeniable melodies. For those who like to connect the dots, Kurtis was the frontman for Virgin act The Last Goodnight, which had a pair of Top 10 Hot AC records with "Pictures of You" and "Stay Beautiful"; tellingly, they continue to have their music licensed for numerous commercials, promos and trailers. After the band and Virgin parted ways, Kurtis spent most of the following years helping to develop young bands, as well as co-writing and amassing a catalog of new material (often collaborating with ex-Last Goodnight member Michael Nadeau). You can buy Kurtis’ self-titled EP (and download "We Are Young" for free) on his website—www.kurtisjohn.com—or via your favorite digital retailer.
ON DECK
White Wives (http://www.wearewhitewives.com): New band featuring members from Anti-Flag, Dandelion Snow and American Armada. Their new album, Happeners, was released in June through Adeline Records, while the single “Sky Started Crying" is being worked at radio right now.
BUZZIN’
Congrats to Fearless Records and Wheels favorite Breathe Carolina who just scored their biggest radio week ever with nine adds at Top 40. Keep it locked as we continue to monitor the band’s success.
EMAIL Q&A WITH DANIEL WEISMAN, MANAGER EXTRAORDINAIRE
Dan, we’ve known each other since childhood, but for those who don't know, can you tell everyone how you got your start in the music business?
Worked as an assistant in the MP lit department of UTA, had enough after a year, went to work as an assistant at an entertainment law firm and two months in, discovered Wale on MySpace, who would end up becoming my first client. Hooked Wale up with Mark Ronson, got him signed to Interscope, got Lady Gaga on his first single and the rest is history.
I thought it was brilliant how you used iTunesU to break Mike Posner; can you talk about the strategy?
We basically found a loophole in iTunesU whereby, since Posner was a student at Duke, we could upload his mixtape using the iTunesU system even though it was designed for lectures. This ended up being a major linchpin in his early success. We had every label at every meeting asking us how we pulled that off, and basically told them if they sent their artists to college, they too could do it. On the second mixtape, though, iTunes caught on pretty quick and asked us to take it down. We always said, though, that when that day came, we knew Mike had arrived.
What acts are you currently working with?
My company currently manages Mike Posner and Khalil (IDJ). I also launched an online tool called Likeit.fm that allows artists to generate requests at radio via Facebook and Twitter.
Managing Mike Posner has allowed you to travel all over the world, of all the places you have been, what place was the best experience?
I would say, overall, Hong Kong was probably the coolest city I've been to with Mike, but my absolutely favorite place we've gone is a small spa town on the edge of the Black Forest in Germany called Baden Baden. We stopped there on an international promo run because this big German radio station SWR3 is based there. It's really one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Looks like something out of a movie.
If you were a rapper, what would your artist name be? And why?
I'm gonna plead the fifth on that one.
This week, I spotlight Kurtis John, former lead singer of The Last Goodnight, who has just released a solo EP. And check out my interview with super-manager Daniel Weisman (Mike Posner). Keep feedin’ my inbox [email protected]
SPOTLIGHT
Kurtis John (www.kurtisjohn.com): The Connecticut-raised, L.A.-based songwriter self-released his debut EP this month, reintroducing the world to his infectious voice and undeniable melodies. For those who like to connect the dots, Kurtis was the frontman for Virgin act The Last Goodnight, which had a pair of Top 10 Hot AC records with "Pictures of You" and "Stay Beautiful"; tellingly, they continue to have their music licensed for numerous commercials, promos and trailers. After the band and Virgin parted ways, Kurtis spent most of the following years helping to develop young bands, as well as co-writing and amassing a catalog of new material (often collaborating with ex-Last Goodnight member Michael Nadeau). You can buy Kurtis’ self-titled EP (and download "We Are Young" for free) on his website—www.kurtisjohn.com—or via your favorite digital retailer.
ON DECK
White Wives (http://www.wearewhitewives.com): New band featuring members from Anti-Flag, Dandelion Snow and American Armada. Their new album, Happeners, was released in June through Adeline Records, while the single “Sky Started Crying" is being worked at radio right now.
BUZZIN’
Congrats to Fearless Records and Wheels favorite Breathe Carolina who just scored their biggest radio week ever with nine adds at Top 40. Keep it locked as we continue to monitor the band’s success.
EMAIL Q&A WITH DANIEL WEISMAN, MANAGER EXTRAORDINAIRE
Dan, we’ve known each other since childhood, but for those who don't know, can you tell everyone how you got your start in the music business?
Worked as an assistant in the MP lit department of UTA, had enough after a year, went to work as an assistant at an entertainment law firm and two months in, discovered Wale on MySpace, who would end up becoming my first client. Hooked Wale up with Mark Ronson, got him signed to Interscope, got Lady Gaga on his first single and the rest is history.
I thought it was brilliant how you used iTunesU to break Mike Posner; can you talk about the strategy?
We basically found a loophole in iTunesU whereby, since Posner was a student at Duke, we could upload his mixtape using the iTunesU system even though it was designed for lectures. This ended up being a major linchpin in his early success. We had every label at every meeting asking us how we pulled that off, and basically told them if they sent their artists to college, they too could do it. On the second mixtape, though, iTunes caught on pretty quick and asked us to take it down. We always said, though, that when that day came, we knew Mike had arrived.
What acts are you currently working with?
My company currently manages Mike Posner and Khalil (IDJ). I also launched an online tool called Likeit.fm that allows artists to generate requests at radio via Facebook and Twitter.
Managing Mike Posner has allowed you to travel all over the world, of all the places you have been, what place was the best experience?
I would say, overall, Hong Kong was probably the coolest city I've been to with Mike, but my absolutely favorite place we've gone is a small spa town on the edge of the Black Forest in Germany called Baden Baden. We stopped there on an international promo run because this big German radio station SWR3 is based there. It's really one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Looks like something out of a movie.
If you were a rapper, what would your artist name be? And why?
I'm gonna plead the fifth on that one.
