Tag Archives: Martin Solveig

VMA Nominee Avicii Tapped To Open Madonna Yankee Stadium Shows

Posted on by

You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours: in front of 50,000 people. That seems to be the message in an announcement on Wednesday (September 5) by Madonna that 22-year-old Swedish producer/DJ/remixer and 2012 MTV Video Music Awards nominee Avicii will open for her on Thursday and Saturday at New York‘s iconic Yankee Stadium.

“She showed up and supported us, and this is my way of showing up and supporting her,” said Avicii in a statement about his chance to pay the pop icon back for her surprise appearance 
 at his headlining gig at Ultra Fest earlier this year. Avicii, who is up for Best Electronic Dance Music Video at tomorrow’s 2012 VMAs will open the MDNA shows and then get back to work on his recently-announced tour with a date on September 10 at the Turning Stone Events Center in Verona, New York.

On his outing, Avicii will play a pair of historic shows at New York‘s Radio City Music Hall, where he will become the first EDM act to ever plug in on the venue’s hallowed stage. In fact, the second show (September 26) was added after the initial September 27 date sold out in two minutes.

Avicii may get some time to shine on Thursday before warming up the stage for Madge when he goes up against Skrillex, Duck Sauce, Martin Solveig and show DJ Calvin Harris in the Best Electronic Dance Music Video category at the VMAs. His offering, the “Office Space“-like dance explosion clip for the breakthrough hit “Le7els” faces some stiff competition, but the DJ told MTV News
 he loved the finished product.

“It turned out really well from first getting the treatment from you … I really liked how it turned out,” the shy party-starter said about the concept. “It really captured what they were gonna do with it.”

The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards are set to go live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. But before it all goes down, don’t miss our “Jersey Shore” special “Gym, Tan, Look Back” at 6 p.m. and our pre-show with Demi Lovato at 7 p.m.! And head over to VMA.MTV.com to vote on Best New Artist and Most Share-Worthy Video!

Avicii Takes Us Behind VMA-Nominated ‘Le7els’ Video

Posted on by

When it came to making the VMA-nominated
 clip for his breakthrough hit “Le7els,” Swedish DJ/producer Avicii just wanted to have some fun.

Competing against clips by Skrillex, Duck Sauce, Calvin Harris and Martin Solveig in the Best Electronic Dance Music Video category at the September 6 2012 Video Music Awards, Avicii’s clip is definitely one of the most irreverent of the bunch.

“It turned out really well from first getting the treatment from you … I really liked how it turned out,” the shy party-starter told MTV News about when he received the concept for the video from manager/executive producer Ash Pournouri. “It really captured what they were gonna do with it.”

What director Petro (Ellie Goulding, Girls Aloud, TV On the Radio) did with it was create a fun “Office Space“-like mini-movie that goes in directions you would never imagine.

It starts off as the tale of a bored office worker toiling in gray, paper-pushing drudgery, then quickly escalates into a torso-jerking cubicle rebellion as the beat takes over. Sick of working for the man, the clip’s hero pops and locks his way across his officemates’ desks before getting tasered into an alternate universe where he is transformed into Sisyphus pushing that big rock up a mountain to the strains of the song’s signature Etta James sample.

It’s unclear why that flower grows out of his mouth as he lays in a hospital bed, but its strange magic infects the orderlies, who join him in surrendering to the tune’s rubbery groove.

“I think that overall it’s not taking anything too seriously, that’s what I like about the video,” said Pournouri. “That’s how we work. It follows that line of doing everything for fun.”

The 2012 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Head to VMA.MTV.com now through August 24 to vote for your favorites, or text BNA to 22444 (message and data rates may apply) to vote for Best New Artist all the way through the show!

Avicii To Play First-Ever EDM Show At Radio City Music Hall

Posted on by

After wowing crowds at Lollapalooza, DJ/producer Avicii is about to make history with his upcoming tour. The 22-year-old Swedish wunderkind best known for his smash hit “Le7els” will become the first EDM act to headline at New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall when he sets up his gear there on September 27.

His upcoming North American tour will kick off on August 31 with two nights in Las Vegas, one at the Marquee Night Club and another the following day at Marquee Day Club. From there he’ll play a mix of large theaters, colleges and coliseums, hitting venues in Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta and wrapping up with an October 12 date at the Austin City Limits Festival in Austin, Texas.

