INDUSTRY CHATTER: Sony is preparing to unveil...

INDUSTRY CHATTER: Sony is preparing to unveil its newest label, 550 Records (after Sony’s New York address, 550 Madison Ave.). The venture will be headed by Polly Anthony, currently senior vice president of promotion for Sony-owned Epic Records (and no relation to Sony Music executive Michelle Anthony).

Scheduled to start up in September, the New York-based label will have its own radio promotion and marketing staff, but will use Epic’s A&R; team. Anthony and Epic President David Glew are currently recruiting executives and determining the artist roster, which may include acts currently signed to Epic. The move comes after the most successful year in Epic history, with Pearl Jam, Spin Doctors, Sade and Michael Jackson scoring for the label. . . .

Meanwhile, Epic A&R; has lost Bob Pfiefer, who signed such artists as Alice Cooper, Screaming Trees and Ornette Coleman while at Epic Records. He’s headed to Disney-owned Hollywood Records to bolster its artist roster.