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The Big Pink was formed just a few years ago by long-time friends and multi-instrumentalists Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell. Drop Dead Gorgeous follows up their critically acclaimed debut album with single “Two Birds, One Stone,” off sophomore release Hot N’Heavy. After his band Ladyfuzz broke up, Benjamin Esser decided to go it alone with his aptly titled solo project Esser. Hip-hop artist, and obviously Spike Lee fan, Mo Betta’ Blues hails from Brooklyn, New York. Created in 2007, hip hop group Young Problemz brings their music from deep in heart of Texas.

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Polls are closed and voters have spoken. Hip-hop duo Inverse is your Freshmen winner and their video will be added to on-air rotation. (Although Aimee Allen gave them a run for their money until the very end.) I want to wish both of these gentlemen a hearty congrats for navigating both the competition and the comments section with style and grace. Again all, my opinion is just one of many. You’re welcome to agree or disagree, but I really urge you to take the time to educate all of us on why you like the music. Have a Happy 4th of July and I’ll see you back here bright and early Monday morning for a new round. (more…)

Working with Linda Perry of 4 Non-Blondes, being covered by Tila Tequila and making the Hairspray soundtrack are just a few standouts in the career of long-time singer/songwriter Aimee Allen. IAMX is the over-the-top enigmatic persona of musician Chris Corner’s solo project. Composed of emcees Tunji and Toby, Inverse is another hip hop duo sharing friendship and a passion for music that transcends all cultural difference. Eugene McGuiness is a musician hailing from Liverpool who released his self-titled debut LP last fall. Full of youthful bravado and based in Los Angeles, hip hop duo New Boyz recently dropped EP Skinny Jeans and a Mic.

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So Black Skeptik takes this week’s Freshmen win, which is sure to make many commentators happy. Well, depending on who you are. I will say, Prince Damon has a very loyal fan following. VERY heated debate this week people. I love that so many chimed in, but please do keep in mind that it’s just a song. Just one song. Just one artist. Out of many. Always leave your opinions and if you disagree with myself or the majority, educate us. That tends to work better than merely sniping away. So congrats to Black Skeptik. No, this was not my first pick but none the less I respect the voters. Alright? Alright. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to follow me and mtvU on Twitter for musical updates. Now I’m going to get back to watching Michael Jackson videos. (more…)

All singers, all players of eclectic instruments - Mad Gregs is formed by Jason Golday, Lewis Keller, Devin McNulty, and John Wood. Getting his start in poetry slams, Black Skeptik formed the hip hop group Thought Breakers and has moved on to produce his own solo album. Comprised of Elly Jackson and her co-writer/producer Ben Langmaid, La Roux is a synth-laden tribute to 80s pop. Named after an Ernest Hemingway opus, The Dangerous Summer hails from Maryland and recently released their debut LP Reach for the Sun. Prince “BlkMagic” Damons is currently working on his highly anticipated solo project, “Atmospheric Soul.”

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After two weeks of voting the collective voice has spoken. This Providence takes the Freshmen win and is your favorite Freshmen 5 artist for the summer. (They should send Pete Wentz and Fueled By Ramen a thank you via twitter.) Doubtless this whole group is a great bunch of talented artists so stay tuned to mtvU for future updates and don’t forget to cast in your comments along with your votes. Tell us what you think! Be back on Monday with a new round of Freshmen so happy weekend and listening to all. (more…)

To learn more about Passion Pit, Little Boots, P.O.S., Anjulie, and This Providence, please check out the Freshmen 5 page where you can also vote to see who wins favorite up-and-comer.

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Aw poor Ponytail. C’est la vie. I knew that was a bit of a long shot. I still salute them and support their cause to remain experimental. Congrats to Bambu for taking this week’s round of the Freshmen and being voted into on-air rotation. His outreach work is a value that should be admired and upheld. Let’s all use that as an example. Didn’t hear from many of you in the comments section this week even though your votes were strong. Please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts and opinions. I always really love to see how you’re feeling about the music. Check back in next week where the Freshmen will be represented by our newest crop of Freshmen 5 artists. Truly, they’re all fine picks. Excited to bring them to all of you. Have a great weekend and as always don’t forget to follow me and mtvU on Twitter for updates.
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Originally from the small island of Bornholm between Denmark and Sweden, The River Phoenix have brought their sound to the States with debut album Ritual. Formed over 20 years ago, Dream Theater continues to prove that an old-school metal band will never be out-of-style. Known for their live performances, the quartet Ponytail is an experimental rock band from Baltimore. 23 year old Zee Avi was originally discovered through her YouTube videos and released her self-titled debut LP just last month. Originally an artist with the Native Guns, Bambu brings us his latest full-length solo album Exact Change.

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I make the girls cry, I make the girls cry, I make the girls cry… oh sorry. What’s that? Bree won the Freshmen? That’s swaggeristic! Thanks to all for voting this week. Don’t forget that we also really want to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments section. Never hesitate to let us know what you’re thinking. The Freshmen will be back Monday with a brand-new round of artists that you can vote into on-air rotation. So don’t forget to swing by here after the weekend. Also don’t forget to follow me and mtvU on Twitter for music updates and reminders. Have a good one. (more…)