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MTV PUSH Artist Of The Week: New Politics

Posted 1/24/11 12:06 am EST by in Celebrity, Interviews, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

(Credit: Brian Appio/MTV)

MTV's PUSH Artist Of The Week is New Politics. We just can't get enough of this band around these parts. We've named them one of the MTV Artists To Watch in 2011, brought you more live-from-the-road content than you can shake a drumstick at over at Posted.MTV.com, and now we're unofficially renaming this week New Politics Week. When we fall for a band, we fall hard.

The trio is originally from Denmark but calls Brooklyn home, and they've captured our imagination with their searing garage rock laced with rap-rock and punk filaments. Singles like "Yeah Yeah Yeah" are mosh-pit starters the likes of which we haven't heard since The Hives or The Vines. And their tendency to shape-shift musical genres is even more apparent on their self-titled debut album, where you'll hear mid-tempo dirges, electro-fused dance rock and much more.

In the below videos you'll get to know New Politics and their music a little bit better. In the first video, the band talks about their roots back in Denmark. And in the second video they discuss their song "Dignity."

Check out the two New Politics videos and their "Dignity" and "Yeah Yeah Yeah" videos below. You can also see an exclusive New Politics photo gallery. New Politics, the band's eponymous album, is out now.

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MTV PUSH Artist Of The Week: Matt And Kim

Posted 1/17/11 6:00 am EST by in Celebrity, Interviews, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

(Credit: Matt Hoyle)

Some weeks, with our roster of MTV PUSH Artists of the Week, we introduce you to new sounds, new faces and new musical acts. But this week, it feels like we're reintroducing you to old friends. This week's MTV PUSH Artist Of The Week is Matt And Kim.

Known as much for their chaotic, ecstatic and best-party-ever live shows as they are for their energetic, joyous, celebratory sound, the ever-touring Brooklyn duo recently released their third album, Sidewalks.

In the video interviews below, Matt And Kim talk about some tracks off of their Sidewalks album, giving us some insight into their writing and recording process. They chat about the songs "Block After Block," "On A Wire" and "Good For Great."

After you get the inside scoop on Sidewalks, revisit the band's epic "Live In NYC" show, with performances of fan favorites like "Daylight" and "Cinders."

You can watch Matt And Kim's entire "Live In NYC" performance here. And you can check out even more interviews with the duo here. Sidewalks is out now.

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MTV PUSH Artist Of The Week: Cage The Elephant

Posted 1/10/11 5:58 am EST by in Celebrity, Interviews, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

This week's MTV PUSH Artist of The Week is Cage The Elephant. This Kentucky group are some of the finest young purveyors of that old=time rock and roll, mixing together a sound that recalls vintage titans like The Rolling Stones and The Stooges with neo-classical barnstormers like the White Stripes and Black Keys.

On its new album, Thank You Happy Birthday (out Jan. 11), the band takes a giant, sonic leap forward, refining the sound the group developed on 2009's fantastic self-titled full-length. Tracks like "Shake Me Down" mix the raw rock feeling of previous Cage The Elephant material with an almost Flaming Lips-like sense of wonder.

In the videos below you'll get to know all about the Kentucky band, made up of Matt Shultz, Brad Shultz, Jared Champion, Lincoln Parish, and Daniel Tichenor. You'll hear all about their new album, the influences that inspired it, the concept of music as fashion and some funny tour stories.

After that, check out some incredible live performances of Cage The Elephant favorites such as "In One Ear" and "Around My Head."

+ Watch more Cage The Elephant videos after the jump.
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PUSH: Get To Know MTV's 9 Artists To Watch In 2011

Posted 1/3/11 5:48 am EST by in Celebrity, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH

Over the last few weeks, we've introduced you to nine can't-miss, must-hear MTV artists to watch in 2011. We've hipped you to alt-rock revivalists, dreamy girl group gals, rappers from Pittsburgh and London and everything in between. And now that it's officially 2011, let's take a closer look at Wiz Khalifa, Tinie Tempah, The Vaccines, Graffiti6, Warpaint, New Politics, Middle Class Rut, Miguel and A Day To Remember. Below, click on each artist's name for an in-depth bio and videos. And check out more videos from MTV's nine artists to watch here.

+ Wiz Khalifa: Pittsburgh's finest export since the Primanti Bros. sandwich. The "Black And Yellow" rapper appeals to skate kids, mall rats, b-boys and soon, everyone else.

