NO SECOND TROY (no label, no publisher, no management, no lawyer) -- Here's a Washington D.C.-based band that's got a great little DiY thing happening. They've taken advantage of just about every opportunity for awareness-building in their hometown and word is spreading organically throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Great press, music on sale at all the usual online outlets, good web presence -- all on their own. No Second Troy was the featured artist on XM Radio's "R.A.D.A.R. Report" this past week -- show host Billy Zero has been supporting them for quite some time. Peep the MySpace page to hear songs -- really well done. The group will kick off a mini-tour down of Charlotte, Richmond and Raleigh in a few weeks to support the self-release of their new album.

CHECK IT OUT! The folks at the IndieHQ blog did a little interview with us...

Read it HERE!

TALENTFILTER ARTIST UPDATE -- LOS ANGELES ARTISTS A'BUZZIN'!

L.A. songstress Alison Sudol (A Fine Frenzy), signed to Virgin, has reportedly signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell...

L.A. singer/songwriter Andrew Paul Woodworth, has completed recording his debut album, titled Eddy Ate Dynamite -- he's licensed the album to indie Rodeostar in Germany, but he's available for signing worldwide ex-mainland Europe. Andrew is also available for publishing AND management...

L.A. singer/songwriter Meiko has completed recording her debut album, mixed by Bryan Cook (Inara George, Gary Jules) and the track "Piano Song" has been receiving radio support from Nic Harcourt on KCRW -- Meiko is available for signing and publishing...

Five-piece unsigned L.A. Rock act Maximillion hit #25 on FMQB's Alt Specialty chart this week...

SCOTT FISHER & 1AM APPROACH (unsigned, unpublished) -- MediaGuide reports that Scott Fisher & 1a.m. Approach is the Top New Entry on their Unsigned Radio Airplay chart this week. The song garnering airplay is "See The Day" -- very Jack Johnson/Dave Matthews-y. We like. So does Haley Jones, the APD/MD from tastemaker Seattle AAA station KMTT -- she says, "Scott Fisher’s music is fresh and different. We are excited to feature him on our 'Mountain Music Lounge' and look forward to spreading the word. Take a listen...Fisher is really something special."
Scott splits his time between Portland, OR and Los Angeles. Four songs from his album, Step Into The Future, are featured on his MySpace page.

SOCIAL GHOST (unsigned, unpublished) -- Florida trio Social Ghost is currently #10 on the PureVolume unsigned band chart. Really really solid, radio-friendly Rock-Alt songs. They've recently completed a 4-song EP with producer Justin Thomas (Dark New Day, Faktion) and mixer Pete Thornton (Paramore, Shinedown) and have a series of shows lined up in the Orlando area.

NEW UNSIGNED ACTS ADDED ON "UNDISCOVERED" HD RADIO STATION -- Here's a list of unsigned acts recently added into rotation on Clear Channel's "Undiscovered" HD Radio station: (intheclear), 2nd Half, Animal Alpha, Annie Minogue Band, Barcelona, Buddy, Chandelle, Chapter 11, Choir Boy, Cinjun Tate, Darrell Scott, Deccatree, Elizabeth and the Catapult, The Hampdens, The Hedrons, Hensley, Jake Dynnis, Jim Bianco, Joe Purdy, John James Newman, Linda Strawberry, Lukewarm Freeda, Mother Superior, Shannon Eileen, The Swear, Upside, Verra Cruz, World Without Sundays...
Stream the station HERE

INGRID MICHAELSON (unsigned, unpublished) -- Here's an artist we've been following for quite some time in the TALENTfilter batcave. Songs from her most recent LP, Girls And Boys, have appeared in THREE episodes of Grey's Anatomy, two epps of One Tree Hill and The Real World: Denver, three epps of The Bad Girls' Club and a Canadian Chevy TV ad. Ingrid has also written a track especially for next week's Grey's Anatomy, which will be used in the closing scene, and will appear on the upcoming Grey's sountrack (in stores in Sept.).

How many of your signed artists have had placement success like that?

Her music is regularly played on major market AAA stations including WFUV New York, WXPN Philly, WUMB Boston, WYEP Pittsburgh, KBCO Denver and on XM's "Hear Music" channel and albums are on sale at iTunes and CD Baby.

