As you may have guessed, the title MKTO derives from the initials of both artists, although the pair have also claimed that it stands for “Misfit Kids and Total Outcasts - just like the kids we were in high school”. In 2010, Malcolm and Tony met each other for the first time whilst filming the Nickelodeon series Gigantic, before joining forces and signing to Columbia Records, on the grounds that the major label advocated longevity in their artists. In January 2013, MKTO released their debut single ‘Thank you’, which gained more than 500,000 views on YouTube within two days of being uploaded, and has now been watched over 11 million times. The catchy single, which portrays the message that we should live our own lives rather than live within the confinements of those around us, peaked at number two on the Australian ARIA singles chart and number seven on the New Zealand top 40 singles chart.
In June 2013, MKTO followed up their initial hit single with ‘Classic’, which charted in Sweden, Canada and the United Kingdom, before opening for the pop, rock and reggae collective Emblem3 on their Summer tour across the USA. The duo’s album ‘MKTO’, which featured their third single ‘God Only Knows’, was released in April 2014, and received a credible reception; it charted at number one on the Australian ARIA albums list and number six in New Zealand, whilst also achieving a respectable 21st position in Sweden.
During the Summer of 2014, MKTO ventured on their first headlining tour - the American Dream Tour - and performed in the likes of Salt Lake City US and Ohio US. Having created such a buzz, Skype recognized MKTO’s talents and recommended the American duo on their Ones to Watch feature, whilst they were also nominated for the Catchiest New Song (‘Classic’) at the Radio Disney Music Awards. Due to their successful yet relatively short life-span, we can expect a lot more to come from Malcolm and Tony.
Formed by singer Malcolm Kelley and rapper Tony Oller, MKTO (do you see what they did there?) are a up and coming duo who have so far released some well received and catchy hits, including 'Classic' – a song that is what its title suggests – and 'Thank You'. The self-titled début album charted in the top 40 in the US but also hit number one in Australia. From listening to just a snippet of their music, it's easy to see why these lads are so popular. Great vocals from MK and consistently well timed rapping from TO creates the perfect combination who know how to cater to the market of modern mainstream music. Performing in the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MKTO rocked onto the stage, Malcolm wearing sunglasses and Tony inevitably wearing a cap, and opened with their energetic number 'Could Be Me'. The duo decided halfway through the song that they would play an air drum kit in unison, and it's antics like this that made them instantly popular with their audience of predominantly females. Screams and cheers followed every song, but the biggest reaction of the night came from the song 'Classic'. Nearly everyone in the room sang along to 100% of the words... Malcolm was barely needed on stage! At the end, Tony brought out a massive, colourful cardboard sign that read 'Baby we're so classic' – a nice touch to a great performance. MKTO ended the gig with a cover of the song 'Royals' and their other big hit 'Thank You', a song that had everyone jumping up and down in time with the beat. The noise was almost overwhelming towards the end as Malcolm knelt down in front of the crowd to sing the final few notes to round off a very lively show.
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