Wendy Starland discovered and developed Lady Gaga, which resulted in her signing the major label record and publishing deals that led Gaga to becoming the Multi-Grammy winning icon we know today. Wendy and Lady Gaga have written songs together over the years while also helping to develop Gaga’s creative and marketing strategy.  Starland herself made her mark as an artist being named VH1’s “Best Emerging Artist” and was honored by the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.  Kings of A&R sat down with Starland and discussed her current and future projects.

When did you first discover that you wanted a career in music?

I was pulled up on stage by James Brown’s saxophone player, Maceo Parker, during one of his concerts and scatted on his stage for 20 minutes.  After I was done, Maceo’s bass player got down on one knee as if he were proposing, took a string off of his bass guitar and coiled it up around my ring finger. He hushed the crowd and said into the microphone, “Wendy you have a gift from God. You must devote your life to using this gift or else you will deprive the world of something so special.” I got the chills. It was written up in the newspapers the next day. I made the decision in that moment to switch my focus from painting to music forever.

You’re involved in all aspects of music including songwriting, producing, composing, and as a solo artist. Do you have a particular strength?

I’d say my greatest strength is in my ability to be versatile. Authentically. I’ve collaborated with artists that truly run the gammut: from members of the Wu Tang Clan and Capone, to Moby, Lady Gaga, and opening for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Jack White, and Chris Shiflett of the Foo Fighters, etc. I was also released on a Universal compilation that included Norah Jones and Feist, so I’ve written and produced several songs in that genre as well.  I’ve been exposed to most musical genres and have learned how to tackle them effectively. CONTINUE READING

Buzz Track: Take Me With You

The songwriting duo that consists of Alyssa Rose Coco and Matt Merritt, who go under the moniker Roses & Revolutions and who we named as a band to watch are making some noise with their latest single release.  The new EP that was just released debuted at #1 on itunes bestselling Singer/Songwriter EPs & Singles chart and #22 on Top Albums. They have upcoming tour dates with Joan Osborne, Young the Giant, and a few headline shows including The Hotel Cafe & Rockwood Music Hall.
Contact: booking@tinted-image.com

Coldplay enters to the top iTunes Chart selling 121,690 downloads of their new track A Sky Full Of Stars.

Buzz Track: The Perfect Fight

Kings favorite Swim. just released a video for the catchy melodic rock track The Perfect Fight. The single could easily find itself on TV and Film.

Upcoming performances:
5/9/14 – The Grape Room – Philly, PA
5/15/14 – Fontanas – NYC
6/20/14 – Live on Radio 104.5 FM Philly, PA

Contact: swim.isaband@gmail.com

California rock band RapScallions just released the new single “Can You Feel It”. The song has been licensed to The LA Kings and Colorado Avalanche for use in their games this NHL season. In addition, “Can You Feel It” will also be played at the Denver Broncos games for their upcoming NFL season. The band gained attention with their first single “California Brain” which was featured on the Ubisoft video game “Rocksmith” for Xbox, Playstation 3, and PC. The game has gone on to sell over 1.4 million copies worldwide.
Contact: rapscallionspartyarmy@gmail.com