All of this begs the question: What would an artist like this POSSIBLY get out of signing with a label or publisher at this point?

Tawkamongstyisselves.

New York peeps should check her show out May 25 at the Knitting Factory ...L.A. folks can catch her at the Hotel Cafe on June 7.

UNSIGNED TORONTO HIP-HOP ARTIST WINS YAHOO!/UNIVERSAL CONTEST -- (from www.allaccess.com) -- After 500 video uploads and 250,000 streams, more than 30,000 Canadians voted to determine Seazon (real name Shaun Boothe) as the first prize winner of the YAHOO! Universal "Up Yours" online Music competition.

YAHOO! Canada and Universal Music Canada teamed up to give independent musicians a shot at stardom by uploading their videos onto the "Up Yours" microsite www.upyourmusic.ca.

According to that website, Seazon wins a grand prize of: an "opportunity for a deal" with Universal Music Canada (huh?); 30 hours of studio time at Metalworks Studios; a $10,000 CDN scholarship to the Metalworks Institute, lots of new gear and $10,000 CDN cash. Check this out: "The potential winner will be required to sign a declaration and release form and correctly answer a mathematical skill testing question before being awarded the Grand Prize." Hmm. Anyway, here's the winning video:

According to MediaGuide, unsigned Boston-based five-piece The Everyday Visuals is the #3 most-played unsigned band on terrestrial radio this week (MC Lars and Clap Your Hands Say YeahThings Will Look Up LP, is the song gaining traction with the radio kids. If you're a fan of acts like REM, Wilco, The Jayhawks, Counting Crows, Soul Asylum, etc. (all listed as influences on the band's MySpace page), we think you'll dig these guys.
In case you're unaware of Mediaguide, they electronically monitor close to 2,500 radio stations (college, non-comm and commercial) across the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Good little research tool to have for a label geek.

TALENTFILTER ARTIST UPDATE -- The San Fernando Valley-based goth-rock-popsters Dommin (originally tipped in early February) will perform at the Roxy in L.A. on Saturday, May 12. Rumor has it that more than one 'staffer-of-importance' from Roadrunner will be flying in from New York to see them live. This would be a smart signing. On their own, the band has procured specialty show radio airplay on major market commercial Stateside outlets including KROQ Los Angeles, WFNX Boston, KUPD Phoenix, KUSF San Francisco, KTCL Denver, WXDX Pittsburgh, KIOZ San Diego, KVGS Las Vegas and XM Satellite Radio (among others)...



L.A.-based singer-songwriter Meiko (also tipped in Feb.) has been the topic of conversation at many a major label / publisher meeting as of late. The Georgia native is wrapping up the recording of what will be her debut nine-song LP with producer Will Golden. Bryan Cook is mixing. A little birdie tells us that one publishing deal is already on the table. DO NOT SLEEP on this one. Meiko will perform at the Hotel Cafe on May 18.

THE HAMPDENS -- (unsigned, unpublished) -- Some TALENTfilter readers may already be aware of the Australian group The Hampdens -- they've been around for about five years, after all. Most of that time was spent Down Under, however, so if you're not up on your Aussie music, The Hampdens might be new to you. Since 2003, the group has released three EP's -- 2003's Brightness Falls, 2004's Even World (both through Sony AU), and 2005's So Young It Hurts (through indie Rubber Records). They've toured Oz with the likes of Evermore, Missy Higgins, Little Birdy, and even joined John Mayer on a recent Australian trek. The band recently finished recording their debut full-length, titled The Last Party, with producer Victor Van Vugt (Beth Orton, PJ Harvey) and they'll tour Australia through the summer (with Thirsty Merc) to support it.
File The Hampdens with Zero 7, Mazzy Star and the like. They're not really re-inventing the wheel, but there's always plenty of room for more of the 'sexy-time music' -- and a smart label will pick them up for the potential film/TV synchs alone! Check out the band's video for a song called "Croupier":

ZOINKS!! TALENTFILTER GETS MENTIONED IN OTHER BLOGS! Hot damn! People are looking at this thing! Check out Hypebot.com to read a piece about us ...Coolfer.com gave us some props this week as well.

