Think you know everything about music? Name some popular artists from Malaysia, Colombia, or South Korea. Stumped yet?
This week, MTV announced the launch of its new music program and brand, MTV Iggy. The program will promote global music and trends, with content available online, on-air and through social media networks like Facebook and Twitter.
“The launch of MTV Iggy reinforces our commitment to supporting an eclectic mix of artists and further extends our music strategy,” Amy Doyle, the network’s executive in charge of music and talent, said in the official press release from MTV.
MTV Iggy’s first major initiative is their best new band in the world campaign, which features 10 breakthrough acts from countries including the U.K., Australia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea. The winner will be determined by fan votes, announced on November 10th, and will get the opportunity to perform live on the show and receive extra promotion from MTV platforms.
Since we’re still buzzing about Adele’s AMA nominations, we thought it would be fitting to pay tribute some of the other influential artists from across the pond. We loved the list we found of the Ten British Bands That Changed the World, as put together by U.K. blog The Daily Dust. Here are just a few of the bands that made the cut:
Led Zeppelin
Arguably the greatest rock band ever to have graced the planet, there is something undoubtedly special even today about the incredible drumming of the late John Bonham, the pounding bass of John-Paul Jones, the mesmeric guitar playing of Jimmy Page and the unmistakeable voice of Robert Plant. They were the biggest band in the world in the 1970s and, through refusing to release singles, they pioneered the concept of album-orientated rock.The Beatles
The Fab Four from Liverpool were probably the first British band to achieve global domination, and with over a billion international record sales, they are clearly one of the most commercially and critically successful groups ever. Their music and fashion sense were both worldwide trend setters, and the ‘Beatlemania’ that followed them around propelled John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr to the status of everlasting international megastars. Despite half of them no longer being with us, they are still a huge draw, and still pull a huge influence on pop culture. They even topped Billboard magazine’s list of top-selling artists released to celebrate the chart’s 50th anniversary.
The Rolling Stones
The Stones were the other part of the 1960s Brit invasion of America along with The Beatles, and again were immensely successful. They also feature perhaps the best and most consistent songwriting team in the form of singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, a combination that still works today. Thanks to the fact that not too many of their number has passed away, the Stones still tour with a schedule that puts many younger bands to shame and, if they ever do die, they will be immortalized with great songs like “Brown Sugar”, “Satisfaction”, and “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll”. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, they were voted the fourth Greatest Artist of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004.
Oasis
The mid 1990s was a great time to be a British music fan, because Brit-pop had infected the world headed by its two leading lights – Blur and Oasis – and it is the latter who get to represent that time period here. While the critics may pick Damon Alburn’s Blur every time, Oasis are without doubt the bigger draw, and the more interesting band, mainly due to testosterone-fueled Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel. If you look past the tabloid stories, you realize what superb songwriters they are, and with hits like “Wonderwall”, “Champagne Supernova”, and “Live Forever”, it is no surprise that they have sold over 60 million records globally. Their third release “Be Here Now” is the fastest-selling album in British music history, and they still draw a huge following.
We think it’s about time MTV spent a bit more time on music rather than another season of Jersey Shore. Moreover, as new ways of discovering and sharing music pop up, it’s only fitting that international music be easier to find. Check out the MTV Iggy website at http://www.mtviggy.com/ and who knows – maybe you’ll find the next up-and-coming artist before anyone else.
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Suzy S.