Cartel (Militia Group) has signed a deal with Epic Records, Sire Records signed Armor for Sleep, and rumors claim that Interscope signed Interpol. Is Interpol a good signing? Hard to tell because the track record is sketchy. Sure they sold 400k+ records but the sales were mainly due to designer press. I can’t say the the songs speak for themselves. Jimmy Iovine (Interscope) is only interested in reaching the critical masses, which is the ultimate goal for any major record label president. As I said, the track record is volatile and I really don’t think Interpol can craft those type of songs that will convince 700,000+ music buyers. You never know, but based on the probabilities, I’m not placing any bets.

These indie-gone-major bands can go one of three ways.

1. the band changes their sound to hit mass appeal

2. the band doesn’t change their sound, flops and gets dropped

3. the band picks up a ton of steam but resents their new major for the way they’re portrayed and then jumps ship to go back to an indie, taking all their record buying fans with them

I only mention #3 because I recently spoke to one of these types of bands and they hinted that this was in their future. Given how well this band sells, it should be interesting. Can’t say I blame labels for trying to cash in on what is already selling (or being hyped)….but find your own bands.    source: coolfer

Every time a large group of industry get together, there always seems to emerge some hot topic item. Generally, it’s whatever the industry is lagging at or having a problem with. At this year’s SXSW, the topic of marketing was more discussed than any other. It seems the new recruits at the major labels are having some difficulty figuring out what it is that makes their artists great and noteworthy. Those who couldn’t admit they were having a problem with it confessed they use a ‘formula.’ And people wonder why there is cookie-cutter music? Maybe because it’s being marketed in a cookie-cutter fashion! I commend those who could admit they found themselves grasping at straws trying to find the story for a band they don’t particularly care for. My advice to these people was, and is, quite simply ‘Ask someone.’ Doing research is absolutely imperative for any successful marketing campaign. If it’s not a style of music you’re into, talk to people who are into it. Figure out what it is that is so appealing to them. What is it they are relating to, and how can you get others to relate to it as well? It’s not rocket surgery.

Unsigned Bands @ SXSW

This is just a quick look at a few of the unsigned bands who performed at SXSW that really shouldn’t stay unsigned for long.

Indorphine: Something like Syndrome of A Down? It’s like getting punched in the face and then licked. SOAD – Politics + Talent/Performance = Indorphine. Listen to: Spaghetti

Ludo: Absolutely brilliant. Great performance, even better songs, not to mention really charming guys. I know the offers are coming in, but whatever you’re offering isn’t enough.

Furthest From The Star: They rocked that parking lot like they had sold out the Erwin Center. Austin natives, FFTS showed off their tight set spanning a wide range of emotions. Really good stuff. Listen to: Cry For Help

Hotspur: These guys had a crowd just as big outside as it was inside. Infectious hooks and a really strong performance made everyone stop to dance, even the people who are too cool for that kind of thing. I only caught 4 songs, but was left completely exhausted. Listen to: Get Me Out Of Here

Rides Again is a young rock band hailing from Oshawa, Ontario Canada. Fans of the band describe their music and thought provoking lyrics as “elevating” and “profoundly passionate”, combining the elements of Queens of the Stone Age, Switchfoot and Foo Fighters. Currently, the band is on a national high school tour, hitting every major market across the country. With over 5,000 CD units sold. For more information contact Garry Francis c/o Prize Fighter Management at or 416-434-4244. Legal is Chris Taylor or 416-537-1529 ext. 224. Check out the tracksFree Fall and Bury Your Own

LONDON (Reuters) – A former goat herder and male stripper has sold twice as many records as Madonna in recent weeks to become the first Arab to top the British pop singles chart since records began 44 years ago. “Mashallah (Thank God) – it’s beyond dreams. To know that I’m the first Arab to do that, it’s a very proud moment,” Chico Slimani told Reuters in an interview. His debut single, “It’s Chico Time“, is enjoying its second week in the top spot. Born in Wales of Moroccan parentage, 34-year-old Chico came to prominence on prime-time British television talent show, “X-Factor“, where his personality, dance routines and cheeky grin compensated for his singing.Â

“I wouldn’t mind dueting with Madonna, so I can say, ‘Sorry for knocking you off the top spot’,” said Chico, after dethroning the Queen of Pop. Madonna’s “Sorry” was her 12th number one, but major music retailer HMV said Chico outsold her by a margin of two to one to peak the charts.

Nathan Asher and The Infantry are like an exceedingly more tolerable version of Bright Eyes or Ryan Adams with all the brilliance of reflective singer/songwriter rock without the obnoxious pretension. Drawing more similarities to classic heartland rock greats like Bruce Springsteen or Rhett Miller, Nathan Asher and The Infantry’s latest effort Sex Without Love has all the makings of an indie/underground hit with the accessibility for mainstream success. No matter your taste in music, a great song is a great song is a great song, and Sex Without Love has more than a couple of them. (4.95/5)