WHEELS & DEALS HANDS IT TO FRANZ, RILO KILEY & KILL RADIO

The horse race is in high gear for U.K. buzz band Franz Ferdinand, with label suitors reportedly ready to shell out the big bucks. Indeed, industry attendance at the band’s sold-out Bowery Ballroom show last week arguably rivaled the weaselfest at the Ray LaMontagne Mercury Lounge show last month. Heavies from Capitol, Atlantic, Universal, Sire, Warner Bros., Sony, RCA, Hollywood, Interscope, Elektra, Strummer and Virgin, among others, were in the hizzzy. The group has a finished record and a completed video in hand. The album sits in the Top 10 on the U.K. album chart this week. Their single "Take Me Out" debuted in the Top 5 of the British Top 40 singles chart last month. Buzzers buzzing that the band will probably command a handsome six-to-seven figure payday from the lucky stateside winner. The group’s current release is through Domino Records in the U.K. and is set for U.S. release on March 9 on Domino U.S. via Caroline Distribution. Stand by.

Early buzz hitting the streets on Saddle Creek act Rilo Kiley, as the musical ensemble from Echo Park, CA (that’s next to Silverlake, for all you bridge-and-tunnel folks) has just signed on with managers Dave Holmes and Darin Harmon at DC Music. The group is putting final touches on a new record produced by Omaha studio whiz Mike Mogis and super-indie producer Mark Trombino. Will the disc be released on Saddle Creek or a new label home? Hmmm.

WHAT’S THE STORY?: With the purchase of Warner Music Group expected to be finalized imminently, tongues are flapping as to when the expected reorganization at the three WMG labels will go down. These changes could be as much as a month away, but it’s very possible that the deed may be done by the time you’re reading this incredible shrinking trade rag while sitting in the can doing a #2. Meanwhile, reports have come in that a few WB regional A&R reps were given pink slips last week. And as the free-agent executive talent pool further expands, will the few vacant A&R positions immediately be filled?

A&R hitter Tom Morris exits his post at Hollywood Records. The former Little Caesar drummer is already in talks with potential employers. The guy is out every night, so for those of you looking, you may want to give him a call before he lands a new gig.

The ink is finally dry on the Steve Sessa-repped Kill Radio. The politico punk rock outift signs with Columbia Records courtesy of Tim Devine, Matt Pinfield and Jon Pikus… Label folks from Interscope, DreamWorks, Arista and Warner Bros. were among those present at the Sanctuary-managed Boy Hits Car show at the Viper Room last Thursday. Who’s in the chase early?

Speaking of the Viper Room, what happened at the club last Thursday? And what’s up with Sal? Finally, Q-Prime has won the Weezer management derby.

BUZZIN’: The Crimea and Leah Siegel… Hit me up, beyotch: [email protected].