MTV Remote Control Blog › Debbie Newman

You know that old-fashioned expression "slow and steady wins the race"? The "Vice Guide to Everything" guys obviously don't. Their very first episode took us to Yemen, Naples and Detroit, jumping from an anti-American movement in the Middle East to a dude running a strip club out of his parents' basement. They also went ahead and recruited the Black Lips--best known for their moody lyrics/OMFG live shows--for the soundtrack.

Not familiar with the Atlanta-based punk rockers? We've got 10 reasons why you should be. Read on to hear guitarist Cole Alexander give his thoughts on Snooki, eugooglize Kurt "Inventor of Grunge" Cobain and explain why The Pope probably wouldn't be their biggest fan, then watch the BL's latest video, "Cold Hands," after the jump.

Your shows are so insane--you've gotten kicked out of venues, had tour dates canceled and come close to getting thrown in jail. Wikipedia's accused you of urinating onstage, flashing the crowd and setting your guitars on fire. Is it fair to say you're a little more hard-core than Justin Bieber?
Actually, we have been thrown in jail, several times--but most of the time, we're sweet guys. And I don't think it's fair to compare who's more hard-core 'cause I'm sure Justin has a hard-core side that lives within. He just doesn't know it's there, or hides it deep inside his subconscious.

Paying for CDs is expensive. Tell us why fans should shell out cash for your upcoming album.
I say burn it--and if you really like it, then buy it. You can always use the art packaging for a coffee coaster.

You wake up in Seaside Heights with a backpack full of Axe body spray, Ed Hardy shirts and Lysol disinfectant. Who would you take to the Smush Room at the "Jersey Shore" house?
What's the Smush Room!? Are you asking which one I'd [have sex with]? Hmm, the only female cast member whose name I know is Snooki, and I know I don't want to smush with her. I don't have cable so I've only seen the show, like, twice, but I heard President Obama secretly likes it. I am pretty excited about "The Vice Guide to Everything"--I think it will be a little more sophisticated than "Jersey Shore," but in a still-belligerent way that everyday teenage youth can appreciate.

Finish this sentence: If Kurt Cobain were alive today, he'd probably...
Play music less loud and snotty. I've always thought if Kurt had done another album, he would have abandoned the stereotypical grunge sound--it was getting tired by the time he died. So he might have wanted to try something a little more folky, maybe something with a quainter, indie vibe. Maybe even a little less screaming. I heard he had vocal chord damage by the end so less screaming might've helped.

You guys have been making music together for more than 10 years now. Aren't you sick of each other yet? And if not, why not?
We get sick of each other sometimes--I guess that's natural--but we must have some redeeming qualities [since] we have stayed together this long. Some great bands I like have imploded cause the chaotic people who play in them self-destruct. It's funny that chaos is what makes them so great, but it is also what kills them.

Read more...

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Tags Almight Defenders, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Beck, Cole Alexander, Demi Lovato, Gnarls Barkley, Jersey Shore's Snooki, Justin Bieber, Kurt Cobain, Los Saicos, Miley Cyrus, Music, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, Portishead, Prince, Sheryl Crow, Soundtrack Spotlight, The Black Lips, The White Stripes, Video, Warpaint, Wu-Tang Clan

Whoever thinks baseball's still the national pastime hasn't set foot in Abilene, Texas--or seen a high school football stadium packed with 15,000 screaming fans. Or heard an entire town erupt after star running back Herschel Sims scored the game-winning touchdown. Yep, watching the "World of Jenks" season finale last night, all we could think was how much Herschel's life reminded us of an episode of NBC's "Friday Night Lights." So what do the Abilene Eagles and the Dylan Panthers have in common? Well, those shiny state championship rings, of course--and the best football soundtracks since "Varsity Blues".

Forget about Jock Jams. When you've got Herschel's cool confidence (and steely determination), you don't need "Pump Up The Jam"--or worse, your high school marching band's rendition of "Four Minutes"--to get the adrenaline flowing. Instead, get into the right headspace by popping in something a little softer before kickoff. No, we're not talking about swiping your girlfriend's Regina Spektor CD--just download a few tracks from La La Land, the latest release from Canadian indie rock trio Plants and Animals.

