By Rodel Delfin

Following the Thanksgiving holiday, we can expect the pace of the biz to slow down, as usual. But before many of you take off to give thanks for still having a job—the few of you who still have gigs, at any rate—here are a few derby tidbits to keep you weaseling away before Turkey Day… The most talked-about and best-attended show during this year’s CMJ Music Marathon was from U.K. outfit The Zico Chain. Label reps from Virgin, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, American, Atlantic, Interscope, Warner Bros., Sire and Geffen, among others, were in the house, with label meetings reportedly continuing after the conference. Other CMJ standout perfs were turned in by Silversun Pickups, Illinois, Parlour Boys and La Rocca… In non-CMJ action, the vocal harmonies of Atlanta-based group Georgia have wooed label folks on both coasts. Insiders share that Hollywood, Columbia and Atlantic are among the majors in early pursuit… Has a high-profile A&R exec already exited his post? And who’s been tapped to replace him?… Meanwhile, lots of chatter going on about a potential consolidation of two sister labels. If it goes down, how big an effect will the move have on the respective A&R and marketing departments of the affected labels?… Chicago-based Victory boss Tony Brummel signs Cleveland-based Driver Side Impact… As the Revelation Theory boys continue their European tour run with Evanescence, word on the street is that three labels are in paperwork discussions with the band, with discussions likely to intensify when they return to N.Y. next week. We wouldn’t wait too much longer on this one—it could get nutty very quickly… We hear the label derby for red-hot producer/songwriter Brian Howes is down to two labels. Expect an announcement soon… Brooklyn-based, electro-pop duo Mgmt have signed with Columbia. Label prexy Steve Barnett and A&R hitter Maureen Kinney get the signing props… Speaking of Columbia, we hear Militia Group act Copeland have been picked up by the label… Veteran manager Arthur Spivak picks up Virgin recording act We Are Scientists as a client. Numerous talent handlers were reportedly going after the group after they split from their previous management... Lastly, our friends at Amp’d Mobile are introducing their innovative “Studio Sessions” and “Double Up Music Packs,” in which exclusive recordings, videos, ringtones and wallpaper from top artists will be offered in a bundle for Amp’d customers at around 3-4 bucks per package. The exclusive material is recorded at Amp’d Mobile’s 32-track in-house recording studio, located in the company’s Santa Monica HQ, which also serves as the set for the hit TV show 24. Sounds like cool shite for exposing established and up-and-coming acts. Jurassic Five, Lupe Fiasco and Wolfmother have already participated in the series. So there’s the plug; now where’s our free phone?… BUZZIN’: The Twang, Feels Like Friday and Tokyo Police Club… Hit me up: brotherxx@earthlink.net

BUZZ/GIGS:
VOKEE Wed., Nov. 22, 10:00 p.m., Roxy
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK Sat., Dec. 2, TBD, Gibson Amphitheatre