+ Tinie Tempah: This Nigerian-born, London-raised MC applies his breakneck, inimitable flow to beats that combine hip-hop, R&B and Brit club music.

+ The Vaccines: Calling to mind some of the most beloved British bands of the last 30 years (The Smiths, My Bloody Valentine, Spiritualized), this mysterious and elusive group has taken the U.K. by storm.

+ Graffiti6: This Brit duo lays the silky vocals of Jamie Scott over funky rhythms and ornate atmospherics.

+ Warpaint: Dreamy, neo-girl group harmonies and enigmatic soundscapes. Like The Ronettes fronting Jesus & Mary Chain.

+ New Politics: An unholy and awesome, electronic garage rock racket. Originally from Denmark but now making noise in Brooklyn.

+ Middle Class Rut: Equal parts heavy rock, acerbic social commentary and psychedelic exploration, this California duo will go down well with fans of Deftones and At The Drive-In.

+ Miguel: One of the most alluring new voices to emerge in R&B in years. Combines the smooth sexiness of D'Angelo with the vocal dexterity of Queen's Freddie Mercury.

+ A Day To Remember: The clown-princes of screamo like to have a laugh from time to time (check out their video for "I'm Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?"). But the group's new album, What Separates Me From You, is nothing to chuckle at: It's an incredibly well crafted piece of heavy, eardrum-damaging rock.

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MTV Artist To Watch In 2011: The Vaccines

Posted 12/28/10 9:15 am EST by in Celebrity, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

(Credit: Roger Sargent)

It's been a long time since an indie band has sent the British music press into such a frenzied state the way The Vaccines have. Not since The Klaxons and their psychedelic dance-rock revolution have Brit music tastemakers been so bowled over by a group. But one listen to The Vaccines and it isn't hard to see what all the fuss is about.

The Vaccines expertly mix England's rich alternative rock tradition with an atmospheric sound that recalls The Jesus & Mary Chain or Spiritualized and literate songwriting in the vein of The Smith. They have a disaffected contemporary sound not unlike The Drums and sport sort of a charmingly disheveled look, not unlike a Salvation Army-shopping Vampire Weekend.

The fact that The Vaccines are rather elusive (their members go by names like Jay Jay Pistolet and Freddie The Kid, and the group itself has next to no web presence) has done nothing but fuel the fires of interest in the band.

Who are these mysterious men? Well the easiest way to find out is to have a listen for yourself. Watch The Vaccines' debut video for "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)."

+ Discover all of MTV's Artists To Watch in 2011

Related Content Wiz Khalifa, A Day To Remember, Miguel, Middle Class Rut, New Politics, Warpaint, Graffiti6, Tinie Tempah

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MTV Artists To Watch 2011: Graffiti6

Posted 12/27/10 9:30 am EST by in Celebrity, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

Mixing and matching music genres is pretty much how it's done in today's pop game. The radio sounds like an iPod Shuffle, and the songs on the radio are made with an "everything-and-the-kitchen-sink" kind of flair. Whether you're talking about Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Cee Lo or Ke$ha, today's chart-toppers are fearless when it comes to never committing to just one style or sound.

The same goes for the new Brit duo Graffiti6, made up of singer Jamie Scott and producer/DJ Tommy D. On their debut album, Colours, the band mixes together your typical Brit arena rock (think Snow Patrol, Coldplay) with slick, funky rhythms.

The band members have described themselves as "psychedelic Northern Soul," but on Colours you hear flourishes of gospel ("Annie You Save Me") and hushed singer/songwriter balladry ("Over You"). On the single "Stare Into The Sun," you'll hear rump-shaking funk-rock. And Scott's expressive, dexterous vocals bring it all together.

Watch Graffiti6's video for "Stare Into The Sun," below. Colours is out now.

+  Discover all of MTV's Artists To Watch in 2011

Related Content Meet MTV's Artists To Watch In 2011, Wiz Khalifa, A Day To Remember, Miguel, Middle Class Rut, New Politics, Warpaint, Graffiti6

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MTV Artist To Watch In 2011: Tinie Tempah

Posted 12/27/10 9:08 am EST by in Celebrity, Interviews, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

(Credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

No British MC in recent memory, not since Dizzee Rascal, at least, has seemed so primed for U.S. success as Nigerian-born rapper Tinie Tempah.

The reason? It has to do with his mixture of the skitter, scattershot rhythms of UK Grime and Dubstep, with the more traditional sounds of American hip-hop and R&B.

