Jayhawks, Best Ohio Band, Popsmear, Sonicnet Chat, Mike Watt

NEWS: > Gary Louris, Merc Perlman, Karen Grotberg and Tim O'Reagan - formerly, along with Marc Olson, known as the Jayhawks - will begin recording their first album without Olson in March. The new band name (and new lead singer) has not been decided yet, but Louris noted that "There may be someone else in the band, but not someone who's Olson-like or a substitute."

> A "Best Band in Ohio" competition is being sponsored by Nmuto and Zerone Audio Labs. The winner will receive 40 hours of studio time in Fremont, Ohio, plus 1000 copies of their own release. The entry fee is $50 / band. For more information, contact yostie@aol.com or call 419-332-5667

> New York City's Popsmear magazine has been giving back something to their subscribers - freebies. All the stuff that you've heard about from the labels and 'zines - postcards, club passes, posters, stickers, etc. - is given away randomly to the magazine's subscribers on a rotating basis. For subscription rates and any other information, contact them directly at popsmear@sonicnet.com

> Coming up on Sonicnet's chat schedule: Jan. 23 Revelation Records (8 pm), Feb. 8 Das EFX (8 pm). Sonicnet can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.sonicnet.com

> Mike Watt will be playing bass for Porno for Pyros' upcoming Australian tour dates while the band searches for a new permanent bassists. Watt plans to record a new album later this year; his slated live album for early '96 has been postponed indefinitely.