Local New York Bands compete for the title of MTV’s 2009 New York Breakout Artist

Lines left and right filed down the block on Sept. 11, 2009 around The Fillmore at Irving Plaza for the MTV Video Music Awards ’09 Best Breakout NYC Artist competition.

Competing were local bands The Shells, MeTalkPretty and Red Directors. Out of 190 New York City bands, the three were chosen to compete and opened for artists Fefe Dobson and Cobra Starship.

The Shells, a “cosmo country,” band as the describe themselves is an all female trio who gave a live performance with a mix of country, rock and pop. Formed in 2005, members Carrie Welling, Melanie Klaja and Jessica Waltz have played countless shows around the city and definitely earned their slot as one of the three finalists.

I am so excited about this opportunity,” says Welling as quoted in a press release. “We’ve been working so hard for the past four years, and we’re finally putting out our debut album Written Roads. So winning this contest couldn’t have come at a better time!” The Shells performed two songs, one being “Secret.” With a slower vibe, their strong harmonies carried out into the audience as Klaja passionately strummed the guitar.

An entire right side of the audience was seen dedicated to The Shells from chants of encouragement to a plethora of homemade signs held up in support of the band by family and friends. After their set, the band eagerly awaited feedback from MTV’s three all-star judges, two being singer Fefe Dobson and Cobra Starship bassist Alex Suarez. The three judges overlooked the stage from the balcony above as the three bands performed. Each band received both positive and negative criticisms on elements of their performance, from their songs and sound development to stage presence and audience interaction.

Flooded with hardcore fans for headliners Fefe Dobson and Cobra Starship to friends and family of the three local bands alike, the audience was excited and ready for more.

Next to compete was Red Directors. This rock quartet has been together since 2004 and had time to develop their sound. One of the songs performed “Amazing,” was a crowd pleaser. With a chorus consisting of “Whoa/you’re amazing/To me you’re amazing,” singer Trevor Potts definitely got across his point that he thought someone was amazing with the passion that carried in his voice. It was these simple lyrics that got much of the crowd singing along.

MeTalkPretty, a rock-pop band were the last band to perform that evening. The female-fronted band performed two energetic songs that were well received by the crowd. With a positive stage presence and singer Julia Preotu’s whimsical and powerful sounding voice, similar to that of Amy Lee of Evanescence, the band’s sound got the crowd moving along to the song. With pounding drums and guitar riffs, MeTalkPretty have made a unique sound all their own.

After the performances the judges came to a deliberation with both the performers and crowd on the edge of their seat. As all three bands eagerly waited on stage, it was then announced that the MTV Video Music Awards ’09 Best Breakout NYC Artist and winners of exposure on both MTV during the VMAs and on MTV2 was MeTalkPretty.

Although one band won the competition everyone had a great time to perform and enjoy the music.

To finish the show was Cobra Starship. It was evident that many had come to the event for the headliner as die hard fans rushed to the barricade and sang along to every word front man Gabe Saporta sang. Known to bring the party wherever they go, Cobra Starship finished the evening with their hit single “Good Girls Go Bad.”

Overall, the night was a success. With music of every genre under one roof, everyone probably heard a band they wouldn’t have otherwise listened to if they had not attended the event and probably had a great time doing so. The competition and performances were well received and time can only tell how  MTV will top this next year.