WHEELS & DEALS:
RISE OF THE WIDGETS

No, it’s not the next installment of the George Lucas intergalactic film series. Nor is it a porn version of Star Wars: Episode 3, although it makes for a good porn title. We’re talking about those mini-applications that you can add to your desktop or website for info, search capabilities or other shortcut uses. And more specifically, we’re referring to Snocap’s Linx widget, which was co-created by Napster founder Shawn Fanning. Our little piece last week on Arizona buzz band The Format sparked more industry talk on the beta use of the Linx app, which The Format is utilizing on their MySpace page. As we mentioned, they are the first band to use the app, which allows users to play songs and purchase tracks right away. It’s like a mini-iTunes application embedded in a MySpace page. And as is the case with all widgets, the code is readily available, meaning it’s right there on The Format’s MySpace page and can be copied and pasted on any other MySpace page or website, so that fans can serve as virtual retailers for their favorite bands. Basically, it’s online viral retailing. Obviously, this is just the starting point; similar widgets can be made available for merch, concert tickets and other items. And just as MySpace stats have become a useful A&R tool, track sales of unsigned acts through Linx will be very, very valuable information. Meanwhile, Snocap has made distribution deals with UMG, Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music, as well as some independents. The Format tracks for sale on their MySpace page sell for $ .79 apiece and are in the MP3 format. However, artists can decide on the price, format and type of DRM (if any) to apply. Seems pretty cool. And it’s another play that eliminates the middleman in selling music… Lots of buzz on the David Ferreria/Doug Mark-repped PlayRadioPlay! We hear several labels on both coasts have scheduled private showcases for the Ft. Worth-based act. We’ll keep you posted on this one… Among the acts getting an early buzz for the Amplify Music confab in Las Vegas next week are Embassy and Away Station. Are a couple of labels showcasing the acts before they play next week in Sin City?… Kudos to Brenda Camberos, who has been named Associate Director of Media Relations for BMI by Executive Director Hanna Pantle. Unlike yours truly, Brenda previously served as a real journalist, writing for Spanish-language newspaper, La Opinión… Lastly, congrats also go out to barrister Jeremy Mohr and wife Bridget on the birth of their twins, Isabella and Oliver… BUZZIN’: Powerspace and Hawthorne Heights… Hit me up: [email protected].

BUZZ GIGS:
ARMY OF FRESHEMEN Fri., Aug. 11, 8 p.m., Troubadour
AMPLIFY MUSIC CONFERENCE Aug. 16-18, various venues, Las Vegas
PLAYRADIOPLAY! Sat., Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., The Door, Ft. Worth, TX