"P&A, who?" you say? Well, just think of them as the Herschel Sims of Montreal's underground music scene--you know, rising local stars with the potential to become The Next Big Thing. Hot off the success of their debut full album, Parc Avenue, Plants and Animals are all about remixing classic rock beats into something you might hear at a Brooklyn loft party. The result? Moody tracks like "Undone Melody" and "Fake It" (both featured on last night's "WOJ"), which sound like they were written by Radiohead, produced by Bob Dylan and performed by The White Stripes.

So what's our advice to all you wannabe playas? Get into a pre-kickoff groove (à la Herschel) with a cool but upbeat track like P&A's "American Idol," keep the momentum going by rockin' out to "Tom Cruz" at halftime, then help console the other/losing team by playing "Bye Bye Bye" (off Plants' debut LP) as they exit the field. Oh, and then put away those boring game reels and check out Plants and Animals' latest music video, "The Mama Papa." It's our hands-down pick for Play of the Week.

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Tags Bob Dylan, Herschel Sims, Music, Plants and Animals, Radiohead, Regina Spektor, Soundtrack Spotlight, The White Stripes, Video

Photo: Yutsai

Vanessa "VV" Brown isn't the first Brit to set her sights on the U.S. music charts, but this gal's got more than just a record deal and a dream. Already a sensation in the U.K. (she's the biggest thing in France since pommes frites), VV's taking her retro indie act stateside, touring with Maroon 5 and Pink, and working on her music 362 days outta the year--give or take an hour. And while it can be a lonely road to the top, the model-slash-singer-slash graphic artist is determined to show America what we've been missing. Yesterday, VV gave "World Of Jenks" fans a little taste of her talent, and we gotta tell ya: Girl's givin' Amy Winehouse a run for her money.

In fact, it may seem like VV's got it all figured out already. At 27 years old, the 5-foot-11-inch beauty (she just landed a Marks & Spencer campaign, FYI) writes all her own songs and plays more instruments than a high school marching band. Still, as we saw last night, having legions of fans at home doesn't always translate into crossover success (despite what Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen and Duffy might tell you). Which is why VV's thrown herself into overdrive, spending all her time practicing, promoting and perfecting her music, and leaving behind friends, family and local stardom--with no guarantee of a big return.

So does VV Brown have what it takes to lead the next British Invasion? We asked, you answered and nearly 70% of you predicted she'll be lighting up the U.S. charts in no time! Check out this rising star in action by watching her video, "Shark in the Water" (psst, you might've already heard it on "The City"!), plus keep your eyes peeled for her 2011 North American tour dates, hear what she really thought about Jenks and listen to her debut album, Travelling Like the Light, on Rhapsody.com!

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Tags Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen, Music, Soundtrack Spotlight, Video, VV Brown

Photo: Chic & Artistic

Some girls spend a lifetime planning their dream wedding. Fortunately for Dave, Michelle wasn't one of them. Within 72 hours of meeting his bride-to-be, "The Buried Life"-er walked out of a Vegas wedding chapel with a smile on his face -- and a legally binding marriage license in his hand. It may not have been a deeply meaningful courtship, but we'd still like to offer the happy couple our heartfelt congratulations. Cheers to the newlyweds! You deserve an "A" for spontaneity -- and two thumbs up for your superb taste in Brit electro-pop music.

In between biting our nails (and wondering "will they or won't they?") during last night's "Buried Life," we couldn't help but appreciate the strains of Dan Black's patented 'wonky pop' seeping through our television screen. Trippy, surreal, hypnotic and bizarre, Black's got a knack for mashing up the unmashable -- borrowing beats from hip-hop, pop and electronica, and revolutionizing them with his high-pitched, genre-bending vocals (think Robin Thicke meets Smashing Pumpkins, with a pinch of Beck). So what's the wily Brit doing with four tracks on Dave's wedding soundtrack? Yeah, we don't know, either. (But as far as first dance songs go, we'll take Black's slick, trance beats over "Wind Beneath My Wings" any day of the week.)

