WHEELS 2.0 RENEWS ITS MECHANICAL LICENSE

This week, Wheels looks into the mysterious world of publishing with Sony/ATV’s Jennifer Knoepfle, but not before throwing the spotlight on a couple of cool acts. Keep feeding the inbox: [email protected].

SPOTLIGHT
Jonneine Zapata (www.myspace.com/jonneinezapata):
* Main support on Soulsavers’ (w/ Mark Lanegan) North American tour in 2009
* U.S. shows w/ Raconteurs
* Based in L.A.
* Recorded with Steve Albini for new release, coming spring 2010
* Silverlake Lounge residency last October
* Press and tour blog on www.buzzbands.la
* Featured in LA Weekly, LA Record
* Various shows booked for SXSW
* Sounds like PJ Harvey, Mazzy Starr, Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Stooges, Mark Lanegan, The Kills
*Killer live, as you’ll see on this clip

BAND UPDATE
Electrolightz: The group recently released their new mixtape, which you can check it out here, and just finished up their EP, which will come out either through Downtown or Ultra as their first official release. They’ll be playing the Heat Festival in Riverside with Taking Back Sunday and Shiny Toy Guns (http://heat.ucr.edu/).

EMAIL Q&A: SONY/ATV SR. DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE JENNIFER KNOEPFLE
You went into publishing from ASCAP. How are things similar? How are they different?
I think they are similar in the fact that you are searching for writers and artists early that you can get behind and champion. But with ASCAP it was about casting a wide net and scooping up everything, whereas Sony/ATV is about cherry-picking and finding the ones that fit within the family. Also, with Sony/ATV, you are working with a select few very closely, vs ASCAP, where you work with a bunch very peripherally.

What exactly do publishing companies do?
That changes every day. I think at the core, we look to partner with artists and writers who we feel we can bring opportunities to. That can be anything from pitching them for Film and TV opportunities to looking for artist projects our writers can get plugged into. Lately, I have been trying to look for ways to be involved that are beyond what people think a traditional publisher should do. These days you have to look at all avenues.

How does an artist/band get a publishing deal?
It's an eternal mystery.

What do you look for in an artist or band that would make you want to do a pub deal with them?
First and foremost, I have to love them and think their songs are tremendous. Ideally, they would be hard workers and have a great vision for themselves. After that, I would want to make sure that they were right for Sony/ATV, because not everything is. It's not good for anyone to have a band that there is lukewarm support for here.

What artists/bands are you liking right now, signed or unsigned?
Band of Skulls, who I signed here. Really love them. Also, the new Yeasayer record is in nonstop rotation. I am really excited to hear the Marina and the Diamonds record. She is out-of-control good.

Do you even read Wheels 2.0?
Who?

Boxers or briefs?
Boxer briefs.