WHEELS & DEALS:
POP A&R EXECS WANTED

POP GOES THE WEASEL: And we ain’t talking about a 3rd Bass song (big ups to Pete Nice and MC Search). But seriously, it seems several labels have been on a mad search to find that special A&R guy to sign and handle pop acts. As one hiring label exec shared, “We have enough rock A&R guys at our company. And we’ve interviewed a lot of people, but we still haven’t made a hire.” Hmmm... Meanwhile, did one East Coast-based label try to hire away a successful artist manager from said manager’s company to head the label’s A&R department? Is there now bad blood between label and management co. due to the attempted poach? Meanwhile, will another label’s search to fill a very senior A&R position potentially result in more than one hiring and a drain on executive talent at another label? Inquiring minds want to know... Metal still rules, as evidenced by label reps from Hollywood, Epic, RCA, Capitol and others showing up for the Shadows Fall show last week at the House of Blues on Sunset. The Syndicate-repped group has reportedly fulfilled its commitment to current label Century Media. The band’s current album, The War Within, debuted in the Top 20 on the album chart. We’ve been passing gas about this band since last year, so get on it. Legal eagle Saguit Saad is mediating the weaseltude... More action at the H.O.B. on the strip for Say Anything’s Friday night show with Straylight Run and Hot Rod Circuit. Lead singer Max Bemis and crew were recently picked up for management by DC Music’s Dave Holmes and Darin Harmon, while barrister Eric Greenspan handles legal duties. A&R hitters from Capitol, J/RCA, Columbia, Epic, Universal and Interscope were on hand to check out the band... Word on the street is that the Howard Sadowsky-repped Ellis has been doing private acoustic perfs/meetings for the likes of Atlantic, Geffen, Hollywood and Virgin while in L.A. this past week. Heard the tracks or seen the DVD? It’s good stuff... Lots of chatter over the Al Cafaro-repped Hurt. At presstime, a multitude of weasels were on the RSVP list for the band’s showcase at SIR on Tuesday (11/16). Stay tuned... Finally, big congrats to EMI Music Publishing’s Matt Messer and his new wife Jennifer for tying the knot this past weekend. Gee, Matt, now that you’re hitched, can we have your VIP cards to Cheetahs, Crazy Girls, Spearmint Rhino, Olympic Gardens, Crazy Girls Too, the Pink Pony and Jumbo’s Clown Room?... BUZZIN’: Trevor Hall, Loser, Cherie and Triniti... Hit me up: [email protected].