The good news? You don't need to get married in Vegas to enjoy the musical stylings of Mr. Black. Although the London-born, Paris-based music artist (and former painter!) is still best known for his feud with the Notorious B.I.G. -- the rapper's estate balked at "HYPNTZ," his edgy 2008 cover of "Hypnotize" -- Black's debut album, UN, helped propel him into the mainstream. Natch, he's way more famous overseas (Black's song, "U + Me =" became a UK iTunes sensation and his single, "Pump My Pumps," was tapped for Lacoste's European campaign), but his inventive style (and all-around awesomeness) are already earning him a fanbase here in America. In addition to lighting up the "TBL" soundtrack (he's had six tracks so far this season), Black earned two 2010 VMAs nods for his video, "Symphonies" (check out the Kid Cudi remix!) and is currently wrapping up his North American tour.

So be like Dave and embrace the unknown by marrying a complete stranger watching the music video for Dan Black's dance track, "Alone," then peep two versions of his (one-time Biggie-inspired) single "Symphonies" after the jump.

Read more...

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Tags Beck, Dan Black, Kid Cudi, Music, Notorious B.I.G., Robin Thicke, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundtrack Spotlight, The Buried Life's Dave, The Buried Life's Michelle, Video

Every week on "World of Jenks," we step out of our comfort zones and spend the night in someone else's shoes. Thanks to Andrew (and his omnipresent camera crew), we've gotten a fly-on-the-wall look at everything from autism to activism, and a newfound respect for that which we don't understand. And since this is a show about opening our eyes and pushing past our boundaries, it's only fitting that the soundtrack would force us to stop, listen and question everything we thought we knew about music.

Case in point, U.K. imports Mumford & Sons. Sure, they call themselves folk rockers (y'know, like Simon & Garfunkel), but these guys are nothing like the old timers gathering dust in your parents' vinyl collection. For starters, they're young (i.e., early to mid-20s), they like to dress up (think Fall Out Boy, only British), and, most refreshing of all, they've all got serious talent. Soundwise, they remind us of Dispatch--a freshman year rite of passage--but with more of a bluegrass flavor (and none of that nasty, behind-the-scenes breakup biz). Plus, unlike some overly auto-tuned pop stars we know, all four band members can sing AND play an instrument, and they'd sooner die than be caught lip-synching on "SNL."

Even better? While they're not doing this for the fame (they just like making awesome music, OK??), it looks as though Mumford & Sons are starting to get some well-earned recognition. Their catchy, acoustic-heavy single, "Little Lion Man," (off their 2009 debut EP, Sigh No More), is currently No. 1 on Billboard's Alternative Song Chart (though you might remember it from the "WOJ" promos), and they've had tracks on "Grey's Anatomy" (love) and "Lone Star" (R.I.P).

So forget what you think you know about folk music and give these guys a shot by checking out their official website and watching the "Little Lion Man" music video below. Oh, and don't blame us if Mumford & Sons make you a convert. (For the record, we've heard Simon & Garfunkel and, well, your parents might be on to something.)

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Tags Dispatch, Fall Out Boy, Grey's Anatomy, Lone Star, Mumford & Sons, Music, Saturday Night Live, Simon & Garfunkel, Soundtrack Spotlight, Video

Photo by Russell Dreyer

What has (intermittently) red hair, blue eyes and pipes like Avril Lavigne? That'd be 24-year-old superstar-in-training, Ally Burnett (or Ally Cupcake, as she was known to her fans up until earlier this month). Born in San Diego, California, Ally grew up idolizing acts like Queen, Green Day and Blink 182, and knew she wanted to be a professional singer by the time she was four years old. So, natch, she did what any preternaturally motivated preteen would do: She signed up for voice lessons, discovered a secret knack for songwriting and bounced around a few power pop groups (e.g., The Soundtrack) before breaking off on her own (and rechristening herself Ally Cupcake) in 2009.

Unfortunately, when you're a (smokin' hot!) girl trying to make it in the mostly male-dominated world of music, life isn't always sweet. As an up-and-coming artist, Ally's had to deal with countless comparisons to Paramore's Hayley Williams (y'know, rock's OTHER über-talented redhead). "I really like and respect [Hayley]," Ally 'splained to LushBeat.com, "[but] I don’t think it’s fair to put all female artists in the same category...believe it or not, we are not all the same." (Well said, lady!)

The good news? Ally's finally starting to come into her own. In the last two years, she's recorded her debut EP (Talk of the Town) and landed tracks on "Paris Hilton's My New BFF 2" (a show she actually auditioned for herself!), as well as two songs on this season's "Jersey Shore." And despite ditching the Cupcake moniker (an old childhood nickname) and trying out life as a brunette, Ally swears she won't disappoint fans by trying to be something she's not. ("I’m not going to start making metal or dressing like Lady Gaga," she pledged on MySpace. "Make no mistake, I'm still the same artist.")

