Kid Rock is a fascinating figure. A self-proclaimed "American Bad Ass," fans have watched Rock evolve from bad boy rap-rocker to a more thoughtful and sensitive singer/songwriter embracing blues, country and soul over the last 19 years (yes, his debut album came out in 1991!).

OK, maybe he's had those elements throughout his career, yet his recent classic-rock-tinged single "Born Free" is really a far cry from the angry sound of "Bawitdaba," and he's now become a massive crossover artist who is just as at home on MTV as he is on VH1 and CMT. Everyone mellows, and yet Kid Rock still hasn't lost his edge. The many sides of Kid Rock--the dad, the rocker, the party animal, the fighter--will all be on display during "Kid Rock: Born Free," a documentary that will be available on MTV.com starting Nov. 16.

During the documentary, Kid Rock shares his unique perspective on life and music as he spends time with his son, family and a wide variety of friends. The special also includes unprecedented access to his tour rehearsals and the chaos that ensues when he throws a huge house party at his sprawling farm in sleepy Clarkson, Michigan.

We've got the trailer from the documentary below. Tune in Tuesday, Nov. 16, on MTV.com to see the entire documentary. "Kid Rock: Born Free" also airs on MTV2, Friday, Nov. 19, at 11:30pm ET/PT and on
MTV, Saturday, Nov. 20, at 8pm ET/PT.

Related Links: Kid Rock: Born Free.

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Have you heard Sleigh Bells yet? Let us tell you, when you do, you might find yourself a little floored.

Guitarist/songwriter/producer Derek E. Miller and vocalist Alexis Kraus comprise the New York noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells. With an electrifying mix of distorted guitarists and pounding digital beats, plus Kraus' girly-pop voice, it's no wonder Sleigh Bells' arresting sound has taken the music press by storm.

Like the love child of The White Stripes and M.I.A., Sleigh Bells' fiery and beat-driven sound is eclectic, fierce and fist-pumping. It's also danceable and moshable. The band's debut album, Treats, is just that: a sweet confection of poppy girl-pop vocals, eclectic samples, volcanic guitars and a persistently urgent beat that's practically a call to arms. Folks like Spike Jonze, and, yes, M.I.A. have been forced to stand up and take notice. Won't you do the same?

MTV.com proudly presents an electrifying performance by Sleigh Bells, Live In NYC, on Sept. 20, live from the Studio at Webster Hall. The show starts at 10 p.m. ET, so visit MTV.com at 10 p.m. and get ready for what's sure to be a blistering set of beats, infectious hooks and incendiary guitars. Watch the exclusive performance at LiveInNYC.MTV.com.

Until then, follow Sleigh Bells on Twitter and watch this fan-made video for "Kids" that the band has posted on its MySpace Page. While you're there, we also recommend the song "Tell 'Em," which is a wicked track of pure sonic hot fire.

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Earlier this month, synth-happy indie rockers Neon Indian starred in MTV.com's brand-new music series, "Live In NYC." And now we've cut a few select cuts from the show.

The laid-back, fuzzed-out Texas band played their veritable anthem, "Terminally Chill," ran through the breezy song, "Deadbeat Summer," got down with their "Ephemeral Artery" and more.

Watch Neon Indian's "Live IN NYC" performance, and check out interviews and photos from the show.

+ Watch more performances and interviews after the jump.
Read More...

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Update: The show is over, thanks for tuning in. Look for clips from this set later in the week.

Last month, we had The Drums kicking up a killer set for our inaugural "Live In NYC" series. This month, we've got Texas chillwave band Neon Indian. A pastiche of blurry-synthy electronic sounds and psychedelic pop, the band's debut album, Psychic Chasms, has already won over the indie-rock press receiving super-positive notices from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork and many, many more.

Fronted by Alan Palomo, who's known for his work in indie bands like Ghosthustler and VEGA, we're happy to present Neon Indian's "Live In NYC" performance on Monday, August 16, on MTV.com. The show starts at 9 p.m. ET and will surely dazzle with their inventive and bleep-happy sound. Go to MTV.com on Monday, August 16, and check out the band's video for "Sleep Paralysist" below.

Last but not least, follow Neon Indian out on twitter (@NeonIndian) and check out their inventive music on MySpace to get a vibe for their trippy, out-there sound.

