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MTV Sucks
By Grant Moser
 When
was the last time you saw a video on MTV? I mean, really.
I think I gave up on it about 10 years ago, and from my
present cursory knowledge, the best thing about it nowadays
is MTV2 - which has some issues of its own. While some friends
point to "Subterranean" as worthy, there's still
not a whole lot of "different" videos being played
anywhere.
Well, luckily enough for the Big Apple, two video shows
are available that are both well worth your time - if you
only even have a passing interest in music.
Cliktrax
Cliktrax is the oldest, so we'll start with it. And when
I say oldest, I mean about six months old. Jen Amadio, the
executive director of the show, decided this past spring
that she was just sick and tired of all the video shows
playing all the same stuff. So she absolutely went in the
other direction, showing videos that you, by all accounts,
won't see anywhere else of new and still up-and-coming bands
such as Moldy Peaches, Ted Leo, The Walkmen, Enon, Black
Heart Procession, Spoon, Enon, French Kicks, and The Rapture.
Originally, the show centered around New York bands, but
has expanded to include acts from across the nation. It
shies away from mainstream bands, but Amadio admits: "If
I like it, I'll play it."
The show is very DIY - in her apartment, on her Apple.
She does go on location around the city to have bands promo
the show, but this year she is evolving the idea a bit more.
She'll have several guest hosts (the first was Carlos from
Interpol two weeks ago, look for the Super Furry Animals
in the near future); interviews with bands (Vietnam is coming
soon); and while there's never a "theme" to each
show (except exciting, new music) this year's programming
will use the New York scene more and more for background.
She loves seeing new music have this outlet. "These
bands are worth it. I enjoy this music and I hope other
people do too. I just want to expose new things."
Cliktrax can be seen on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network
(MNN - Time Warner Channel 56/RCN Channel 108), Sundays
@ 9:30pm or on Brooklyn Community Access TV (BCAT - Time
Warner Channel 56 /Cablevision Channel 69), Saturday/early
Sunday mornings @ 12:30am.
For comments, suggestions, or submissions, contact Cliktrax
at: cliktrax@yahoo.com.
New York Noise
The old city cable network, Crosswalks, has been re-christened
NYC TV and features a raft of new, original programming,
including New York Noise. The hour-long program will play
clips from very well-known artists (Flaming Lips, Sonic
Youth) to emerging bands (Radio 4, Liars, Ted Leo, New Pornographers,
Northern State).
"This is New York-centric: from the city or extremely
closely related. These are videos that aren't getting a
lot of play anywhere else," said Shirley Braha, producer.
"We hope this show will help stimulate the NYC music
industry."
"This is what New York is producing now, and while
new bands will be the focus, older music will be worked
in," explained Seth Unger, executive director of creative
development for NYC TV. Hopefully, Unger said, this will
let people that aren't heavily wrapped up in current music
to find the new energy, see what's out there, and get out
to clubs and participate in the scene. Right now, it will
be strictly videos, but New York Noise hopes to add live
shows and interviews in the future.
New York Noise will air every Saturday night at 11pm on
NYC TV 74, then repeat Sunday at 10pm and Friday at midnight.
The premiere show is October 11.
For information, suggestions, or submissions, visit http://www.nyc.gov/tv
or email sbraha@doitt.nyc.gov.
 
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