Out on the Street: Meiko to release new album on Concord, Interscope head scratchers & more
Meiko to release new album on Concord in 2012
While the fourth quarter frequently seems to be a bit slow on the A&R front, it does seem like 2011 has seen an inordinate number of new signings be announced in the waning days of the year, both in the indie and major label worlds. After losing her label home when MySpace Records was shuttered by Fox Corp., much loved singer-songwriter Meiko has reportedly ended up on Concord, with her new album (originally recorded under the guidance of MSR/Interscope) due in the new year… Speaking of Interscope, they seem to be on a signing spree of late. Insiders are scratching their heads at much of the activity, especially due to the fact the major has been steadily stripping back their marketing staff number-wise over the past year, in particular in the rock arena, and the A&R department has been radically pared back. Las Vegas alt-rock crew Imagine Dragons, after being on the radar of label scouts for an extended period, ended up part of the Interscope family, via the KidinaKorner imprint (run by hip hop/R&B producer Alex da Kid). In a deal that seemingly came out of nowhere, NYC trio The Kin inked with the Universal label in early November. Meanwhile Swedish DJ/producer Avicii signed a singles deal, in conjunction with Lady Gaga manager Troy Carter’s Atom Empire electronic label. And of course the controversial and divisive Lizzy Grant – aka Lana Del Rey - was signed by Interscope months before the news officially leaked, as the major tried to employ a strategy that the chanteuse was a hipster newcomer from the independent label world. And if all that is not enough, the label obviously also had a couple of recent much-publicized monster-artist new additions to the roster in Van Halen and Madonna, the latter of which is rumored to have signed for three albums and $30 million!! Another deal being filed under “What the hell?” is the report that former Barenaked Ladies member Kevin Hearn recently signed with LA indie Dangerbird Records… And while info emerged that the hotly tipped Alabama Shakes became part of the ATO Records stable of artists, further digging has revealed that the deal for the foursome may just be a one-off, prompting a continuing frenzy of interest from labels to sign the band for further albums, with a large number of scouts out for their NYC shows this past week… Meanwhile on the publishing front, indie favorites Pains of Being Pure at Heart just inked with Warner-Chappell… Finally, reports emerged over the weekend that legendary UK act The Stone Roses, who announced details earlier in October that they were reforming for a series of shows in 2012, are working on new material – and recording deals are in place! The band have supposedly signed with Columbia Records for North America, and (the least surprising news of the week) Universal Music for the UK.
06.20.11File Under: Stuff We Like
NewVillager @ It's A School Night - Bardot, Monday (06/20)
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MySpace Records Artists Depart Label as News Corp. Prepares to Unload Site
Meiko completes new album; finding new label home
As the News Corp. sale of MySpace is close at hand (with an announcement expected in the coming weeks), so too is MySpace Records shuttering, for good this time. Early 2010 began the initial dissolving of the label, which was formed in 2005 and aligned with Universal Music Group label Interscope Records via a P&D deal that has now lapsed, and since last year the operation has continued under a skeletal staff and somewhat ambiguous circumstances – a partnership with Downtown Music was announced back in September. However, with the writing on the wall as to MySpace’s future, and a scaling back of many divisions, MSR began to be dismantled, a process which was guided by label GM David Andreone who took the helm just over a year ago. Among many duties, Andreone has also helped the artists signed to MSR find new label homes, and even get master recording rights back – some albums previously released by the label have already been pulled down from digital marketplaces such as iTunes… One former MySpace Records/Interscope artist, and now free agent who is getting a lot of industry attention, Meiko, has just completed a new album produced by Styrofoam and Jimmy Messer, and mixed by Brian Malouf. We hear that labels on both coasts are talking to the songstress, who already has a strong track record with sales, touring and film & TV… And word is that Andreone, a veteran of both the music publishing and record label arenas, is likely to transition to one of a handful of digital music companies in play, after he departs his post at the end June… Stay tuned.
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SXSW 2010: Who to Watch Pt. 2
Pat Grossi is Active Child: One to Watch @ SXSW
As the mass music migration to Austin for SXSW begins next week, we know many folks are scrambling to get travel and accommodations in order (e.g. booking last minute flights, hotel rooms, couches and floors to sleep on, etc..). But in between sending party RSVP’s and stocking up on Airborne, make sure to check out the LP Questionnaire/Pick 3 series over on SXSW.com. Some of our favorite tid bits include fun facts and recommended artist-picks from notable industry friends and artists such as Nic Adler, Matthew Mayfield and the DeSavia/Knoepfle/Briggs trio. Now on to pt. 2…
Expect to see lots of festival goers and industry folks checking out The Young Veins. The new Crush-managed act is comprised of two former members of Panic! At the Disco. Their upcoming tour with Boston’s Bad Rabbits, who are garnering a good level of interest as well, will see both bands making stops at the festival… Indie-pop songstress Meiko will play Thursday night (3/18) at The Parish and it looks like her sophomore album will see a summer release, most likely on Interscope. Expect to see publishers in attendance… Labels are keeping an eye on California duo HoneyHoney who play the ASCAP showcase on Wednesday night (3/17), while Obi Best, who also sings backup with The Bird and The Bee, will be playing the ASCAP’s Friday (3/19) show… Surfer Blood have a full dance-card in Austin, with lots of performances scheduled. The Florida indie-rockers will mostly likely be seeing a lot of attention from both domestic and international on-lookers… Pat Grossi, who performs as Active Child, will also be busy with a number of shows next week, including the Thursday (3/18) Filter showcase at Cedar Street; the L.A. local has recently received numerous positive nods in tastemaker press… Those sticking it out through Saturday (3/20) should catch electro-dance act Pretty Lights at La Zona Rosa. The group’s first two albums have over 300,000 downloads and they head to Austin on the tail of five sold-out dates in their home state of Colorado. Classixx is another electronic duo to catch, they play the Green Label Sound showcase on Friday (3/19)… Finally a little trivia: How many 90’s-era rock acts playing secret shows during SXSW can you name? The winner gets a limited edition signed 7″ from Pedro the Singing Monkey…
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Volapike @ On the Rox - Tuesday, March 9th
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