Wind-up Records has long been known as the house that Creed built. Although they are an independent label, they’ve been home to many chart toppers in the Active Rock and Alternative genres. Over the last few years, Wind-up has been branching out, picking up artists that seem out of place on a roster that once included Drowning Pool and Evanescence. Kings of A&R caught up with Wind-Up A&R director, Shawn Cohen, to find out more about their new eclectic roster that includes bands such as The Griswolds and SPEAK and how they are transitioning into new genres.

Wind-up has been picking up some surprising new bands. Where is all that coming from?

We have been known as the house of active rock for a very long time and we’re trying to be creative and showing the world that we can do mainstream, alternative, pop…we’re not just rock. We want to work with music that we love, no matter the genre.

What’s your favorite artist that you’re working right now?

Hands down, The Griswolds. Not just because I signed them, but they are just from fans to music the most intriguing, fun, exciting people and it shows all around. Their social media, their recorded music, their live shows, they are a very dynamic band.

How’d you find them?

I found The Griswolds in the blog scene. They had posted their first song , Heart of the Lion. It was under the radar when I heard the song and I was really into them. I did some homework and saw they were doing well on Triple J (Australian Radio). I listened to their other songs and I thought it was very creative and refreshing so I reached out to them. CONTINUE READING

Buzz Track: American Girls & French Kisses

Beach Slang formed in the summer of 2013, in that short time they have received rave reviews from Pitchfork, NPR, Brooklyn Vegan, Noisey, The A.V. Club and have been praised by a wide range of writers from Dan Ozzi to Kurt Loder. They have been described as a cross between The Replacements, Goo Goo Dolls and Jawbreaker. The live show, which brings the intensity of the Ramones has been winning fans over at rapid pace. They’ve performed at Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn Night Bazzar, St Vitus, among others. Beach Slang is an artist to watch.
Contact: randy@forcemm.com

Buzz Track: The Balance

Since featuring Royal Tongues, they have signed with The Agency Group, have secured label & publisher meetings in NYC and LA and have worked with producers Alex Da Kid, Goodwill & MGI and Diji Parq. They will perform tonight at Rough Trade NYC with Panama Wedding. Royal Tongues are a duo out of Buffalo, NY who have recently burst onto the scene with high-energy synth anthems ready for sync placements and alt radio traction. The duo has spent much of this past year co-writing with major songwriters from LA to NYC and scoring major sync placements. They self produced and released their new single last week. They were featured on Neon Gold and premiering FM debut on KX93.5 We Found New Music. Influences range from Smallpools, Passion Pit and Grouplove. Royal Tongues is an artist to watch.
Contact: sean@workinggroupmgmt.com

So-Cal Night Riots, a Kings of A&R favorite have signed to Sumerian Records. The band has teamed up with MTV to premiere the official new music video for their new single, “Contagious,“.  This is the first song the band has released since their tremendously successful EP Young Lore. The band won over the tastemaker rock station KROQ throwing their support behind the band via their “Locals Only” events, and critical praise from the likes of MTV, FUSE, Huffington Post, All Things Go, Nylon Guys, AV Club, FILTER + more. Night Riots is a band to watch.
Contact: jimmy.throgmorton@gmail.com

Buzz Track: Evil Eyed

American Wolf is a Dream Pop five piece from Chicago, Illinois. The band has toured the U.S on several occasions and performed with acts like Plants and Animals, Moon Taxi and Allen Stone. American Wolf has been featured in Daytrotter, Audiotree and Converse Rubbertrack live sessions. The band was also a top 12 finalist in Chicago’s Columbia College “Biggest Mouth” and won Chicago Deli Magazine’s Artist of the Month in 2013.
Contact: mgmt@americanwolfband.com