By Rodel Delfin

HANGING IN THERE? As we approach the second half of the year, will continued shaking atop the majors result in more talented A&R pros hitting the street? Or has some small level of stability set, in prompting some labels to do some hiring? We’re hearing of a few individuals with multi-platinum stripes on their resumes as well as a couple indie labels talking deal with label suitors. However, talk on the street is that the job for most has been about survival and, more importantly, getting a paycheck for the next one or two years. And the perception of the gig has strongly shifted away from signing acts and making records to merely scouting... Meanwhile, rumor has it that the arrangement between Island Def Jam and American Recordings will expire by the end of this year. And apparently super-producer/label owner Rick Rubin has been taking meetings. Buzzers buzzing that the obvious play would be for the label to resume its relationship with Lyor Cohen and set up shop at Warner Music Group, which was home to the label in its early days. But word on the street is that Universal Music may have recently made a last-minute attempt to keep Rick and crew happy in order to keep them in the family. Inquiring minds want to know... The Andrew Brightman/Sandy Roberton-repped Rock-N-Roll Soldiers have been taken off the market by Atlantic Records. After a whirlwind trip to New York last week, the group is signing with Jason Flom, Craig Kallman and Mike Caren at the label. The band will record their full-length with Worlds End producer Dave Cobb. This is one of the latest offerings from Worlds End, which continues with its blend of artist development by utilizing the producers and mixers on their client roster as well as its artist management division... The Howard Sadowsky-repped Donnybrook has a finished record in hand produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur. Expect label folks to be checkin’ out their show at CBGB on Thursday (6/17)... If you’re not going to Weenie Roast, then check out the T-Mobile Core Tour that kicks off in Venice Beach this weekend. This free summer sports and music festival will feature live performances by 18 unsigned bands and DJs, alongside an extreme sports competition that’s designed to give everyday athletes the chance to compete with seasoned pros. It’s kinda like the U.S. Open for extreme sports mixed with the Warped Tour. The event is nationwide and will hit cities including Venice Beach, CA (June 11-13); South Street Seaport, NYC (July 17-18); and Huntington Beach, CA (Sept. 10-12)... BUZZ/GIGS: Shows to check out in the weeks to come: Everything After at the El Mocambo for NXNE in Toronto, Canada on Thursday (6/10); The Fury is the BMI Pick of the Month at the Troubadour on Tuesday (6/15); Expect to see A&R hitters at the Home Town Hero show at the Troubadour in L.A. on Wednesday (6/16)... BUZZIN’: MC Lars… Hit me up: brotherxx@earthlink.net