In the Know - March/April 2002

Industry Chatter

Lots of discussion over all the new movement within the EMI music family! CEO Big Boss Alain Levy, who has appointed Little Big Boss David Munns to oversee the North American consolidation of the EMI family, has all the labels being condensed under either the Capitol or Virgin banners with the EMI Recorded Music moniker being retired. The biggest news within this restructuring phase was the appointment of Mega-producer/Melisma Label owner Matt Serletic to CEO of the Virgin Label and Roy Lott to COO. While this move seems to be a bit surprising being that Serletic has had really no executive experience, his creative abilities are at the moment unquestionable. He has been involved with some of the biggest bands and records of the last several years (Collective Soul, Matchbox Twenty, Santana, Aerosmith). He will be stepping into unproven terrain with regard to his business savvy and multi-tasking abilities. As a producer, he has most definitely hit the mark, but his label has failed to produce any successful artists. Last year, he moved his offices to LA from Atlanta in hope of being closer to the pulse of the business and industry. As he was searching for a new home for his label (formerly on BMG), talk began to surround his camp regarding this new move. With Roy Lott there behind him to handle all the business affairs and finances, this may turn out to be a purely genius move. While the complete details have not yet been revealed, sources tell me that he will still be able to produce Matchbox Twenty and perhaps one or two other projects. It has been confirmed that Virgin headquarters will be moving to New York in the very near future. Lott and Serletic are already set up in the LA offices of Virgin. Serletic and Lott are no strangers to each other as Lott was part of the Arista team under Clive Davis that brought Melisma to Arista/BMG. Obviously, Levy and Munns feel there is chemistry here and that this will be a Dynamic Duo. No word yet as to what will happen to Melisma staffers and Matt's right hand producer/engineer ace Noel Golden. This move echoes some of the more recent appointments that have taken place over the last year or so, specifically the hiring of mega manager/producer Andy Slater (Wallflowers, Fiona Apple, Macy Gray) to the presidency of Capitol, and uber-A&R man Tom Whalley to CEO of Warner Bros. These moves signify the demand and importance of installing "creative heads" to positions at the top of the executive ladder. Only time will tell whether these forces will prove to be successful. They certainly make for interesting times. Apparently former Geffen A&R Kingpin/Capitol Records Prez/GAS Management partner, Gary Gersh is said to be headed to Universal in an executive A&R role. Tom Zutaut, another Geffen A&R whiz and Enclave label boss, has been spotted championing certain projects to certain labels, sort of like a bounty hunter; allegiance to no one special, but available to all. Look for him to drop a few bombs soon.

Talbot's Tidbits
If you have read my column before, you know that I love to keep you abreast of one of may favorite bands, or at least what used to be one of my favorites. You have probably already heard that WB and Van Halen have parted ways after twenty-five years. Seems as though it was really Van Halen's choice (yeah right!). The bunny that they used to know is now a stranger in their own closet. In fact, sources tell me that there is no one at the label the band knows or recognizes! And while the prospect of Van Halen's future is potentially profitable and exciting for any label or anyone who is/was a fan, the reality of the situation is growing dimmer everyday. They no longer have their key A&R man and producer of their first six albums, Ted Templeman, and Mo Ostin and the entire staff that stood behind them has been long gone for years. The last CD they did left a horrible taste in everybody's mouth (the first and only with former Extreme vocalist Gary Cherone, and the first VH album to go less then double platinum, stalling at 300,000.) Eddie's and Alex's health concerns (cancer and disc problems respectively) and the inability to overcome LSD (lead singers disease) have all created what appear to be insurmountable obstacles. David Lee Roth continues to be unable to rise up and get it together both vocally and visually, while Sammy Hagar plows on recording and touring with vigor and the support of his loyal fan base. While there has been talk of everything from a reunion tour with both Sammy and Dave to hiring Atomic Punks (a phenomenal LA based VH cover band) vocalist Ralph Saenz as well as several well-known veterans, it is clear there is no resolve in sight. My personal choice would be to have WB comb the vaults of the old Roth era live audio (and video) and release it. It is the only thing missing from the CD bins. People want Dave, but if they cannot have him again, let's give the fans what was the magic. In the meantime I'll keep hoping and listening to my bootlegs.