With EDM artists such as Skrillex and Deadmau5 proving that the genre has graduated to the big rooms usually reserved for rock and pop’s biggest stars, Avicii is just the latest electronic dance act to make the jump to playing storied venues like Radio City. Just last month, Kaskade broke the seal on Los Angeles‘ Staples Center when he played a sold-out gig at the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and, in just a few weeks, MTV 2012 Video Music Awards.

Speaking of the VMA‘s, Avicii
 will be facing off against Calvin Harris, Duck Sauce, Martin Solveig and Skrillex in the brand new Best Electronic Dance Music Video category at this year’s show.

Avicii tour dates:
»8/31 – Las Vegas NV @ Marquee Night Club
»9/1 — Las Vegas, NV @ Marquee Day Club
»9/02 — Miami, FL @ Mansion
»9/5 — Windson, ON @ Riverfront Festival Waterfront Plaza
»9/7 — Waterloo, ON @ Revolution
»9/10 — Verona, NY @ Turning Stone Events Centre
»9/12 — Philadelphia, PA @ Temple University at Liacouras Centre
»9/13 — Birmingham, NY @ Broome County Arena
»9/1 — Los Angeles, CA @ Santa Monica Civic
»9/14 — Las Vegas, NV @ XS
»9/15 — Las Vegas, NV @ Encore Beach
»9/15 — Los Angeles, CA @ Santa Monica Civic
»9/20 — Morgantown, WV @ West Virginia University- Coliseum
»9/21 — Baltimore, MD @ Johns Hopkins University
»9/27 — New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
»9/28 — Atlanta, GA @ Counterpoint Music Festival
»9/29 — Las Vegas, NV @ Marquee Nightclub
»9/30 — Lewisburg, PA @ Bucknell University
»10/12: Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits

Madonna Filming ‘Turn Up The Radio’ Video In Rome?

Posted on by

Madonna went cheerleader chic in her “Give Me All Your Luvin’ ” video. Then she recalled her “Erotica” days for the “Girl Gone Wild” video. Now, it seems she might be living La Dolce Vita in her “Turn Up the Radio” clip.

Rumor has it that the singer will film the video on Sunday in Rome, under the direction of her “Give It 2 Me” music video director, Tom Munro. Oh No They Didn’t further reports that the shoot may take place at the Rome Forum. “Turn Up the Radio” was announced as her next MDNA single back in April.

A rep for the singer had not responded to MTV News’ request for comment by press time.

Currently she’s in between shows on her MDNA Tour, having just performed in Istanbul on Thursday and gearing up to play in Rome at the Olympic Stadium on June 12.

The tour kicked off on May 31 in Tel Aviv, Israel, and will continue to travel all around Europe before heading Stateside in August for several months. Then she’ll take the tour to South America in November for a handful of dates. The trek ends in December.

Although no details have been confirmed about the video, “Turn Up the Radio” producer Martin Solveig told us recently there are “no limits” to what the pair can do.

“We were working with no limits. I think the only thing that she said when we started was, ‘I just want people to be able to dance to my music and connect easily with my music,’ and also probably to take some risks at some point,” Solveig said. “Other than this, it was open to any kind of experimentation.”

Fifty Shades Of Fun.? Rockers Tease Movie Awards Set

Posted on by

When Fun. are joined by Janelle Monáe on the stage at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards tonight to perform their inescapable hit song “We Are Young,” fans will be treated to a set that has lots of red.

While no one really knows what that means until show day, the look seems reminiscent of another inescapable pop-culture phenomenon “Fifty Shades of Grey.” So when MTV News caught up with the guys at rehearsals for tonight’s show, we wanted to know if the erotic book trilogy had any influence over the look of the performance.

“Let’s just say ‘yes,’ ” lead singer Nate Ruess laughed, even though the books clearly had nothing to do with their performance.

Guitarist Jack Antonoff added that there was another pop-culture influence. “That and the Billy Joel song ‘Shades of Grey,’ ” he teased. “Those two things together.”

Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Dost kept the joke going: “It’s inspired by ‘The Shining,’ ” he said. “Red room, red room.”