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Our nifty poster here pretty much says it all, right? Tonight from our Live In NYC series we present The Drums at 9:00pm ET. Just a few minutes before the show, live from the Studio at Webster Hall, come join us on MTV.com and you'll get a hot hour long performance from these Brooklyn-based indie rockers. We already gave you a rundown on their sound, a sweet, infectious and propulsive rhythm that has made them one of the most buzzed-about bands of the moment. Make sure to sign up for this event tonight on its Facebook page, and you can also Tweet about it using the #LiveInNYC hashtag.

+Watch one of their latest singles, "Forever and Ever Amen" below and learn more about the band.

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It's no exaggeration to say Brooklyn indie-pop band The Drums are blowing up. Heck, in some circles they've positively exploded already. They've already been named a Freshman Five band by MTVU and already performed on Ahead of the Curve at this year's SXSW. And we're not the only ones that have noticed. Rolling Stone, NME, Pitchfork and Stereogum are all raving about this band and helping create a groundswell underground.

And while the press is a lot of noise, the indie-rock band -- mixing the dreamy sheen of Factory Records bands such as New Order and Joy Division, the romantic longing of the Smiths, '80s synth pop and even some 1950s bubblegum pop -- definitely lives up to the hype.

So, we're psyched to announce that The Drums will be kicking off MTV.com's new series of streaming live performances called "Live In NYC" on Tuesday, July 20, on MTV.com, live from the Studio at Webster Hall. The show starts at at 9 p.m. ET, so log on to MTV.com, then (or get there early, if you like) get pumped for the twitchy, sweet sounds of these up-and-coming, here-to-stay rockers.

+ Watch The Drums' "Let's Go Surfing" video and a live performance clip from SXSW.

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Last we heard from Travis McCoy (or, as he's now known, Travie McCoy), he was sticking his hands in the "Cookie Jar" on Gym Class Heroes's 2008 album The Quilt. When MTV News caught up with hip-hop frontman late last year, he mentioned good news and bad news: First, fans are going to have to wait a little longer for a new Gym Class album for a little while. (Sad.) Second, a Travie McCoy solo joint is well in the works. (Happy!)

OK, it's more than in the works. We're pleased to present "Billionaire," the first single off Travie's upcoming solo album called Lazarus. The song, featuring Bruno Mars, has a sort of laid-back, island feel to it. Think Sublime meets Common meets Jason Mraz. The lyrics, on the other hand, rattle off a laundry list of wishes for Travie if — nay, when — he becomes a billionaire, including becoming besties with Oprah and appearing on the cover of Forbes.

To see Travie perform the song live, check him out on MTV's Movies & Music Festival dates with Cobra Starship and 3OH!3.

Too Fast For Love tour with Cobra Starship, 3OH!3, Travie McCoy & The Lazarus Project

4/29/10 Kent, OH - Kent State

5/7/10 Rochester, NY - Gordon Field House RIT

5/8/10 Danbury, CT - Charles Ives Center For The Arts

5/9/10 Boston, MA - House Of Blues

For a complete list of tour dates, zoom over to Cobra Starship's Web Site.

In the meantime, take a listen to "Billionaire" featuring Bruno Mars below. The single will be available March 9 on Travie McCoy's blog.

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Can't wait for Motion City Soundtrack's U.S. tour in April? Well we can totally tide you over until then.

As previously mentioned, team Buzzworthy was embedded on the frontlines with camp Motion City Soundtrack when they played at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza with their pals The Swellers, This Providence and Set Your Goals. We got in deep to deliver a great preview feast of what will come in the Spring.

We hung out with the bands before and after the gig (see photos); recorded some of their sets (Motion City Soundtrack's, plus all the opening band pals) and even interviewed the groups on various subjects from their musical influences and stage fright to being on the road. Here's a taste of six MCS songs including, "Disappear" and "The Future Freaks Me Out."

More videos from the show after the jump.
Read More...

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We promised you more Motion City Soundtrack and we weren't fooling. Yesterday we gave you a sneak peek of the MCS track, "Disappear," taped earlier this month at the The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza.

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 18, we'll reveal the entire show, which includes several Motion City Soundtrack live cuts, plus performances by The Swellers, This Providence, Set Your Goals and backstage interviews with all the bands. Oh, did we mention we'll have photos of the entire event, too?

To further whet your appetite, here's a taste of the MCS classic cut "The Future Freaks Me Out" and a clip of frontman Justin Pierre discussing his constant pre-show jitters. The singer says, "Directly before the show I panic," but after all these years it's finally, "getting better." You surely can't tell when he hits the stage. More tomorrow.

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