VIRGINIA BEACH pop-rock group Days Difference is gaining something every signed and unsigned band desperately desires: regular to heavy weekly rotation on a commercial radio station.

WROX-FM 96X has begun spinning their song "1938 (Life Is Still Worth Living)" an average of 20 times a week.

Program director Jay Michaels said he sees something special in Days Difference.

"These guys, I believe, have what it takes to break nationally. They are young, talented and have a killer presence."

Michaels said the station will seek other deserving local bands in the coming months that fit the 96X format and are a cut above the rest.

For an independent band to receive heavy rotation is a big deal, and something major record labels will take notice of.

Hear what the band has to offer at www.myspace.com/daysdifference [1].

Nationally touring

Drummer Chris Raines, who played in Spitfire and owned Volume CD Exchange in Chesapeake, has joined the national tour of Christian screamo band Norma Jean. The band will release its fourth album, "The Anti Mother," this summer on Solid State Records and is scheduled for the full Vans Warped Tour, which will stop at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater on July 15.

Instant C-tune

Teenage Hampton rapper L.O.C., whose real name is Carl Parker Jr., released his album, "The Story of a Young Rapper," this month, but one new tune won't appear on it. In the time between packaging and releasing the disc, Parker wrote "What's My Name." Rather than including it on some future CD, he posted it immediately at www.myspace.com/loc99 [2].

Jeff Maisey, (757) 222-3934, jmaisey@pilotonline.com