WHEELS & DEALS: WEST COAST WEASELS TAKE MORE HEAT

BIG APPLE REPS STILL RUNNING WITH THE BALL: Our little tidbit several issues ago about New York A&R scouts outpacing their left-coast cohorts spurred additional chatter, with industry insiders from both coasts agreeing with the piece. Several East Coast scouts recently shared with us their observation that some of their L.A.-based label competitors are chasing acts that they’d passed on months prior. They further added that some West Coast scouts have even traveled to N.Y. to see West Coast-based bands perform for the first time. As one East Coaster pointed out, “It seems like they’re not aware of a lot of bands in their own backyard.” Meanwhile, a few managers who have recently shopped bidding-derby acts have commented that some West Coast reps don’t take a firm position on whether they like something or not, and they have a tough time convincing their superiors to move quickly. And in a climate where major label signings are green-lighted by only a handful of people, it’s a time where younger label scouts have to be more vocal than ever—hey, we know it’s tough out there, so we’re still counting on you. But here’s your excuse to get your bosses to move on the stuff that you’ve been after… BACK TO THE CHASE: Lots of buzz on Militia Group act Cartel. We hear label folks (particularly in New York…ha ha) are talking to the West Coast-based indie label to make arrangements to transition the group to a major. Will the band make the move or stay with the indie?… The Steve Sessa-repped/Steven Melrose-managed The Gun Shys are making the meet-and-greet rounds on both coasts. Will this one close fast?… Is the Be Your Own Pet derby about to come to an end? We hear there is a serious front-runner in this horse race… Lots of weasels in attendance at the Viper Room last week for The Firm-managed The Tender Trio… Meanwhile, more weasels were on hand for The Fury show at Club Moscow… The Craig Averill-repped/Josh Neuman-managed Nightmare of You have signed a pub deal with Warner/Chappell… The Bill Lewis and Peter Lopez-repped Karina Pasian have signed with Island Def Jam. The 14-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist was pursued by a number of labels, but Island ruler L.A. Reid, Def Jam Prexy Jay-Z and A&R exec Shakir Stewart closed the deal… PLUGS, PLUGS, PLUGS: To give where credit is due, the recent Test Your Reflex-RCA deal was mediated by barrister Doug Mark, who’s been on a hot signing streak of late. The band is managed by Karl Louis and Paul Yered… MORE ON THE PULSE: Lastly, hot-shot producer Josh Abraham and partner Jason Bernard’s On the Pulse podcast series on iTunes will feature podcasts from such acclaimed artists as Motley Crue, Korn, Weezer, Ray Manzarek, Yellowcard, Rooney and many others, as well as an unsigned-band series. Their podcast series runs monthly and kicks off in August. Check it out… BUZZIN’: The Drama, Inward Eye and Red Jump Suit… Hit me up: [email protected]

BUZZ GIGS:
NEW BLOOD REVIVAL Tues., Aug. 9, 9:00 p.m., Mercury Lounge
ASCAP ATLANTIS SHOWCASE Thurs., Aug. 11, 8:00 p.m., Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta
BMI ATLANTIS SHOWCASE Fri., Aug. 12, TBD, Hard Rock Café, Atlanta