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Celeb News: How Florence + The Machine got recognised by the VMAs
Member Since: 12/29/2009
Posts: 5,976
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How Florence + The Machine got recognised by the VMAs
It's a long article and an interesting read, but here's the main part:
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Fast forward a few weeks later when Courtney and I were having dinner at BOA Steakhouse in Los Angeles with an old friend, Van Toffler. Van is President of MTV Networks Music Group. I've known him for about 10 years, from when I was Chief Digital Officer of MTV Networks and we've remained pals ever since. He is a smart, fun, loyal and down-to-earth guy. More importantly, he has a child like passion for music (and movies). Bring up Gov't Mule or Warren Haynes and kiss at least an hour goodbye while he froths at the mouth.
Van Toffler, calls Hirschhorn, Beavis. The two of them talked me into a shot of Patron, which I almost never do. Not that I have a problem expressing myself without a shot, but with one, it was on. I was going in for the kill and wasn't subtle about it. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "You know what I would do if I was president of MTV?" (Courtney starts to crack up knowing my "smooth tendencies".)
Van: "What that's Beavis?" (His nickname for me as he rolled his eyes having heard this from me at least twice a month for years.)
Me: "I would book a relatively unknown (in the U.S.) band to perform on the VMAs. One without a hit yet."
Van: "I assume you have a band in mind, genius?" (Sarcastically, of course)
Me: "Florence + The Machine"
He knew whom the band was and MTV was playing their video a bit. I spent the next few minutes like a preacher spewing the gospel. I swear I heard Courtney continually saying "go tell it" before he detailed his Coachella experience. Van then calmly sent himself an email about it via his Blackberry. That was it for the night.
But this was a mission and I wasn't about to leave it there. I'm not going to lie, for the next few months I tortured Van Toffler. I mean that in the best sense of the word "torture". I called. I emailed. I sent notes. I told other people to call, email and send notes. All in all, well over 50 times. I would end conversations that had nothing to do with it: "What's up with Florence, are we good?" Florence, Florence. Florence.
In May, Van called with some promising news. "I'm going to London in July to see Florence play live. If we dig it, she's on the show." The ball was rolling. He invited me to join him along with MTV's head of music and talent, Amy Doyle, and producer Jesse Ignjatovic but I had plans I couldn't get out of easily. This moron (me) now clearly regrets that decision.
Somerset HouseThe show was set for July 15th in London, her hometown. The band had a sell-out headlining gig at the Somerset House Summer Series. A venue that is not only breathtaking but as the show's promoter, Raye Cosbert (who also happens to be Amy Winehouse's manager), told Van: "...is older than your country."
Van promised that he would email me throughout the show with updates:
* Update 1: "At her show now, miss ya, u should be here"
* Update 2: "A few new songs early. Noel Gallagher next to us."
* Update 3: "Done. When she dances and sings her ass off, it's magical."
The next day I emailed him to say that the song "Dog Days are Over" would be a great one for her to perform on the VMAs. It just so happened it was now being featured in promos for the new USA Network show, Covert Affairs, as well as the movie Eat Pray Love.
He was already ahead of me: "Yes it is, we're booking her today to do that song thanks to you."
Gooooooaaaaaaaalllllllllll!
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Up until now, their debut album, Lungs, has sold about 115,000 copies in the U.S. Her video "Dog Days Are Over" was nominated for four awards, including video of the year.
She recently said: "For this song to be recognized at such an iconic event is a total dream... Dog Days symbolizes apocalyptic euphoria, chaotic freedom and running really, really fast with your eyes closed. I hope to somehow encapsulate those things in my performance."
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. That night, Florence + The Machine will crush it. They will undoubtedly leave the artists and fans attending, as well as those watching, with those chills. It's an important night for the band and they will break in America. When that is done: mission accomplished.
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http://www.businessinsider.com/jason...#ixzz0yYVsX4Kz
Bless this man 
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Member Since: 6/4/2010
Posts: 38,919
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Yassssss
Lungs is an impressive album, and Florence has an amazing voice.
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Member Since: 8/19/2006
Posts: 6,475
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But Florence isn't a band, right? 
Also, I wonder if Muse was booked in a similar way at last year's VMAs...
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Member Since: 6/26/2010
Posts: 28,299
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Florence is solo
The Machine is the band
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Banned
Member Since: 8/23/2010
Posts: 998
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GL to Florence & The Band.
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Member Since: 6/1/2010
Posts: 65,177
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Originally posted by Last Boy on Earth
Florence is solo
The Machine is the band
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So, Florence + The Machine = band? No?
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Member Since: 8/19/2006
Posts: 6,475
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Originally posted by Captain Planet
So, Florence + The Machine = band? No?
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It's weird... Apparently (and this is according to Wikipedia) 'Florence + the Machine' = Florence Welch + her backing band, a rotating group of musicians that play with her. There's no established or consistent 'Machine,' per se. Instead, Florence is the only consistent aspect of 'Florence + the Machine.' Thus, it's debatable whether it's a band name or a solo artist stage name (like Five for Fighting or A Fine Frenzy). I guess it's up to her to decide that... *shrugs*
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Member Since: 5/4/2010
Posts: 2,598
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Quote:
Originally posted by andresg770
It's weird... Apparently (and this is according to Wikipedia) 'Florence + the Machine' = Florence Welch + her backing band, a rotating group of musicians that play with her. There's no established or consistent 'Machine,' per se. Instead, Florence is the only consistent aspect of 'Florence + the Machine.' Thus, it's debatable whether it's a band name or a solo artist stage name (like Five for Fighting or A Fine Frenzy). I guess it's up to her to decide that... *shrugs*
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It's confusing, like Marina and the Diamonds...
But anyways, I'm so glad that even the mainstream is recognising her immense talent 
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Member Since: 6/1/2010
Posts: 65,177
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Quote:
Originally posted by andresg770
It's weird... Apparently (and this is according to Wikipedia) 'Florence + the Machine' = Florence Welch + her backing band, a rotating group of musicians that play with her. There's no established or consistent 'Machine,' per se. Instead, Florence is the only consistent aspect of 'Florence + the Machine.' Thus, it's debatable whether it's a band name or a solo artist stage name (like Five for Fighting or A Fine Frenzy). I guess it's up to her to decide that... *shrugs*
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It's somewhat similar to Sade. The lead singer is named Sade Adu and the backing band is Sweetback. Together they are Sade. However, there have been a few times where Sade has been credited as a group and a solo artist (i.e Grammys, AMAs, etc.). Weird.
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Member Since: 3/1/2010
Posts: 2,962
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I'm glad people are finally giving her the attention she deserves. 
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Member Since: 5/2/2009
Posts: 8,661
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I guess one day Florence plans to go solo under the name Florence Welch or maybe just Florence? And then The Machine can find a new singer and release music as just The Machine? Mr Hudson ditched the Library I suppose.
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