UPCOMING LOS ANGELES SHOWS OF NOTE
(we only list 'cuz we love):

5-May - American Eyes - Key Club
7-May - Pan America - Troubadour
11-May - Jessie Baylin - Hotel Café
12-May - Everything Is Energy - Dragonfly
12-May - Dommin - Roxy
14-May - Dirty Little Secret - Viper Room
15-May - The Tender Box / Astra Heights - Key Club
17-May - Monte Negro - Knitting Factory
18-May - Meiko - Hotel Café
18-May - Brian Wright - Hotel Café
23-May - Anya Marina - Hotel Café
26-May - The Hero Factor - Knitting Factory
27-May - Meiko - Hotel Café
27-May - Sonia Leigh - Hotel Café
31-May - Quincy Coleman - Temple Bar

MORE MUSEXPO HIGHLIGHTS -- We caught the last night of showcases -- pretty decent stuff. Unfortunately missed the first act, Norwegian singer Marit Larsen, who by all accounts did quite well ...Up next was a set from London four-piece Apartment (signed to indie label Filthy Lucre). Pretty good show, actually -- they've got a couple of songs that could do well on radio Stateside and overseas ...Tiny Dancers, also from the UK (signed to Parlophone) played next --decked out in LOTS of polyester. Their 60's pop style was certainly refreshing -- They'd be a good tour opener for Mika (overheard one conference-goer calling them "Brady Buncharific") ...Super 700, an unsigned septet from Berlin featuring three SEXY singing sisters, impressed as well. the set grew a bit tiring after a while (could have been the drinks kicking in), but a band like this could have marginal success on the college/indie/hipster level -- get 'em a couple of on-screen appearances in U.S. TV shows and that could take them over the edge, perhaps. Ending the night was a performance from French singer SoShy, who has performed at previous MUSEXPO conferences. She's getting more and more comfortable onstage, and her new backing band features some real pros. SoShy is signed to Sony and is readying her debut LP for a Summer release.

MUSEXPO 2007 SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS THUS FAR -- Figured we'd take some time to mention the noteworthy performances from artists playing at the third annual MUSEXPO conference...

Skipped night #1 altogether, as it was Sunday and we were still in the desert at Coachella...
We did hear from friends that Bitter:Sweet was quite good (signed to the indie Quango in the States, but available for licensing ex-U.S., as well as publishing [hello synchable music!!] and booking)

Night #2 highlights: L.A. based songstress Alison Sudol and her band A Fine Frenzy played to a PACKED Viper Room... this girl is fantastic, and apparently Jason Flom's big priority for the year. We can only hope that they don't overwork this girl -- she's 22, this is her first album, she's got limited touring/live performance experience, and it'd be a shame to see her burn out. Best idea is to send her down to the O.C., or up to Santa Barbara, or out to (gag) Riverside, let her loosen up and have some fun onstage -- make her remember why she's doing this and that it's not all "you've gotta play for some industry douchebags again tonight". Our two cents, anyway. A Fine Frenzy's publishing is still available as far as we know (music supervisors love her already -- this one's a no-brainer).
Also playing to a packed Viper Room was Dublin, Ireland's Laura Izibor. Been following this girl's progress for quite some time. Signed to Jive, A&R guy left, got out of the deal, got re-signed by the same A&R guy (Steve Lunt) at Atlantic, readying a release. Laura is another great talent. Alicia Keys minus the bling. Fingers crossed that Atlantic works her album in the States --It'll connect. They WILL fuck it up, though, if they 'ghetto-ize' her. No need for a collab with T.I. here. This is raw, timeless talent. We predict big things.
Across at the Roxy, a seven-piece Danish band called Dune (dew-NAY) was quite impressive. All band members are teenagers and the singer Mattias Kolstrup is a little ROCK star! He looks (and sounds) as if he may not have hit puberty yet, which will obviously present a problem in a few years, but they were tight, and had songs that could certainly translate outside of their home country. Dune is available for signing, licensing and publishing.

Night #3: Not too impressed with much. Skybombers, from Australia, were decent -- like a sloppy, raw Jet. Four Day Hombre, from Leeds, were OK. The Honeys, who came in all the way from China, played in front of a smaller crowd than we're sure they had hoped, and the language barrier will turn out to be a bit of a problem. If they decide to spend some time on the road in the U.S. or even the UK, they could get the hang of how things work and do well.

