WHEELS & DEALS:
PUTTING THE "FOOL" IN APRIL

THE LEG IS STILL KICKIN’: Last week’s April Fools story about this Sherman Oaks cesspool shutting its doors caused many phone calls and e-mails to yours truly with messages from well-wishers reminding us that HITS sucks and hoping it was a slow and painful death. Well, we’re sad to report that we haven’t flat-lined yet, so we’re still suffering in agony until that last piece of advertising goes away. Sorry to spoil your party... On a more upbeat note, the derby for metal rockers Mastodon has closed with Tom Whalley, Craig Aaronson and Ken Blaustein at Warner Bros. Insiders share that among the labels chasing the heat, the bunny was consistently in the front of the race. Check out what Kerrang has labeled as the “best band on the planet” during the upcoming Ozzfest tour... In case you haven’t heard, the Pink Spiders have signed with Jordan Shur at Geffen Records... Label peeps trekked to Chicago to check out Cameron MeShell’s set at the House of Blues. He’s another act developed by Chrysalis Music. Could he turn out to be another hot property ala Ray LaMontagne?... The ongoing Shadows Fall derby is down to two major label suitors. Who will close?... Is one hot-property A&R player, already on the hire list at several labels, going to make a move soon?... Lots of buzz building on The Films. Looks like one major has stepped up and flown the band to Tinseltown. Don’t sleep on this one... Meanwhile, the Howard Sadowsky-repped/Chief-managed Hinder has signed with Tom MacKay at Universal and has pubcos already calling in... Speaking of pubcos, there’s some pub action starting to build on the Tim Mandelbaum/Monika Tashman-repped Morningwood, who have recently completed their Capitol Records full-length debut... The first annual Motor City Music Conference (MC2) is coming up. The event will take place in Detroit on April 20-24, 2005 and will showcase 400 bands at various downtown venues. A music and lifestyle tradeshow, as well as industry panels, will also be featured at the Cobo Expo Center. Conference organizers Dana Forrester and Erica Koltonow have garnered major sponsors such as Budweiser, Verizon Wireless, Borders, Spin, Vibe and local Detroit companies such as Greektown Casino, First Act Guitars, Skidmore Studio and RSIG to come on board for the event. It’s about time someone organized a music confab in the Motor City. And it looks like A&R reps from both coasts will be representing and scopin’ for talent. We’ll see you there... Lastly, the Atlantis Music Conference (August 10-13) has just extended their artist submission deadline to April 15... BUZZIN’: Mario Vasquez and Sparta... Hit me up: [email protected].

BUZZ/GIGS:

CLASSIC CASE
Wed., April 6, time TBD, CBGB, NYC

THE FILMS
Mon., April 11, 8 p.m., The Viper Room, L.A.

THE OUTLINE
Tue., April 12, time TBD, The Troubadour, L.A.