The Ting Tings

Chances are, you have probably heard some of the British duo The Ting Tings and never even realized it.  Whether it was the appearance of their first single “Great DJ” in the trailer for the now Best Picture “Slumdog Millionaire” or their infectiously groovy “Shut Up and Let Me Go” in an April 2008 iPod commercial (now a staple launch point for emerging artists), The Ting Tings have slowly infiltrated the United States pop scene. (Photo courtesy of bunmun on Flickr)

The Ting Tings perform at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas in 2008.

Composed of Julian de Martino and Katie White, The Ting Tings got their start when the pair met each other in Manchester, England and formed a trio called Dear Eskimo. After “creative differences” with their record label at the time, White and Martino were left scratching their heads and wondering how they would get back into the music game.

So, like any struggling band, they began to throw massive house parties. These mini-gigs started off as a way to have a laugh with friends while testing out new material.  But they soon became legendary around England, drawing large crowds and interest in their unique music.

In 2007, The Ting Tings started to branch out past their living room, finding their way onto the Glastonbury stage and on the often career-making talk show “Later with Jools Holland.”  May 2008 saw the release of their debut album “We Started Nothing,” and shortly after, their single “That’s Not My Name” reach #1 on the UK Singles chart.

“We Started Nothing” is a modern-day dance music gem. White’s sexy, straight-forward vocals (think Lily Allen with a splash of Debbie Harry) and simple guitar riffs combined with Martino’s bass background vocals and drums leave the listener tapping their foot and nodding their head.  Add in playful, catchy lyrics and set it to electric synthesizers and you have the perfect cocktail of funk, punk and sugary sweet pop.

The best songs on “We Started Nothing” include the hysterical “That’s Not My Name,” about White’s frustration with being labeled just another pretty, blond pop star. “Shut Up and Let Me Go” pits White against a former lover who has undoubtedly kissed her lips for the last time, while “Fruit Machine” berates a boy (or perhaps an old record company) for shelling out money instead of love.

After The Ting Tings wrap up their first United States tour in May 2009, they will be making their first appearance at Bonnaroo.  I hope Tennessee has their dancing shoes on! (Photo courtesy of remake_remodel on Flickr)

Katie White of The Ting Tings performs at the BBC Introducing Night in 2008.

Santigold

The first time I heard Brooklyn-based Santigold‘s music, my immediate reaction was: “what is this girl saying?”  While working at a home goods store over the summer, Santigold’s “You’ll Find a Way” came over the loudspeaker; it was a refreshing burst of energy on a daily soundtrack that consisted mostly of 70s disco and 80s pop. (Photo courtesy of Kent, J on Flickr)

Santigold performs at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon in 2008.

Santigold – born Santi White and originally nicknamed Santogold – began her music career as a record company executive and writer/producer for R&B singer Res‘ debut album “How I Do.”  She spent some time fronting the Philadelphia-based punk band, Stiffed, which released a pair of albums in 2003 and 2005.

In late 2007, Santigold began to receive Internet exposure through MySpace for her lead singles “Creator” and “L.E.S. Artistes.” By April 2008, she released her debut album, “Santogold,” to heavy critical praise and modest commercial success. 

In their “Best of 2008” issue, Rolling Stonemagazine listed “L.E.S. Artistes” as the number two single of the year, and “Santogold” as the sixth best album.  If that was not enough recognition, her songs have appeared in Bud Light advertisements, EA Sports games and Ford commercials. 

By February 2009, her public profile was so well-known that the TV-infomercial jewelry company Santo Gold threatened legal action if the singer did not change her name.  Thus, Santogold became Santigold.

Santigold is often compared to friend, collaborator and touring companion M.I.A.(who, coincidentally, played Bonnaroo last year) for her fun lyrics, electronic beats and vocal style. Honestly, at first listen to “Creator,” I thought it was M.I.A.; the main distinction between the two is that M.I.A. is a better producer and beat-maker while Santigold is a much better singer and lyricist. 

Though Santigold does not have the recent commerical success of M.I.A. (you couldn’t go anywhere in the summer of 2008 without hearing “Paper Planes”), her staying power lies in her ability to blur genre lines and redefine what is considered pop music. 

“L.E.S. Artistes” is a modern pop classic that expresses Santigold’s hope that her sacrifices will eventually pay off, while I could see “Say Aha” and “Shove It” playing in clubs across the country. On the other hand, songs like “I’m A Lady” and “Lights Out” show the softer side of Santigold and reveal her vocal range and playful lyrical nature.

The perfect mix of trip-hop, dance, funk and electronica, Santigold will undoubtedly set fire to the Bonnaroo stage come June. Pick up “Santogold” – it’s one of the best, most well-rounded albums I have heard in a long time. (Photo courtesy of Richard aka Dave on Flickr)

Santigold performs at the Roadhouse in Manchester, England in 2008.