All joking aside, the guys are ready to introduce their live theatrics to an audience that largely knows them from their radio mega-hit “We Are Young.” “Anyone who just heard it on the radio and hasn’t seen us play it, that’s the only goal is to just physically perform it the way it’s meant to be interpreted,” Antonoff said. “Which is pretty dramatic.”

Tonight’s performance is just another feather in Fun.’s cap. It’s been a huge year for the guys, thanks to the power of “We Are Young,” which seemed to take over the world this year. “I think that it’s gonna be really exciting. This is kind of like a snowball effect,” Ruess said. “And the snowball is very large at this point.”

“It’s a piece of all that craziness, that’s for sure,” Antonoff continued. “I think you can say the Movie Awards are a real good extension of what it’s been like, just a lot of really crazy stuff and then you put it all together and it makes that whole wild experience.”

Want to know what happens when Fun. take the stage tonight? You’ll tune have to tune in to the MTV Movie Awards, hosted by Russell Brand and also featuring performances from the Black Keys, Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa. It all goes down at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, at 9 p.m. ET/PT tonight.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to cast your vote for Best Hero and Best Movie now! The “Movie Awards Punk’d Pre-Party” starts at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the 21st annual MTV Movie Awards live tonight at 9 p.m. ET!

Black Keys: Best Kiss Experts At The Movie Awards?

Posted on by

UNIVERSAL CITY, California — The Black Keys will put “Gold on the Ceiling” when they take the stage at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards tonight. So what should fans of the Ohio rockers expect when they storm the show?

“Well, without spoiling it,” Dan Auerbach teased MTV News during rehearsals at the Gibson Amphitheatre in L.A. But, unfortunately for fans, MTV News had to censor his answer so we wouldn’t ruin the big surprise.

In addition to performing, the guys will also get to chill out with some of the biggest stars on the planet, a concept Patrick Carney said really puts him at ease. “We feel really comfortable in these environments,” he joked. “You might not know this, but we were child stars.”

While the performance should make some headlines, so will whichever lucky couple nabs the highly coveted Best Kiss prize. When asked if they would be voting for Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson‘s smooch in “Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” the guys didn’t yet know which make-out session deserved their vote.

“I’m so worried about how we’re going to vote for Best Kiss,” Carney teased.

To see what the guys weren’t allowed to tell you, you’ll have to tune in to the big show tonight, which will also feature performances from Fun., Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa. It all goes down at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to cast your vote for Best Hero and Best Movie now! The “Movie Awards Punk’d Pre-Party” starts at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the 21st annual MTV Movie Awards live tonight at 9 p.m. ET!

Kat Graham Takes Us Movie Awards Dress Shopping!

Posted on by

UNIVERSAL CITY, California — Kat Graham will be asking everyone who they’re wearing when she hits the 2012 MTV Movie Awards red carpet this Sunday. The “Vampire Diaries” star and singer has been handpicked to be MTV’s Special Style Correspondent on the red carpet before all the madness kicks off for the main show.

Before Graham hits the carpet at the Gibson Amphitheatre on Sunday, she needs that perfect outfit to wear for the festivities. And she invited MTV News along for a special fitting.

“No pressure! I just have to be very familiar with the designers and the artists and everyone nominated,” she said. “It’s slightly terrifying, but it’s going to be really fun.”

When it comes to her look, she explained that she has a specific philosophy. “I wanted to have something that was different, especially since I’m the fashion correspondent,” she said. “And I want to set a standard.”

One look Kat tried on was black with colored beads and a see-through skirt. “I like it. It’s funky and slightly tame, I think, for me. The feathers are fun and it’s definitely good if you are bored and you want to play around with your outfit, gives you something to do,” she said. “But it might be a little too much.”

She then tried on a multi-colored gladiator-style dress, again with see-through detailing and beads. “I don’t know. You think the armor shoulders are too much? You never know if somebody’s going to attack your shoulders. You have to be ready — anything can happen at the Movie Awards,” she said. “This is not going to work.”

To find out what she does end up wearing, tune in to the pre-show on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV during the “Movie Awards Punk’d Pre-Party.” Graham will join MTV News’ very own Sway Calloway, Josh Horowitz and Jim Cantiello as they chat up all the big stars. The night will also feature a very special new episode of “Punk’d” with pro-pranker Ashton Kutcher pulling fast ones on Drake and Kim Kardashian.

