WHEELS & DEALS:
TALES FROM THE A&R TRENCHES
THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE CLUELESS: While it’s always been clear that you’re not likely to find any future world leaders at hugely attended weaselfests, we’re encouraged to hear that one A&R heavy, who’s been thinking about adding to his staff, discovered a way to make use of his time while going to one of the big buzz shows of the week with some of the remaining A&R hitters left in the music biz. As the evening’s featured artist performed their set, the longtime industry pro merely made a mental note of which weasels were actually paying attention to the band’s perf versus those who were outside the club socializing and just showed up to be seen (has it occurred to anyone to listen now and then?). Said label veteran then promptly removed the latter group from his list of potential hires. No word yet if there’s anybody still under consideration... Meanwhile, major-label interest in political punk outfit Anti-Flag continues to grow. The group, which has one of the most politically-charged and informative web sites around, has been winning more and more fans among the majors over the past few months. Expect heavy hitters to be checking out the band (or just showing up to be seen) on their Warped Tour dates in Southern Cali. And kudos to the band’s indie, Fat Wreck Chords, for setting up their Punk Voter Booth at Warped. The booth will be conducting voter registration along with band autograph signings and giveaways. Glad to see someone’s looking to mobilize today’s youth... More on the punk scene, as word has it that the Missy Worth-managed/Ron Handler-signed Rise Against apparently has some pub action going on. Expect to see pubcos checking out the band at Warped as well... Also on the pub tip, the heated pub derby for the Tom Gates/Ari Martin/Peter Lewit-repped Brand New has ended with the band signing with Howie Abrams and Bob Bortnick at Zomba Music... And speaking of Tom Gates, the Nettwerk-repped MC Lars apparently had a strong label turnout at their Troubadour show last week in L.A. for the Absolutepunk.net tour. Keep your eye on this one... Meanwhile, after months of label courting, the Jeff Biederman-repped Sue Generis (now called Dropping Daylight) signs with James Diener and David Boxenbaum at Octone/J... In light of the for-sale sign hanging on DreamWorks Music Publishing, which pubcos are looking to sweep up Papa Roach? It looks like their current pub home won’t be picking up their option. The group reportedly has a smokin’ new record, produced by studio kingpin Howard Benson, and word has it that Geffen is excited about their new shiznit... Lastly, label interest now increasing on several acts signed to Ted Field’s Radar Records (formerly ARTISTDirect). With Radar now out of its BMG distribution deal, acts such as Mellowdrone and hip-hoppers Curtains have weasels sniffing around for a possible JV arrangement with the act and label (similar to Jordan Shur’s Flip label back in the day).. BUZZIN’: Giant Drag, Lenny Johnson and Smith Island… Hit me up: [email protected]