Tonight is the final night -- we'll give a full report tomorrow!

LIVE 105 SAN FRANCISCO FEATURES GREAT UNSIGNED TALENT ON THEIR "BFD '07" LINEUP -- Alternative KITS (Live 105) San Francisco has announced the lineup for their "Live 105 BFD 07 - Northern California's Biggest Alternative Music Festival" taking place on June 9 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. The concert features a lot of the usual -- most of the signed acts are playing most or all of the CBS Radio summer shows -- but our friend (Music Director) Aaron Axelsen has come correct once again with finding some fresh new Bay Area talent to showcase alongside the big guns.

The BFD lineup features Bloc Party, Social Distortion, Queens Of The Stone Age, Interpol, Kaiser Chiefs, The Faint, Silversun Pickups, The Bravery, Coldwar Kids, CSS, Sum 41, Shiny Toy Guns, Tiger Army, The Matches, The Lovemakers, Audrye Sessions, Every Move A Picture, Scissors For Lefty, Honeycut, Street To Nowhere, and three unsigned acts of note: Poor Bailey, Minipop and Immigrant.

THE CRIMEA, DROPPED FROM WARNER BROS., GIVES AWAY NEW ALBUM -- (story taken from Coolfer.com) -- After being dropped by Warner Music, The Crimea self-financed its sophomore album and will give it away for free as a digital download and hopes to make up the difference through touring, merchandise sales and licensing revenue. (The band is selling copies of the CD version.) I find it especially interesting that the publicists, marketers and radio promoters who will work the album have waived their fees in return for a share of future revenue. Secrets Of The Witching Hour will be released May 13th. (The Guardian)

A posting on the band's MySpace page:

"1. We are releasing the album FOR FREE, FOR ALL TIME on our website - www.thecrimea.net - on May 13th.

2. You can also get the physical format (round disc, artwork, credits, a thanks list that pisses more people off than pleases) by pre-ordering copies from the shop link on our website, or in shops.

Maybe it's because we've lived with the idea for so long, but people don't quite 'get' the free idea. Chill out. There's no catch. It's the proper album, laboured over, loved and - occasionally - hated (but always because we'd been up for 48 hours and there wasn't any artichokes in Tesco's bargain section). It's the real deal, folks. For nothing. No catch. End of story."

ANOTHER TALENTFILTER ARTIST NABS MANAGEMENT / LABEL DEAL -- Semi-confirmed rumors have it that TALENTfilter artist Five Finger Death Punch (first tipped in February) has linked up with The Firm for management and The Label for a recording deal. Their debut album, The Way Of The Fist, was set for a self-release on June 12 ...no word on whether the release date will change.

OFF TO THE DESERT FOR COACHELLA! Apologies for the lack of postings this week -- we've been busy slathering on layers of sunblock, pre-hydrating and making other preparations for our trek to the desert for the Coachella Festival. Back in town on Monday if we make it back at all -- Wish us luck!!

UPDATE: TOWNSHIP WINS WBCN BOSTON'S "ROCK N ROLL RUMBLE" -- We hear the show was fantastic. Good for them! Township plays classic rock for the future. Check their MySpace page to hear some tracks.

TRIANGLE FOREST WBRU 'ROCK HUNT' WINNER (story taken from www.allaccess.com) -- Brown University's Alternative radio station WBRU Providence has announced that Triangle Forest is the winner of the "2007 WBRU Rock Hunt," the station's annual local band competition. The trio beat out semi-finalists Hello Mahalo, Arcadia Landing and The Blizzard Of 78. As winners, Triangle Forest took home a multi-thousand-dollar prize, including other gifts from local sponsors.

CLEAR CHANNEL’S “UNDISCOVERED” HD RADIO STATION – In case you weren’t aware, Clear Channel Radio has one of their HD Radio stations programmed with all unsigned artists. If you don’t have an HD radio, not to worry – the "Undiscovered" channel is streaming online. Check it out HERE. While the artist names/song titles don’t appear as they’re being played, you can E-mail the station’s Programmer for information about acts you take a liking to. To stream other Clear Channel HD radio stations, click here.