The 2012 MTV Movie Awards, hosted by Russell Brand, will follow at 9 p.m. Featured performers include Fun., the Black Keys, Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET.

Russell Brand To Fart His Way Through MTV Movie Awards?

Posted on by

UNIVERSAL CITY, California — Russell Brand is no novice when it comes to cooking up opening monologues for an MTV awards show. He walks into Sunday’s 2012 MTV Movie Awards having already hosted two VMAs, in 2008 and 2009.

But since the comedian is determined to keep things fresh, he’s concocted a brand-new approach for the Movie Awards, one that viewers might find … unexpected. And dare we say, even a bit smelly.

“I’ve been working on it for some time,” Brand told MTV News about farting or, at least, making fart noises throughout his monologue. (The confession came shortly after he lifted his leg and proceeded to make farting noises during his interview with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz.)

Whether or not Brand ends up using that gaseous opener, fans are guaranteed some off-the-wall antics. In fact, the “Get Him to the Greek” star said he might work his charm on some of the night’s fiercest female attendees, including “Snow White and the Huntsman,” star Charlize Theron.

“Oh my god, she’s amazing, isn’t she? [I met her], and it was embarrassing,” Brand revealed. “I messed it up bad. I met her and didn’t recognize her. I was at a party, and I was looking at birds. She came over and [said] something untoward. And I showed off like an idiot, not recognizing her.

“[Then] I thought, ‘Oh no! I didn’t use any of my moves!’ ” the Movie Awards host recalled. But Brand hopes Sunday’s show will present him with the perfect opportunity to re-introduce himself. “It’s a new day, it’s a new dawn, it’s a new life,” he said. “Is she single?”

To see what Brand has in store, you’ll have to tune in to the big show, which will also feature performances from Fun., the Black Keys, Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa. It all goes down at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET.

Blondie Ambition: Malin Akerman Drops ‘CBGB’ Details

Posted on by

UNIVERSAL CITY, California — Malin Akerman got the chance to flex her rock muscle in the soon-to-be-released “Rock of Ages,” but she didn’t leave those rocker roots on the set of the Adam Shankman-directed flick. She’s getting ready to play legendary Blondie frontwoman and rock icon, Debbie Harry in the flick “CBGB.”

“I actually don’t know if we’re going to sing or lip-sync yet,” Akerman told MTV News during Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week on Friday night, where she was promoting “Rock of Ages.” “It’s a movie about [New York rock club] CBGBs, so it’s all the artists that came through there, that were born there.”

Describing the film as “phenomenal,” she added that she is truly looking forward to bringing Harry to life in the Randall Miller-directed flick, which will also feature “Harry Potter” stars Rupert Grint and Alan Rickman. “I love Debbie Harry,” she gushed.

Speaking of Grint, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2″ is up for a number of awards at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards this Sunday. Want to know if “Potter” will finally take home the Golden Popcorn for Movie of the Year? You’ll have to tune in to the big show, hosted by Russell Brand and featuring performances from Fun., the Black Keys, Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa. It all goes down at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, June 3.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

What Will Celebs Score In The MTV Movie Awards Gift Bag?

Posted on by

One of the best parts about being a celebrity is all the free stuff they get when they hit up splashy award shows, like the MTV Movie Awards taking place Sunday (June 3). And make no mistake, this year’s Movie Awards gift bag is pretty impressive. It even includes one very fancy European getaway!

[ video unavailable on this device ]

Among the gifts featured in the bag is the soundtrack from the MTV Movie Awards nominated “The Hunger Games,” a watch from A-Line, a Logitech keyboard and mouse, movie tickets provided by Moviefone, sneaker-shaped slippers and Valentino sunglasses. But, perhaps, the most intriguing gift is a three-night trip to Spain at a mountain hideaway far from the eyes of the paparazzi.

But before they can claim their gift bags, the stars have to be at the show to see who’s on tap to bring home the Golden Popcorn at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. And you can watch all the action by tuning in to the show this Sunday, with
Russell Brand hosting and featured performances by Fun., The Black Keys, Martin Solveig and Wiz Khalifa. It all goes down at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California at 9 p.m. ET.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

Tags