WHEELS 2.0 GETS SOME REINFORCEMENTS

This week, Wheels welcomed its very first intern, Paige Lippincott. If the name sounds familiar, you may remember her dad, Ric a veteran of the biz. But, don’t worry, we don’t believe in nepotism around here. We thought it was time to get some perspective from a teenager who is way cooler than us. We have a feeling she’ll be back real soon, so be sure and take a closer look at Paperback Hero and Rumspringa, which she contributed this week. And, as always, be sure to keep the music coming to [email protected] and make our day and follow us on twitter: @rknthefreewrld and @senorcerveza

ONE TO WATCH
Caitlin Crosby (www.myspace.com/caitlincrosby; @caitlincrosby): Finally! A singer/songwriter who is writing about something other than….love. Songs on her self-titled debut, on Blackledge, tackle issues like peer pressure and homelessness. Growing up in Los Angeles, and the only daughter of a talent manager and a model, Caitlin isn’t new to the Hollywood scene and says that her upbringing is the fuel behind her songs. Her biggest passion—and a theme of Imperfect Is the New Perfect—is body image, which Caitlin has said is something she battles with. To that end, she launched a website (www.loveyourflawz.com) dedicated to highlighting natural beauty in men and women. In addition to running her site, speaking to high school students about body image and spending time on the road supporting her record, there’s talk of her being added to a reality series (shhh…). She’s already been featured on E! and reviewed in People and US Weekly, as well as being part of Oxygen Network’s new online campaign. Her single is currently #48 on the Hot AC charts and climbing, and she’ll be playing in Tommy Hilfiger stores during N.Y. Fashion Week. Can you say multitasker? Be sure to peep her MySpace page, and checkout the video here: http://www.blackledgemusic.com/caitlincrosby/video/crosby.mov

ON DECK
Paperback Hero (www.myspace.com/paperbackhero; @paperbackhero): Starting off with a struggle to find the right drummer, Paperback Hero sure has come a long way. Landing some of their songs on popular TV shows and films has made viewers go head over heels for this hot rock band. Inching their way to the top, their song “Call Out” (how ironic) was featured in 1,400 movie theaters in 46 states and on Delta Airlines’ “Indy Rock” station earlier this year. Their newest project, Cautionary Tale, produced by Jay Ruston, is set to be released Sept. 22, so be sure to pick up your copy—and stay tuned to Top 40, Hot AC and Alternative stations across the country to hear your favorite Paperback Hero songs.

Rumspringa (www.myspace.com/rumspringa; (@rumspringamusic): With Joey Stevens taking the role of guitarist as well as vocalist, and Itaru de la Vega on the drums, the two brought Rumspringa to life, citing such inspirations as Johnny Cash and John Lee Hooker. Traveling from Los Angeles to Brooklyn, they had the opportunity to play their music for people with a hankering for soulful rock. Signed to Cantora Records, the band was able to make their music video “Minds Awake” a hit; it was even featured on the queen of gossip Perez Hilton’s blog. They recently inked a deal with World’s End Management, and be sure to catch them playing this weekend at Sunset Junction.

BAND/ARTIST UPDATES
Halos (www.myspace.com/halosband) is currently participating in Airwalk’s Unsigned Hero Contest, one of 10 bands handpicked to compete. Be sure to check out the contest here: http://www.airwalk.com/ush/#/Halos/ and help them win.

BUZZIN’
Mary Anne Hobbs (www.myspace.com/maryannehobbs; @maryannehobbs): BBC Radio 1 host, DJ, festival curator and—get this—motorcycle enthusiast, Mary Anne is releasing her third compilation of electronic music on Sept. 8. In support of the album, she’ll kick off a 10-city U.S. tour Sept. 10 in Chicago and will make a swing through the big cities across the country. Check out her MySpace page for more info and updates.

XO: They say curiosity killed the cat, but sometimes that cat just gets lucky! Funny story about our Buzzin’ act XO this week, which leads us to think that this could be a new, however limited, marketing tool for up-and-coming artists. Have you ever seen a CD on the floor with no jewel case or track listing, but super-shiny and new? You guessed it—that is precisely how we found this artist, whose beats are catchy and whose songs we wouldn’t be surprised to hear spinning at the hottest clubs. XO if you’re out there…we’re digging your jams, so get at us with your info.

MeTalkPretty is one of three bands picked from a field of over 190 N.Y.-area acts to battle it out for Best Breakout NYC Artist honors in front of top MTV VMA talent at a Time Warner Cable VMA weekend pre-party.