BLIND MELON (!?) -- (unsigned) -- Rumors of a reunited Blind Melon (with a new singer) have been floating around since September of last year. As it turns out, the rumors are true -- the new singer is, in fact, 25 year-old Texas native Travis Warren. Warren's previous band was called Rain Fur Rent. He's also got some solo music posted on his personal MySpace page.

Anyway, the re-formed Blind Melon has been working on new material and they plan on having it finished by June. Want a sneak peak of what to expect? CLICK HERE. The group has signed on with Rick Canny at Sanctuary Management as well.

WBCN BOSTON ROCK N ROLL RUMBLE FINALISTS: After eight nights of band battles in Boston, the 29th annual 'BCN Rock N Roll Rumble finals will take place this Friday in Boston (sidenote: for a radio station to have been doing ANYTHING for 29 years straight is quite an accomplishment these days!). Winners of the Rumble in previous years include The Dresden Dolls, The Sheila Divine, The Amazing Royal Crowns, Gang Green and 'Til Tuesday. Bands that have participated in the past include Aberdeen City, Apollo Sunshine, Cave-In, Piebald, Letters To Cleo, Morphine, Powerman 5000, The Lemonheads and Face To Face. Here's some information about the two finalists and the wildcard band:
BAKER (unsigned, unpublished) -- Five-piece based in Cambridge, MA. Recently completed recording their debut full-length with producer Justin Pizzoferrato (Dinosaur Jr., Apollo Sunshine, Self Righteous Brothers). Shins-y/Modest Mouse-y/Sonic Youth-y. Not major label material, but could still be successful if marketed properly.

TOWNSHIP (unsigned, unpublished) -- Quartet from Roslindale, MA. Very cool stuff -- sounds like Jack White singing over lost rough demos from The Who. The fact that they've got bands in their MySpace top 'friends' list including Slade, Sir Lord Baltimore, Bubble Puppy (?!) and Captain Beyond earns them WICKED points.

THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE (unsigned, unpublished) -- Hmmm...These guys are the wild card act and I think only the fine folks of Boston and 'BCN know why. White boy funky-jammy hip-hop. Ozomatli with an overbite. If you like this sorta stuff, you'll like the band -- and I'm sure they'd sell merch if they played Bonnaroo, but....ehh... They DO have lots of shows booked, so they're hard-working guys. We'll give 'em that.

KEEP AN EYE ON THESE TWO: These two unsigned acts have songs featured on the new FMQB SubModern #012 -- a trade mag sampler that goes out to Rock and Alternative radio Stateside. It'll be interesting to see if they find some fans out there...FMQB's samplers usually don't feature music from unsigned acts.
MAXIMILLION (unsigned) -- Five-piece based in Hollywood, CA. Spending the early Summer in Rome, Italy recording their debut LP and will return to L.A. to have it mixed/mastered. A U.S. mini-tour will follow beginning in August. For fans of Editors, The Cure, Muse. "The Cell" is the featured track on the FMQB disc.
MAN ON EARTH (unsigned) -- Quartet from New York -- Had some success with their 2005 LP titled Disposable Sounds For The Fickle Mind at college radio and with film/TV synchs. Recently recorded a new album with producer Ken Lewis -- "Something Better" is the group's song that's been placed on FMQB SubModern #012. Decent edgy post-Brit-Pop.

THE MEDIAM (unsigned, unpublished) -- Portland, Oregon four-piece The Mediam has been around for a while. They've been busy building their fanbase in slow-and-steady mode, and their recently recorded material could be the final ;iece of the puzzle to push them out into the mainstream. With one of their songs officially added into rotation on tastemaker Phoenix Active Rocker KUPD, regular support from hometown Alt-outlet KNRK, and the Contraband Music Group backing their play at Stateside radio, The Mediam are worth a listen. Check their MySpace page to hear songs from their new LP, Actress, set for an onsale date of June 5. "Slide" is the track spinning on KUPD.

TALENTfilter ARTIST UPDATE! Figured we'd take some time and fill you in on the haps of some of the acts we've written about over the past couple of months...

