Some interesting commentary regarding 360 deals coming from publishers on a panel at the recent Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) luncheon held at the  House of Blues on the Sunset Strip.  Panelists revealed that more and more the deals they make hinge on an artist bringing them all of their rights, often so that so-called “sister” labels can have the option to up stream the artist. What about publishers signing artists who’ve already done a deal with a major record label? More and more those deals look less attractive to publishers, with comments even indicating a deciding factor may be renegotiations to include the publisher in multiple rights.  This also points to why writer-producers continue to be an attractive prospect to publishers, as Warner Chappell SVP Greg Sowders, aka The A-Team’s “Hannibal,” commented, “A home run for us is signing a writer who is a producer and has direct access to artists.  The self contained singer/songwriter is still possible but difficult.” But does that speak to what should be a larger concern for major labels and publishers, as they sign and develop fewer and fewer self-contained artists, increasingly in any genre not just pop, only to rely on a shrinking stable of “hit-making” outside writers? More quotes and commentary on the AIMP panel HERE…

Photo Taken Off Facebook; Sorry David

David Andreone has been appointed the new head of MySpace Records, reporting to MySpace Music’s Courtney Holt (President) and Sam Wick (SVP Music). Andreone was formerly an A&R executive at Columbia Records and Warner Chappell Publishing - where his signings included Disturbed, Michelle Branch and Hoobastank…  Those keeping score will remember the exit of nearly the entire MSR staff earlier this year, leaving many to wonder what the future would hold for the label. Stay tuned for more clues…

Hot Dawg of the Week: Blue Hamilton

Warner Chappell Publishing’s A&R up-and-comer Blue Hamilton is feeling anything but blue lately. With a building track record and the ink still wet from his newest signing, we thought it was a good time to catch up with the pubcos’ young earner for a spotlight in the first edition of our new feature Hot Dawg of the Week… Blue’s roster includes singer/songwriter Audra Mae whose cut “Who I Was Born To Be” is the only original song on Susan Boyle’s I Dreamed A Dream, which has sold to date over 7-million units worldwide. He signed the Oklahoma native back in ’06 when she was only a twinkle in SuBo’s eye. Audra Mae’s debut album comes out this spring on SideOneDummy Records… Hamilton also inked famed girl-kisser Katy Perry for publishing back in ’07, prior to her multi-platinum debut album One Of The Boys. She also had cuts on last year’s All I Ever Wanted from Kelly Clarkson as well as the self-titled debut from Jessie James. Perry is currently in the studio working on her follow-up album with collaborators including Tricky, The Dream and Dr. Luke among others… Blue’s newest act is Brooklyn’s Semi Precious Weapons who recently signed to HouseofGaga/Interscope Records. The band is currently in Europe finishing a run supporting Lady GaGa on The Monster Ball tour and their debut album is slated for a spring release.

Stay tuned for our next Hot Dawg of the Week…

Rick Shoemaker & Jeff Maxwell host "Breaking In" on KFWB

Those with their sights set on making it in the entertainment business have a new place to get advice and expertise to help navigate the often murky industry waters.

“We had an idea, and they said let’s do it,” says legendary music publisher Rick Shoemaker of his new talk show Breaking In, which he co-hosts on CBS radio’s KFWB 980.  Shoemaker is an icon in the publishing business, most recently holding the position of President at Warner/Chappell Music for 20 years. He was responsible for signing and mentoring many of the pubco’s most successful artists including Green Day, Nickelback, Missy Elliott and many others.   Along with actor, writer and producer Jeff Maxwell, the two host a weekly show offering information, recommendations and anecdotes in an effort to help guide those seeking a career in music, film or television.  The show features a special guest each week as well as a segment called Critique of the Week in which Shoemaker and Taxi founder Michael Laskow evaluate a listener-submitted song.

Breaking In airs on Saturdays from 6:00-7:00PM on KFWB 980.  You can also stream or download the show online from the show’s website. This week’s special guest will be cougar-crooner Mark McGrath.

For possible critique of your song, submit it to: breakinginshow@gmail.com

Picture Me Broken

If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a little rain – D. Parton

Amen Dolly. As we keep those words in mind on this wet day in LA, we congratulate Nashville player Steve Markland on his new gig as Vice President of A&R for Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. Markland was previously a senior creative executive at Windswept Publishing. He was responsible for discovering and cultivating emerging songwriters. His roster of songwriters have won numerous BMI, ASCAP and NSAI awards. Whoa… Back at W/C headquarters on the left coast, the pubco’s resident A&R preppy Marc Wilson has signed producer/writer Ian Kirkpatrick to a worldwide co-pub deal. Kirkpatrick has worked with Plain White T’s, Neon Trees and Call the Cops, among others… Finally, we hear major labels and major-indies will be in attendance to checkout Picture Me Broken at their Swinghouse showcase this Thursday (10/15). MTV recently awarded the group a VMA for Best Breakout Bay Area Band this year. And did we mention that the band’s lead singer happens to be the daughter of Gregg Allman? Great pedigree! For showcase info, e-mail: pmb@justgreatmanagement.com