Next up for the sassy (and oft-tattooed) singer? Promoting her new EP, The Takeover (produced by Rob Freeman) and getting props for her work on "The Seven" (yep, that's Ally's voice rockin' out on the theme song). Hear her tear it up on the show opener below (pssst, you can download the full track on iTunes!), then check out Ally's music on MySpace and become her BTF (OMFG!) on Twitter.

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Tags Ally Burnett, Ally Cupcake, Blink-182, Green Day, Hayley Williams, Lady Gaga, Paramore, Queen, Rob Freeman, Soundtrack Spotlight

Feeling down? Step away from the chirpy-cheerful Katy Perry (Eeeooeeeoooeeoo!) and allow us to suggest the perfect non-peppy pick-me-up. Yep, despite what the radio gods may tell you, not all pop songs were created equal, and--depending on your mood swing--your road to recovery may lie in something of the indie-rock (read: less incessantly upbeat) variety. Our prescription? Take four to five Kissaway Trail songs and call us in the morning.

Wait, you're not familiar with the Scandinavian supergroup? Well, if you've been watching "Teen Mom," you've already gotten a taste of what the Arcade Fire-esque alt rockers can do. Known (mostly in the U.K.) for their soft acoustics and high-pitched harmonies, The Kissaway Trail (who got their start as The Isles), have contributed two tracks--"Enemy" and "Three Million Hours"--to the show's Season 2 soundtrack.

But don't let those dreamy, Modest Mouse-ian melodies fool you: These songs (off their 2010 album, Sleep Mountain), aren't lullabies so much as whispery wakeup calls, with deceptively piercing lyrics, as in the hard-nosed "Enemy" refrain "You have friends, but they're all gone." Which isn't to say they're depressing. In fact, The Kissaway Trail avoids coming off as maudlin, thanks to syncopated drum beats, rousing rhythms and whimsical-but-anthemic tracks (like 2007's "La La Song" and, more recently, "New Year"). Quiet but disarming (and, at times, uplifting), the group's latest LP has the effortless ease of Death Cab's Plans, fading in and out of the background with gently addictive offerings like "Beat Your Heartbeat" and "Painter," and popping out with the peppier, percussion based "SDP."

So check out The Kissaway Trail's official MTV artist bio and MySpace page, look out for upcoming North American tour dates and find out what all the fuss is about by watching the video for "SDP" below.

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Tags Arcade Fire, Death Cab For Cutie, Katy Perry, Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Soundtrack Spotlight, The Kissaway Trail, Video

Wanna get "MADE" into a rock star? Just Kait singer Kaitlyn DiBenedetto knows a little something about that. Born and bred in New Jersey (a.k.a. The State That Springsteen Put On The Map), Kaitlyn borrowed her dad's drumset at age five, picked up her first guitar as a pre-teen and started slappin' da bass ("I Love You, Man," anyone?) before the rest of us had even passed Drivers Ed. By sweet sixteen, her punk pedigree also grew to include songwriting, and she scored her first big break when her song, "U Suck," was chosen as the new (and appropriately named) theme song to MTV's dating disaster series, "Parental Control".

So what makes this girl different from all other aspiring Avrils? That'd be her edge. After you get past Kaitlyn's wholesome, girl-next-door looks (think Amanda Bynes), you'll notice she's actually rockin' some razor-sharp vocals (think Joan Jett). Her femme, Fall Out Boy-style single, "Heart Shaped Bruise" is more Pixies punk than Selena sweet, and her steamy cover of "Hot Stuff" is enough to make Miley Cyrus and the Disney Dream Team blush.

Now at the ripe old age of eighteen, Kaitlyn's already released her first EP, Being On TV (Again), seen her new single, "Sick," tearin' it up on E! and landed a killer track ("Girls World") in "MADE, The Movie" (slow down, girl!). Download her pump-you-up pop anthem for free at MTV.com, plus peep Just Kait's upcoming VMA tour dates, watch the music videos for "Sick" and "U Suck," and then check out the rest of the "MADE, The Movie" soundtrack, below!

