He helped discover and cultivate the megastar for almost seven years. Then Gaga dumped him. Here’s the untold story of how he rolled with it.

From behind, Troy Carter looks like a middle schooler. He has the wispy frame of a pretzel stick, wrapped in skinny jeans that bottom out at black Yves Saint Laurent high-tops. It is late November, exactly two weeks after he was fired by Lady Gaga, but by appearances he and his calendar show no signs of vulnerability.

He is a man without breaks: He spent the morning fueled on the fumes of a banana, meeting with execs at his new soda company and then with tech founders he’s investing with; after that it was off to a lunch meeting with CAA, and now he’s at the Capitol Records tower in Hollywood. It’s the schedule of anyone of his caliber, though it’s also–and he won’t admit this–the habit of a recently dumped man who’s probably afraid to have time alone with himself.  Read more…

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 are making some noise with their latest single release. The band successfully blends the classic singer-songwriter sensibilities of Jackson Browne and Carole King with the modern elements employed by artists like Norah Jones, John Mayer, and Colbie Caillat. Having songs featured on networks including MTV, E! and Showtime and sharing the stage with artists such as The Head and the Heart, Sheryl Crow, and Ben Taylor makes Roses & Revolutions an artist to watch.
Contact: booking@tinted-image.com

From Businessweek

In the late 1990s, as the Backstreet Boys climbed to the top of the charts with hits such as I Want It That Way, they gained attention for more than just their music: The singers sued a former manager who they say cheated them out of millions of dollars. When it came time to release their most recent album, the band sought greater control and a bigger cut of the profits. For their eighth studio release, In a World Like This, the Backstreet Boys—now middle-aged men—abandoned the classic record company contract, turning to what the industry calls a label services company, which works almost like a consultant. Under these deals, bands call the shots on marketing and distribution, and they can receive more than triple the typical artist’s share of earnings. “With this type of situation, you’re responsible for getting the right staff and people behind it,” says Peter Katsis, the Backstreet Boys’ manager. “It falls on the artists.” CONTINUE READING

Buzz Track: So Much More

Nashville based singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Justin Forrest  just released his debut album, Chapters, which debuted at #36 on the Itunes Singer-Songwriter Charts. Justin worked along side, engineer/ producer Chad Brown who has worked with artists like, Johnny Lang, Robert Plant, Bill Medley, and Patty Griffin. He was invited in to record this album, after winning SESAC’s songwriter showcase, and selling out the HardRock Café in Nashville. For fans of John Mayer and Mat Kearney.
Contact: booking@justinforrest.net

Buzz Track: Goodnight

Shotty is an explosive rock n’ pop band hailing from Los Angeles. They formed in Seattle, WA, and were semi-finalists in the EMP Sound Off! Battle of the Bands. The band worked with producers Martin Feveyear (Presidents of the United States of America) and Johnny Sangster (Mudhoney), and perform shows up and down the west coast and occasionally hitting New York City. Highlights include song features in Disney’s Tap Tap Revenge.
Contact: shottylovesyou@hotmail.com