Bandier Enters the Sony Music Fray (L) Hands Set for Face Off (R)

A story in the New York Post this morning threw Sony/ATV CEO Marty Bandier into the mix of names swirling in the bid for the top spot at Sony Music, indicating his neutral position in the ongoing “civil war” within the company as a plus. Citing unnamed executives, the piece also speculated that current RCA chief Barry Weiss might land at Universal Music Group if he isn’t named as successor to current Sony Music CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz - a scenario being floated by more than a few folks in-the-know… Meanwhile the buzz around the courtroom showdown between Terra Firma and Citigroup over EMI continues as the WSJ reports today that talks between the two sides failed this week, though there is still time for a settlement to be reached over the weekend. Informal talks could continue even after the trial’s start on Monday if an 11th-hour pact isn’t reached – Guy Hands is expected to take the stand first… No stranger to firing rumors, gossip that Island Def Jam ruler L.A. Reid is as good as out continued this week. While a move to television in the form of an American Idol or X-Factor judge position was previously floated, insiders share that a quiet departure with a label-imprint in hand seems a more likely scenario… In other updates, Steve Aoki has entered into a world-wide co-publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music, the A-Team’s own B.A. Baracus (aka Marc Wilson) signed the producer/writer/DJ who has upcoming projects in the works with Rivers Cuomo, Chiddy Bang, Travis Barker, Will.I.Am and Sky Ferreira… The CMJ Music Marathon 2010 kicks off next week in New York City, including a keynote address from Jason Flom – other panelists slated to speak include David Boxenbaum (A&M Octone), John Boyle (Hello Music), Lindsey Cook (RCA), Eric German (MS&K), Jon Pikus (Lava/Kirkwood Ranch) and many others… The label action continues to wind up around Seattle’s The Head and The Heart after whipping A&R folks into a frenzy with their L.A. shows last week. Zeitgeist’s Jordan Kurland has picked up the band for management… IAMMEDIC continues to generate label interest, taking multiple meetings after their EP-release show last week. A collaboration with Far East Movement is set to take place on the heels of their remix of the band’s “Like A G6″ – the top song on BigChampagne’s Ultimate Chart this week… Catch Las Vegas act And She Whispered at the House of Blues Hollywood this Saturday (Oct. 16), as they open for All That Remains on their current North America tour. The band has received airplay on LV’s Extreme Radio and has been drawing big crowds in their hometown… IN THE MIX: Amanda Ghost, Fearless Records, Chappo, OFWGKTA and Box.net

With today’s announcement from Vivendi on the appointment of Lucian Grainge as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group, expect the rumor mill to pump up the volume on what changes we can expect to happen within the UMG labels in the coming months. But before we delve into conjecture on the UMG side, it’s significant to point out the number of British executives running US major labels. Outside of Warner Music Group, the remaining three major label groups are run by Brits. The UK presence is quite prominent at the Rob Stringer-run Sony Music, particularly with the addition of Amanda Ghost at Epic, the recent addition of Ashley Newton at the Steve Barnett-helmed Columbia Records. And the Terra Firma-owned EMI Music Group maintains its US operations under Nick Gatfield, who served under Grainge during his stint as President of Island Records UK prior to his EMI post. Aside from Ghost, the aforementioned execs have solid working experience in US music companies. Barnett has been in the Sony US system for years, Newton’s previous post at RCA and his tenure co-running Virgin Records US makes him a very well-respected US exec, while Gatfield ran Polydor Records in the states during the ‘90s.

Back to UMG, Grainge will assume his new post on Jan. 1, 2011, succeeding current UMG CEO Doug Morris. Rumors of Grainge assuming Morris’ position have been swirling for months. Grainge is scheduled to relocate to NY in July as part of the transition. Industry insiders share that Universal Republic head Monte Lipman and brother Avery will have an expanded role at the music group, as well as Mercury Records head David Massey. It leaves to question the future roles of Island Def Jam ruler LA Reid and Universal Motown head Sylvia Rhone, who was a longtime Doug Morris protégé. And it’s fair to expect no major changes to happen at Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope label. Stay tuned…