WHEELS 2.0 IS GAGA OVER DADA

We see your Drake, we see your Jeremih, and we raise you Black Dada as our One to Watch this week. On deck, we bring you a pop/rock act from Tulsa, Stars Go Dim, along with a couple of great updates and two bands to buzz about. Be sure to keep the music coming to [email protected], and to really make our day, follow us on Twitter: @rknthefreewrld and @senorcerveza

ONE TO WATCH
Black Dada (http://www.rhonafoxinc.com/blackdada/epk_dada.htm; @blackdada2009): “I live through my music, and my music expresses how I live,” says this R&B/hip-hop new comer, a.k.a. Davidson Pierre. His single “Imma Zoe” is attracting major attention at radio, already approaching #40 on the Rhythmic charts, and made such an impact with the majors that Universal Republic signed this rising star in June. The video for the single, now in production, features Rick Ross and Birdman and is set to impact this month. Dada namechecks everyone from Wyclef to Brian McKnight as influences, and hopes to work with Dr. Dre and Timbaland in the future. The debut album, F.L.A. (First Love and Addiction)—a reference to his deep love for his art—will be released later this year. We can’t stop listening to “Imma Zoe” and suggest you peep this tune and gear up for what is sure to be an inspired hit record. After all, who’s your Dada?

ON DECK
Stars Go Dim (www.myspace.com/starsgodim; @starsgodim): These pop-rockers in the vein of Gavin Degraw are making serious noise on the Net and on College radio stations throughout the country. The band is currently getting an average of 16k plays a day on MySpace, and their record is spinning at 86 college radio stations, and even ranked #1 on several of them. The band has already sold 2000 EPs, and the single “Get Over It” is spinning on Alternative station KMYZ in Tulsa. In addition to their talent, the guys give back by visiting children’s hospitals when they’re on the road. Stars won’t be going dim anytime soon for this rising band.

BAND/ARTIST UPDATES
Aranda (www.myspace.com/aranda; @arandamusic): In a major coup, HBO pay-for-view WWE event The Bash recently featured “Whyyawannabringmedown” as the theme song. The band is currently out on a two-month tour as main support for Tantric. Pop diva Kelly Clarkson has taken a liking to the band as well, recording two of their tracks on her latest release. And get this: the Aranda-penned “All I Ever Wanted” is the title track on her record. Active Rock is picking up quickly, with some adds at Alternative as well. The band is co-managed by Swan and Indegoot.

BUZZIN’
The Dance Party (www.myspace.com/thedanceparty; @thedanceparty) is definitely entertaining the weasels, as deals are being discussed. They recently recorded with Ian Kirkpatrick and have been writing with Justin Hawkins (The Darkness). If you are in the LA area on 8/15, swing by Bardot for what is sure to be a lively set!

Eastwest Boys (www.myspace.com/eastwestboys): The L.A.-based pop/boy band recently signed a co-publishing agreement with Rondor Music and is currently working on its initial release for Sony Japan. Attorney for the group is Ben McLane ([email protected]).