Monday, February 19, 2007
By Rodel DelfinBig props to the folks at Island U.K. and Universal Republic for their success in breaking Amy Winehouse and her recent Grammy wins. She’s a great example of art and commerce achieving a perfect balance. And with the bad rap our industry gets, seeing an artist like Winehouse break and get award recognition is a gratifying reminder of the major label system at its best—signing, developing and breaking great artists who impact music fans and pop culture. There’s a big resurgence in the female singer/songwriter arena, resulting in a rush of emerging female artists who are selling well (at least by today’s standards). U.K. exports Corinne Bailey Rae, Natasha Bedingfield and Lily Allen had breakthrough albums here in the States, while U.S.-based female artists Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are busting out platinum sales. And look out for songstress Sara Bareilles who’s climbing up the album chart. Yours truly was a big champion of this Wheels alum prior to Epic picking her up. Which unsigned female acts could break through next? We mentioned a couple in last week’s column that weasels are already looking at. Here’s another one from across the pond who’s garnering U.K. label attention—Laura Marling. She’s managed by the same folks who handle Keane, and she’ll be making her way to the States next month. Stay tuned… We hear the David Bendeth-produced act The Urgency is finalizing a deal with an East Coast major. That was quick! What else does Bendeth have up his sleeve?... Speaking of an East Coast major, we hear one label prexy is looking to add to his A&R team, and he’s compiled a short list of senior execs… Our friends at The Militia Group recently signed San Diego pop/rock outfit We Shot the Moon. The group is fronted by former Waking Ashland member Jonathan Jones. Legal eagle Ben McClane mediated the deal… Our buddy Pete Cohen is now working for Special Teams Music, promoting Aussie artists in the U.S. for the Australian government… The Devil Stole the Beat showcase in Atlanta is garnering lots of industry attention with their handpicked selection of emerging talent. The next showcase lineup includes Gabe Dixon, Deke Spears, Arum Rae, John Paul White, Matthew Mayfield, Judi Chicago, Spring Tigers, Silver Seas and Wild Sweet Orange. See Buzz/Gigs for event details… We’re a month away from this year’s installment of South by Southwest. We hope you’re getting ready to down some Shiner Bocks and chow down on some tasty BBQ… BUZZIN’: Anita Athavale, Sara Kapuchinski and Rachael Yamagata… Hit me up: [email protected]
BUZZ/GIGS:
DEVIL STOLE THE BEAT SHOWCASE Thurs., Feb. 21, 8:30 p.m., Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta
BUCK BROS Sun. March 2, TBD, Dragonfly, L.A.
