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POLITICS + MUSIC = NEWS?

Protest Music's Making Headlines, but
Will It Stick?
By Rodel Delfin

Seen the Monday (8/9) edition of The Wall Street Journal Marketplace section? Of course, the comics are usually the only section we bother to read (that Garfield sure is one grumpy cat!), but someone pointed out to us a piece that highlighted the current major-label signing fixation on politically charged acts and the recent political sentiments expressed through mainstream music stages. The article covered the latest in some industry gossip and mentions some hotly pursued indie acts—just like what your humble trade hack tries to do in this space every week. What's worth noting is that the article covered the latest on Fat Wreck Chords act Anti-Flag, as it cited companies such as Sire, Columbia, RCA and Geffen as all vying to sign the band. If accurate, it dispels the current circulating rumor that the band has already signed a deal. Of course, this could all change by the time you read this. In addition, the piece mentions the recent decision of another politically infused Fat Wreck Chords act, the Tom Sarig-repped Against Me, who decided to stay on the indie despite offers from Virgin and Universal. So with political music apparently getting the attention of the mainstream, will these artists succeed in re-establishing a genre that's been dormant for years? And what other independent acts are also leading this charge? Stay tuned... Heard the buzz on the street for the Kevin Held-managed/Steve Sessa-repped King Elementary? The Mississippi-based quartet rocked for a select industry crowd at the Viper Room and Cinespace on two separate nights in L.A. this week. Seen in the house were reps from Atlantic, Island Def Jam, Capitol, Maverick, Strummer, DC Music and EMI Music, among others. The group completed tracks with studio whiz Dennis Herring, who is also red-hot after producing the current Modest Mouse record... As the radio story continues, the derby ends for the David Christensen-repped Avion as the group signs with Columbia Records last week. And in true showmanship form, Avion's lead singer Steve Bertrand personally called over 40 radio stations to break the news of the band's major label signing and to thank the radio staff personally for supporting their record. Sounds like these guys know how to handle their bidness. And once again, legal eagle Steve Sessa handled the mediation. Does this guy ever sleep?... WHERE CREDIT IS DUE: In a follow-up to last week’s report on Universal inking Sean E.’s Execution Style Entertainment imprint, we should mention that veteran barrister Doug Mark was instrumental in negotiating and closing the dealio... In case you haven't heard, U.K. act Dogs Die In Hot Cars has signed with V2 Records for the world. So don't bother... Finally, DC Music's Dave Holmes and Darin Harmon bring in Adrian Amodeo. Adrian, who was formerly at Filter Marketing/Magazine will be responsible for scouting talent for the company as well as getting tea and crumpets for Darin and Dave. Adrian can be reached at [email protected]... BUZZIN’: Ron Burman... Hit me up: [email protected]

BUZZ/GIGS:

WE ARE SCIENTIST
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BIGELF
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MACROSICK
10:00pm Sat. Aug. 28 at One Eyed Jack's in New Orleans

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