WHEELS & DEALS:
UPSTREAM ACTION

INCUBATION/UPSTREAM GLEE: We hear that a certain indie label is in talks with three out of the four major distribution companies for an upstream/incubation arrangement. And said label is said to have already received proposals from each. And just like the $20 lap dance y’all like to get at Jumbo’s Clown Room, we’ll reveal some of the good points. These are advance numbers, just at the beginning stages of negotiation, but so far, the basic outline of the deal goes like this: Advance upon signing, a promotions/marketing budget not to exceed 100k for each project at the discretion of the major label, with the major charging the indie a distribution fee of approximately 35%. However, once the artist hits a certain sales threshold, the artist upstreams up to the major, an additional advance is tendered to the label/artist and points replaces the distribution fee. We’ll keep you posted and reveal more in the near future... Meanwhile, is Warner Music Group shedding some fat by releasing under-performing imprint arrangements that don’t have upstream requirements? Insiders share that said imprint owners are gladly taking the payout in their exit deals... There’s lots of buzz on Sri Lanka-born singer Maya Arulpragasam, who performs under the name M.I.A. The UK-based artist, whose music stylings mix dancehall, pop, electro and hip-hop, has been garnering substantial press attention. And she’s apparently been getting the attention of several label heads as well. Word on the street is that Interscope, Capitol, Epic and Warner Bros. are in talks with the singer and that offers are already on the table... The Mike Barzman/Jon Zagata-repped Mr. Sandwiches has been getting down with the label meet-and-greet boogie (one time). The pianist/singer-songwriter already has a couple of labels opening their checkbooks. And it looks like a deal will be finalized by the time this streets... For those label reps that couldn’t get in to Club Moscow in Hollywood to see Under the Influence of Giants at their last show, you can catch them at the Viper Room on Friday (2/11). And don’t bother requesting a private showcase, homies don’t play that... Is the John Parker-produced Summer Obsession inking with an East Coast major?… Looks like singer/songwriter Trevor Hall is close to inking a deal. The derby for the teen crooner involves four labels in hot pursuit... The Michael Barber-repped Brandi Carlisle has inked with Tim Devine at Columbia Records. The Seattle-based songstress just completed a tour with Johnny Lang. She is currently working on her debut record with producer John Goodmanson... Lastly, the Jeff Gordon/Irving Azoff-repped Jeddrah Schmit has signed a publishing deal with Les Bider and Judy Stakee at Warner/Chappell... BUZZIN’: Tina Sugandh and Minus... Hit me up foo: [email protected]

BUZZ/GIGS:

THE CLASSIC CRIME
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7:15 p.m., the Troubadour, L.A.

REASON DISAPPEARS
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7:45 p.m., CBGB, N.Y.

AQUI
Monday, Feb. 21, time TBD, Spaceland, L.A.