Coming Attractions
Motorhead, Zebrahead manager, Todd Singerman has a lot of action surrounding his new Orange County band MINDRIVER. They have been demanding the attention of the A&R community and will hopefully soon have a place to call home. There was some heavy artillery out the last few months regarding Seattle's Vendetta Red, which after what appeared to first be a low profile signing with an up and coming label, soon turned into an all out bidding war with the term "blank check" being thrown around. The band ended up sealing the deal with Epic for gobs of cash and some unique provisions which called for three firm albums and an undisclosed signing bonus plus monthly living expenses that could raise the Titanic. Congrats to Attorney Owen Sloane and Epic's Pete Giberga who helped bring it home after a Dragonfly show that had both Clive Davis and Mo Ostin in attendance!! I hope these guys live up their potential. In other new signing news, Epic also picks up ORCO, a dazzling new signing by Pete Ganbarg and at the same time nabs Don Gilmore to produce. The heavy sounds of new rock dudes AWKWARD have been garnering the attention of several majors. The band comprised of former members of Otep, Godhead, Puddle Of Mudd, and Methods of Mayhem, showcased for labels before Christmas and are now settling in LA (from Jacksonville, FL) to solidify management and get a deal done. Also creating major waves was Hawaiian singer/songwriter Jack Johnson. Creating a snowball buzz with his music and vibe (ala Ani Difranco, Beck), Johnson was persued by almost every label. Shying away from rock stardom and attention, he turned them down and created an unprecedented distribution deal for his indie album that is being produced by Ben Harper. This is one of the vibeiest and gutsiest artist I have encountered in the last 10 years, and perhaps is pioneering what may become the wave of the future. Coming from the East coast of Australia is Shihad, whisked away by producer Josh Abraham (Limp Bizkit, Stained) in complete secrecy. This killer heavy rock act is set to be released on The Label. On the poppier side of things, there is a new Latin heartthrob about to stake his claim, best described as a young, hip Jon Secada. Alexis Andros has been holed up in LA (originally from Monterrey, Mexico) writing material and getting noticed. Enrique Iglesias has already been attracted to his songs. Look for him to break out in 2002. Also attracting label attention is Chicago's Gendason. This incredibly gifted songwriter may be rewriting the book on the acoustic guitar as a lead instrument. With style all his own (and a technique and tunings which would make Michael Hedges role in his grave), this power trio led by Chad Gendason is opening ears and turning heads all over the LA music scene (think of Dave Matthews with some Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Ryan Adams and Pete Yorn mixed with the Acoustic side of Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains and Days of the New). Keaton Simons is another red-hot artist currently raising eyebrows for his acoustic stylings. He is almost a throw back to a Randy Newman or Harry Connick Jr. lyrically and vocally. His songs and voice are reminiscent of Paul Simon or perhaps a hip Tony Bennett/Frank Sinatra vibe…all coming from the soul of a 23-year-old raised on every kind of music imaginable. The kid's got enough style, class and accessibility to be around for fifty years. He has already showcased for one label prez in NY and is currently being pursued by several others! Also making noise in the up and comers category is LA's Graceland, currently in a development deal with Tom Hanks' Playtone. Gary Getzman has been overseeing the development of this talented group.

Music From Maine?
Universal releases the first single from Maine's Jeremiah Freed on February 19th (sort of a mix of Matchbox Twenty and Train). These guys appear to have incredible song craft and are ready to take on the airwaves. Their indie has been getting spins all over Maine. The tracks were produced by mega producer Beau Hill and mixed by Michael Barbiero. Word is that Universal has high hopes for this set and is ready for a big push.

Side Dog
If you have been following the Cypress Hill guys, you already have head about SX-10. Fronted by Sen Dog and backed by members of Cypress Hill and Downset, SX-10 take a full 180-degree turn from the hip hop/R&B stylings of C.H. and drop an 18-pound sledgehammer through your ears. With driving guitar riffs and jolting beats and rhythms, they take the term Rap Rock to another dimension. Currently on tour with Linkin Park and Cypress Hill, SX-10 is playing off days and after show parties in certain cities along the arena tour trek, allowing fans to get in for a considerable discount with ticket stubs from the L.P C.H. show. So far, the show/parties have been selling out and attracting the members Linkin Park who have been showing up to jam with the SX-10ers!

Drummer Out Front
Former Guns N' Roses and current Cult drummer, Matt Sorum has completed his first solo project titled Aztec Circus. It features Slash on one track as well as vocal support from Kathy Valentine from the Go Go's and E.G. Daily. The CD is not what you might expect from "The" quisentential rock drummer. Sorum plays guitar and sings lead on all tracks. While it definitely rocks, it also shows a much wider palette of music stylings from Sorum's diverse influences. Look for the record soon.

Kudos
Congrats to SALIVA, Producer Bob Marlette, Managers John Greenbergand, Brian Coleman and Union Ent. who garnered Grammy noms for their CD "Every Six Seconds." This was one of my personal faves of the last year. Union is also hot with Nickelback. Also, how about that Anastacia! Hits #1 in Europe after nine weeks at #2! While she has enjoyed less than mediocre success stateside, she has hit multi-platinum status overseas.

My 2 Cents Worth
I have been a little perplexed lately at the state of retail with reported sales down 8% from last year at this time. With labels floundering at what to do about the free download situation, and CD price points reaching down to $8.99 in some cases, what and how will the majors intervene? File swapping, while somewhat contained, is still largely out of control. The sheers numbers be exchanged are mind-boggling. We are not talking about getting a new Squeeze LP and taping it for your family and friends, dropping the needle, hearing the hiss and crackling on the vinyl, losing quality in the transfer etc. etc. We are talking about pressing a button and sending a tune to potentially millions and millions of people! Soon the artist and consumer may have free reign to do as they please. Complete freedom to sell promote, market…I can see it now. The Blair Witch Project of music. One morning I will wake up and turn on the radio to hear a new song at the top of the charts that wasn't even on the charts the day before. I will open up Billboard and there it will be on all the charts crossing over all at #1!!! The video will be spinning on VH-1, MTV, MTV 2, BET, Much Music, and their image on the cover of Rolling Stone. The hype and media will have superceded work of the major labels. Where did they come from? Are they real? How did this happen? It's all possible……

In the Know was researched, compiled, arranged and written by Jamie Talbot. Edited by Stephen Trumbull. Comments, Questions, Feedback, Corrections and Additions to jmtster@aol.com