After breaking out with the 2006 hit "Wifey," Tinie Tempah has been building a reputation as a microphone master, dropping singles left and right and electrifying European club audiences.

But it's with his newish single "Pass Out" that Tinie may have hit the big time with a thunderous beat that touches slightly upon J-Kwon's classic single "Tipsy" and some squiggling, bewildering keyboards on top (for that Grime appeal). It'll keep dancers moving in clubs from Atlanta to London and all points in between.

Check out Tinie Tempah's video for "Pass Out" and get to know the man in his own words with an exclusive Buzzworthy interview, both below.

+ Discover All Of MTV's Artist To Watch in 2011.

Related Content MTV's Artists To Watch In 2011, Meet MTV's Artists To Watch In 2011, Wiz Khalifa, A Day To Remember, Miguel, Middle Class Rut, New Politics, Warpaint, Tinie Tempah

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MTV Artist To Watch In 2011: Warpaint

Posted 12/22/10 9:57 am EST by in Celebrity, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

(Credit: Mira Kirby/Rough Trade)

For the last couple of years, the members of Warpaint have been enchanting listeners with their new spin on '50s Girl Group romanticism, which comes doused in '80s-style, noise-pop atmosphere.

Formed in 2004, the Los Angeles-based band is made up of Emily Kokal (vocals/guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals/guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bassist/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums/keyboards). Other members have drifted in and out as well, including indie-darling actress Shannyn Sossamon (who left to pursue acting). Yet the lineup recently solidified with the addition of drummer Stella Mozgawa.

On Warpaint's 2010 debut album, The Fool, the band drapes their minimal rock sound in ambient noise, creating a beguiling soundscape. It's a sound that's caught the ear of both rock critics and fellow artists. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers' John Frusciante is an avowed fan and even helped master some early recordings of the band.

Check out Warpaint's "Undertow" video, below. The Fool is out now.

+ Discover All Of MTV's Artist To Watch in 2011.

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MTV Artist To Watch In 2011: New Politics

Posted 12/22/10 9:18 am EST by in Celebrity, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

Originally from Denmark, New Politics, a trio made up of David Boyd, Poul Amaliel and Søren H, formed in the latter part of the 2000s. The group then took their talents to the teeming and vibrant musical epicenter that is Brooklyn, N.Y.

On the surface, a band that features a vocalist, guitarist and drummer might sound like a primal scream waiting to happen, and with Scandinavian rock roots (think The Hives, Refused), New Politics certainly has some garage punk pedigree.

However, on their debut, self-titled album, New Politics gets downright expansive, recalling the crunch of Nirvana, the atmospheric strangeness of The Pixies and a bit of the glam excitement of latter-day My Chemical Romance.

Their debut runs the gamut between lovesick pop songs ("Give Me Hope") and flammable, unhinged rock anthems ("Burn It Down"). How do three guys make such a racket, live? Well you should definitely take the time to find out. New Politics has a reputation of making stages uninhabitable for other bands once they're done.

Check out New Politics' video for "Yeah Yeah Yeah," as well as a live performance of their track "Diginity," both below. New Politics is out now.

+ Discover All Of MTV's Artist To Watch in 2011.

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MTV Artist To Watch In 2011: Middle Class Rut

Posted 12/21/10 9:30 am EST by in Celebrity, MTV Featured Artist, Music, PUSH, Videos

(Credit: Steve Bullick/Bright Antenna Entertainment)

Middle Class Rut are a Sacramento, Calif., duo who make an almighty racket, calling to mind the glory days of Rage Against The Machine, Deftones and At The Drive-In--propulsive, hard-hitting rock that's thoughtful and comes packed full of surprises. They're one of MTV's Artists To Watch In 2011, and here's why.

Made up of guitarist/vocalist Zack Lopez and vocalist/drummer Sean Stockham, Middle Class Rut have been plugging away since 2006, accruing a dedicated fan base through their explosive and energetic live show. In October 2010, the band released its debut album, No Name No Color, an accomplished full-length full of Led Zeppelin-like dirges ("I Guess You Could Say") and sociopolitically charged anthems ("USA").

The highlight of Middle Class Rut's album is, undoubtedly, the single "New Low," a taut and tense slab of atmospheric rock that comes with an incredibly inventive video, to boot.

Watch Middle Class Rut's video for "New Low," below. No Name No Color is out now.

+ Discover All Of MTV's Artist To Watch in 2011.

Related Content MTV's Artists To Watch In 2011, Wiz Khalifa, A Day To Remember, Miguel

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