First up is Southern California's NHOI (Never Heard Of It). The band recently won the EA Games "Burnout Band Slam 2" competition -- they beat out over 9,000 other acts to win a Virgin Records demo deal and a possible song in an upcoming "Burnout" videogame. Go to the Burnout Bandslam MySpace page to read more.

Unsigned UK songstress Kate Walsh has topped the iTunes UK download chart -- knocking A-list acts such as Take That and Kaiser Chiefs out of the spot. She's sold over 6000 albums. Oliver Schusser, director of iTunes Europe said: "This is an incredible achievement when you consider Kate Walsh is unsigned and still outsold several major international artists."

L.A.-based singer/songwriter Andrew Paul Woodworth, who is unsigned outside of mainland Europe (and also still unpublished), is very close to wrapping up the recording of his album which will be released in Europe through RodeoStar Records.

Still-unsigned singer Jessie Baylin is opening for James Morrison at the Knitting Factory in New York tonight. Go see her you nimrods.

Press continues to build for NY-based band Elizabeth And The Catapult -- peep the mention in a recent Billboard mag.

Unsigned/unpublished singer/songwriter Meiko has been meeting with both major and independent publishers and labels Stateside. She is wrapping up recording her debut offering which looks as if it will be an 8-song mini-album. You can see her live at the Hotel Cafe on April 23.

CINJUN TATE (unsigned) -- Former Remy Zero frontman Cinjun Tate has recorded over an album's worth of BRILLIANT new songs which he plans to release as a solo record. E-mail Team TALENTfilter to hear some music -- TALENTfilter@gmail.com.

A COUPLE FOR THE INDIE LABELS TODAY...
Normaly the mantra here at TALENTfilter is to try our best to turn major labels and publishers on to artists that we feel have immediate mass appeal. There are still artists that benefit from the 'old school' methodology that the majors use to create awareness of new acts. We do come across acts, however, that are super talented, but would best benefit from the slow-and-steady artist development that a smaller indie label (and publisher) has the ability to provide. So here are a couple. Enjoy!

VIRGO LOVES CANCER (unsigned, unpublished, no management) -- Fans of bands like Loop, My Bloody Valentine and Medicine will immediately take a liking to New Jersey trio Virgo Loves Cancer. Fronted by the stunning singer/songwriter/bassist/Virgo Charlie Kindred, NME describes their sound as being like, "...the tunes Primal Scream made before discovering devil dust, only fronted by an asthmatic fairy." The band's debut EP is available on iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.
Virgo Loves Cancer will perform at the Cutting Room in NYC on April 26 at 11PM. Go see 'em -- if for no other reason than to meet the band -- super super nice kids. Expect a bevvy of industry-types to be standing in the back, fiddling with Blackberries.


COLORFORMS (unsigned, unpublished, no management) -- (...We ripped this review directly off their MySpace page 'cuz it nails it completely...) "Colorforms is a Los Angeles-area band featuring the ethereal voice of Alex Lilly (You might recognize Ms. Lilly as one of the backup singers in buzz band du jour The Bird And The Bee). In a crowded field of sometimes-electronic chanteuse/auteurs (see also Bjork, Feist, Cibelle, Colleen, Psapp, etc), Lilly's subversive songwriting, patient composition and impressive production announce an artist to be reckoned with." The group's track, "Nothing Can Come Between Us" has started garnering airplay on local L.A. radio outlet Indie 103.1 -- peep the trippy video HERE.

SonyBMG, Six Apart Launch A&R Social Net, Kill Off Demo Tapes (story taken from www.PaidContent.org) -- SonyBMG has partnered with blog software maker Six Apart to offer artists sites that, starting today, will be its primary method of hearing unsigned new acts in the UK. “If you want our A&R team to hear your music, then don’t send a CD, REGISTER A BLOG,” the world’s number two record company says.
The company will instead direct budding acts to ColumbiaDemos.co.uk or RCADemos.co.uk, each of which is a landing page for Six Apart’s easy-to-use Vox multimedia blogging software that, upon registration, automatically joins new members with a corresponding “neighborhood” for each of the two label imprints. Label bosses including Columbia MD Mike Smith and SonyBMG Europe CEO Ged Doherty have started their own blogs, one of which says: “We don’t want demo CDs anymore, it takes ages for you to do, they get lost and it’s a waste of plastic.”