I've previously written about both Karmin and Walk Off The Earth using unique covers of popular songs to attract attention. Karmin has taken things to the next level with an appearance on Saturday Night Live featuring their original music and an album on the way.
Plus, Walk Off the Earth recieved over 50 million views for its music video cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know."
I don't know what to think about Karmin's Saturday Night Live performance. They have an odd act. But some people didn't like it and it may have escaped extreme attack due to The Grammys. They introduced new songs "Brokenhearted" and "I Told You So."
Karmin Cover of Foster The People's "Pumped Up Kicks"
Steven Horowitz describes Karmin's next steps after YouTube cover fame:
"Last summer, that online success led to a deal with Epic Records — the first act signed to the label by new chairman/CEO Antonio 'L.A.' Reid. Karmin's major-label debut album, 'Hello,' is due in April and expected to feature contributions from such marquee hitmakers as Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart, Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly. All songs will be originals."
"On Feb. 11, Karmin will perform on 'Saturday Night Live,' becoming only the second act — behind Lana Del Rey, who appeared on the Jan. 14 episode — to perform on the show before the release of its debut since Natalie Imbruglia in 1998."
Whatever the SNL appearance does for Karmin's brand, their biggest problem may be that their covers of hits are much stronger than the hoped for hits they're beginning to release.
Bonus:
Walk Off the Earth's music video cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" has gotten over 50 million YouTube views. Samantha Murphy has a related gallery of singers who made it via YouTube.
More:
Karmin & 2CELLOS: Using Cover Songs To Find Fame And Fortune
Walk Off The Earth Finds Success With Unique Cover Song Videos
Hypebot Features Writer Clyde Smith maintains his freelance writing hub at Flux Research and music industry resources at Music Biz Blogs. To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact:
clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.
