WHEELS & DEALS:
IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY
HOT WATER WEASELS: “Lucy, you have some ‘splaining to do.” For those of you who are still reading and following the wacky world of A&R signing derbies, the commotion that erupted for L.A.-based Under the Influence of Giants makes this column an easy write for yours truly (or, as some of you have fondly referred to me, a “blood-sucking industry parasite”)—but enough with the compliments. The group made back-to-back trips on the East Coast during the past couple weeks to showcase and meet with label folks. But before you could say “Let’s wind this mother up,” UTIOG quickly inked with L.A. Reid, Paul Pontius and Will Westfall at Island Def Jam, who reportedly signed the band for less than what the other competing labels were offering. You see, it’s not always about the money. However, it left other suitors to say, “Wha’ happened?” The act, managed by former A&R exec Berko and repped by barrister Nick Ferrara, apparently received a barrage of phone calls this past weekend, even though they’d already decided to go with IDJ. Meanwhile, several label heads who wanted to get in the game were asking their scouts why they weren’t informed about this one. And here’s the irony—Berko, who’d formerly served as an A&R consultant for one of the labels in hot pursuit of the group, had pitched the band to his company several times months earlier. Gotta love this biz! Expect pubcos and agents to be in attendance when the band performs at the ASCAP showcase next Tuesday (7/19) at the Troubadour…
MORE BLIND ITEM GOSSIP: Are the rumors true about one hot-shot East Coast A&R exec taking a post as head of A&R at a label that has been vocal about hiring more executive A&R talent? Some insiders share that the deal is already done. Inquiring minds want to know… Meanwhile, the recent split between one multi-platinum rock act and their manager (if you can’t figure this one out, you may want to lay off the crack pipe) was the result of the band renegotiating the manager’s commission. Apparently, the manager, who had enough of the band’s tantrums, refused to take a reduction in his percentage, resulting in the band letting him go. Insiders point out that the manager wasn’t fired primarily due to inexperience and/or incompetence; the band did sell 2 million records, after all. And in this day and age, that’s quite a feat… Lastly, looking to spend a few days in hot, sticky southern climate while you’re looking for the next big thing? Then don’t miss out on the Atlantis Music Conference, Aug. 10-13. We’ll see you there… BUZZIN’: Camouflage Nights,
BUZZ GIGS:
TENDER TRIO Wed., July 20, TBD, Viper Room
