MTV Firsts: Country, Rock, Rap, and Reality
Who was the first rap artist on MTV? What about country? And was there metal before Headbangers Ball?
Who was the first rap artist on MTV? What about country? And was there metal before Headbangers Ball?
MTV itself launched in 1981 as a 24-hour channel dedicated to music videos. MTV soon began branching out into news and specialty shows. In 1986, MTV launched 120 Minutes, a show focusing on more cutting-edge or “alternative” music. This meant bands like Husker Du, the Replacements, Jeff Buckley, Sonic Youth, Belly, and New Order instead…
Looking back today, we see that more than a few budding filmmakers started their careers directing music videos. At the same time, as MTV’s popularity grew, some established filmmakers wound up directing music videos, lending their style to the format. Either way, there are many, many examples of these collaborations. Below are five music videos…
Watch MTV’s first four hours (from Aug. 1, 1981) in their entirely.
This month MTV celebrated its 40th anniversary, and we’re taking a whole weekend to celebrate and re-live some choice musical memories.
‘Private Space’ from Durand Jones & the Indications is our Album of the Week.
Thirty years ago today, Nirvana filmed the video for their song “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
This giveaway is complete, but you can still enter to win tickets on our 105 Day of Summer page!
Are you a young band or musician in northern Colorado creating original music? Don’t miss this amazing free opportunity!
Taking a deep dive into Nanci Griffith’s music catalog is always rewarding. To get you started, we’ve gathered 6 standout songs.
Neal Francis is currently on tour with the Black Pumas, and they stopped in Denver for two sold-out nights (Aug. 11-12) at the Mission Ballroom. Both Francis and the Pumas are phenomenal to see live, full of enthusiasm and energy. We caught them on Aug. 11, and Neal’s team graciously shared some photos from…
The Velveteers debuted a video this week for their new song “Motel #27.” The song is from their upcoming album Nightmare Daydream, due out Oct. 8. Nightmare Daydream is produced by Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) and will be released on Auerbach’s label, Easy Eye Sound. “I instantly dug them,” says Auerbach. “They’re amazing…