Local music notes: P.O.S. vs. TPC

P.O.S. vs. TPC

It looks like a simple case of funny timing: P.O.S. happens to be releasing his first nationally touted CD for Rhymesayers, "Audition," the same week his Hopkins High classmates in the Plastic Constellations are putting out "Crusades." But the rapper really doesn't see it as all that coincidental. "They've been working their asses off, and so have I," P.O.S. said last week.

Several tracks on "Audition" were produced by Lazerbeak, a k a TPC's Aaron Mader. Constellations pal/mentor Craig Finn guests on the song "Safety in Speed (Heavy Metal)." Slug also performs on two tracks. "Audition" comes out Tuesday, preceded by a party Monday night at 7th Street Entry. P.O.S. discusses the album in an interview in Sunday's Arts & Entertainment section.

Building up Eclectone

If you're seeing the name Eclectone Records a lot more lately, that's exactly what the label's operator, singer/songwriter Martin Devaney, had in mind. He made a concerted effort to increase his company/co-op's profile and output late last year with a string of strong releases by Charlie Parr, Big Ditch Road, Dan Israel and Robert McCreedy. He revamped the website and snagged an online distribution deal with Red Eye. Now, Eclectone is starting out the new year with a showcase Saturday at the Varsity Theater (9 p.m., $8). The show precedes a series of label package tours starting in March. "There's so much turnover in fads, buzz bands, clubs, etc.," Devaney said. "We want to be standing when the dust settles."

Random mix

Another impressive crop of Twin Cities acts got accepted into the South by Southwest Music Conference, happening mid-March in that blue-dot part of Texas known as Austin. In addition to the Rhymesayers crew, confirmed acts include Plastic Constellations, Tim O'Reagan, Mark Mallman, the Owls, Dan Israel, Dropping Daylight, the Deaths, Tapes 'N Tapes, the Magnolias and Metallagher. ...

The weekend before SXSW, Slug will be in the L.A. area for the first-ever live performance of Felt, his side-project with Murs. It's part of the Paid Dues indie hip-hop fest. ...

Skywynd has gone through a series of changes, including the departure of founding keyboardist Michael Lannier, but the alt-metal band is still rolling along. It's playing a showcase for prospective labels tonight at O'Garas before opening for Default at the Rock in Maplewood on Saturday. ...

Come on, First Ave: Are you really stooping to the "Girls Gone Wild Backstage Pass Tour" (see next weekend's calendar)? If you're desperate to make some money that night, why not just book Boogie Wonderland and save a little face ?

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER