We’re thrilled to welcome The Fletchers to our roster in support of their upcoming release “Lights Out Loud” in early 2010.

The Fletchers was formed by singer-songwriter Gary Kaplan following successful runs with two other bands Rotator Cuff and Dandelion Fire in the 1990′s. Dandelion Fire, opening for the likes of Blur, The Charlatans and Catherine Wheel and eventually signed to Shimmy Disc/ Koko Pop. Rotator Cuff created a buzz following the release of an EP with the single “Alfa Romeo” on Park N Ride Records out of San Francisco. The video for Alfa Romeo was featured on MTV’s120 Minutes and the music on House of Style, The Real World and Unfiltered.

We love the indie pop rock sound, and love even more that these are Jersey boys straight from the New Brunswick scene – right in our own backyard!  Stay tuned for more news and updates, music and tour dates from The Fletchers.

For all the flack the MTV VMA’s received this year, I thought I’d go against the grain a bit and talk about how the show was actually successful.

I was one of those teens who was glued to MTV when it was a newborn.  I loved the VJ’s, didn’t care that the videos were bad and made no sense.  There was some excellent programming at the time -- Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes and The Basement Tapes to name a few.  Plus, they had incredible promotions -- anyone remember when Jon Bon Jovi gave away his house? (Full disclosure -- Hey JBJ, I grew up in Sayreville, NJ too!!)

It’s easy to bash MTV over the years, less innovative musical programming, making the world of music small instead of expansive.  But.  I watched this year’s VMA’s.  Not live, mind you, and not on TV, but on their website as I selected which highlights I wanted to see.  Kanye, Taylor -- whatever, no need to beat that dead horse.  Here’s where it all turns around.

Lady Gaga -- Paparazzi performance.  I’ve only heard her on Z100 radio, just the dance-y hits.  Hadn’t heard this song before the VMA’s.

My reaction: “Whoa, what the hell was that??  That song was pretty damn good.  Hey, she can really sing!  Refreshing to see a performance that was theatrical, intriguing and more than a little bizarre.”  I read in one of the descriptions that the performance was based on the same theme of the music video.  Music video??  Well I had to see that right away too!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZlBjzXjfMU

Reaction: “Jonas Akerlund directed, awesome, he did amazing videos for Madonna.  Hey -- that’s Vampire Eric!  Hmmm, looks like he’s a good kisser…OK I digress.  Back to Gaga.  Great f’n song, and the video took it to a whole new level -- as videos should.”

Now I want to know more about her.  Bought the album on iTunes.  Would like to see her live.  All because of the VMA’s.  Radio airplay made me familiar with her name, but it was her performance on the VMA’s the brought me into the world of Gaga.  Congrats MTV.

Yes we specialize in country music, and you know we wave the flag for country, but we were born as a rockin’ jersey girl.

Check out this jersey band -- the rock is undeniable!

The Gaslight Anthem ‘The ’59 Sound’:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOBb13yDnzo