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Songs from the "MADE, The Movie" soundtrack:

"C’Mon” -- The Soft Pack (Theme Song)
"My Friends" --  The Franks
"Fascination Girl” -- Tha Vill
"Getting By" --  The Robotanists
"Faces In The Dark” --  Generationals
"Won't Give In” -- Lovers Electric
"Cryin' Shame" -- Happy Problems
"Bad Luck Charm" -- The Eyeliners
“Ride It” -- Performed by Tha Vill
"Feel Good About It" -- Marching Band
"Blindspot" -- Performed by Darling
“Leather Wings” -- This Will Destroy You
"Is It Over" --  Lovers Electric
“Young Pioneers” -- Uncut
“Night Stroll” -- Moonlit Sailor
“Show You Mine” -- Alyx
“Original” -- Big In Japan
"Stacking Up Reasons" -- Buildings Breeding
"Girl's World" -- Just Kait
“Float” -- Sissy Wish

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Tags Amanda Bynes, Avril Lavigne, Bruce Springsteen, Fall Out Boy, Joan Jett, Just Kait, Kaitlyn DiBenedetto, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Soundtrack Spotlight, The Pixies, Video

How do you pick a theme song for a show named "If You Really Knew Me"? Truth is, it's not easy. First you have to consider everything "IYRKM" stands for, namely opening up, having a heart and realizing it's never too late to see yourself (and those around you) through fresh eyes. It's a show about shrugging off misconceptions and embracing the power of positive change, a show about reinvention and reserving judgment. More important, it's a show about waking up one day and realizing that everyone has a story to tell, so it deserves a monster lead-in like Theft's "Never Be The Same."

So who's behind it? That'd be songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Matt McCartie, who bounced around in several bands (most notably, Driver Eight) before finding his stride with Theft. No stranger to MTV, Theft recorded "Fireworks Explode" (about a friend's tragic brain injury) for an episode of "True Life" and had "Breathing Underwater" picked up as the theme song for DJ AM's "Gone Too Far." Although his style (Beatles-inspired, with a punch) draws comparisons to U.K. imports Coldplay and Oasis, McCartie's latest tracks show off his sharp, playful range and his ability to channel anyone (from Green Day to Kings of Leon), depending on his whim.

Back now with "Never Be The Same," McCartie once again proves himself to be a skillful storyteller, with loud, lilting vocals and a knack for narrative edge. Watch this extra-special video vershe of the "If You Really Knew Me" theme song (paired with memorable moments from the show), and let Theft take you to a world where emotions run high -- and every day's a new beginning.

+ Wanna hear more? Scope out Theft's full MTV artist bio, plus find The Band McCartie Built on Facebook and MySpace (or check 'em out on the red carpet)!

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Tags Coldplay, DJ AM, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Matt McCartie, Oasis, Soundtrack Spotlight, Theft, Video

Ever dreamed of forming a band with your five best friends? Well, while most of us were playing "Rock Band" and wondering what if?, the six southerners from The Rocketboys actually made it happen. Their secret to success? Drive, determination and the kinda can't-fake-it closeness you only get from sharing too-small tour buses (and playing packed venues) with kids you've known since junior high. 'Course, their talent didn't hurt either.

Last night, you heard several of The Rocketboys' relationship-themed singles on "Teen Mom," including "Endings" (an ode to lovers not quite left behind) and "As People Often Do" (a song about not trusting the one you love). So where exactly did these sensitive types come from? Well, the college buds-turned-indie rockers all hail from the small town of Abilene, Texas, but they didn't start making music together until late 2005. Soon after, they started playing local music festivals (under the name Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys) and quickly established themselves as rising stars. Within a few years, the guys had shortened their name, put out two EPs (and two live DVDs) and burst out of the local scene with their Radiohead-like rhythms and killer sets at Austin City Limits, SXSW and CMJ.

Since then, The Rocketboys have left Abilene for Austin, where they've proved they're anything but small town. In 2009, the guys hit the mainstream with their full-length debut, 20,000 Guests, and saw their lilting, drum-based melodies pop up on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," "The Real World" and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Hear more about the group by going to The Rocketboys' MySpace page, reading their MTV artist bio and fanning them on Facebook.

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Tags Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys, Radiohead, Soundtrack Spotlight, The Rocketboys