RANDOM NOTES

It’s time for a lightning round of news and gossip from around the biz. Buckle up…

Sources tell us that Jay-Z has chosen not to perform on the Grammys, despite leading the field in nominations with eight …

Noah Sheer has re-upped with Def Jam, continuing to lead the Rhythm department; this latest deal comes as the label carries forward its push for internal stability in the promo market after team leader Rick Sackheim’s move to Epic. Expect an announcement on a new Def Jam promo head after the Grammys…

Look for indie sync stalwarts Lord Huron to announce a deal with a major label later this week. The band had a fabulous year, thanks to their song “The Night We Met,” which was boosted by a grabby sync on the smash Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Expect a signing announcement later this week …

The much-rumored exit of Mike Kaplan from KYSR (ALT 98.7) is now official; word on the street is that Kaplan’s jump to PD of Entercom’s Alt 92.3 in NYC will happen no earlier than May…

While insiders had been predicting that Epic Rhythm-radio guru Sujit Kundu would exit his post upon the arrival of newly appointed promo head Rick Sackheim, it now appears there has been a rapprochement with Epic executives, and it’s expected that Kundu will now re-up and stay on the team…

Rumors are swirling in Chicago about changes at Classic Rock WLUP and Alternative WKQX. Merlin Media chief Randy Michaels told the Chicago Tribune that if Cumulus is allowed to walk away from its lease and purchase of the stations, he would operate them “essentially as is” for the short term and bring on the current airstaff. An agreement is in place to run the stations from the new Cumulus Chicago studios at the NBC tower. Michaels added that there has been no “reasonable counterproposal” from Cumulus about a restructuring of the deal but is leaving open the possibility of an agreement...