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Local musicians and their myriad side projects playing multiple sets at the Showcase may be commonplace, but this is the first time you might see a band and its label owner working opposite sides of the street. Chuckie Duff signed Fine China to his label, Common Wall Media, but he's also performing in Dear and the Headlights. As a label owner, hes thrilled with the success Fine China's The Jaws of Life CD has enjoyed this year. A song from the record was used on The O.C., it charted pretty well on college radio, and it garnered some really positive reviews, he reminds us. But, he continues, if Fine China doesn't win this thing, I'll feel like giving up. I'm manic like that." For his part, FC singer Rob Withem quickly downplays any chance Fine China will garner the most overall votes. I think the only way you can kick another band's ass in this contest is to have more cool friends. We're not the popular kids, so we'll probably get our asses handed to us. Duff remains convinced they will win, which is a double boon for him since his contract with them does stipulate that any New Times swag they win remains property of the record label. S.D.