Get up to speed about the Myspace music scene!

With the rapid growth of Myspace and its music-driven scene since the site's creation several years ago, many bands have risen to prominence via the online world of social networking. Some of these bands, like Vampire Weekend, are probably familiar to University students. But what is perhaps more surprising is that it almost seems that a whole new genre of music -- a combination of electro, techno, glam, punk, and, at times, even hip-hop and screamo -- has gained in popularity online. Indeed, the social networking site Myspace has played a significant role in the development and evolution of bands like Hollywood Undead and 3oh!3, two groups that -- though starting in relative obscurity -- have since gathered a cultish following of Myspace-goers and even University students who think they're hip ... but actually are more like 30 seconds behind the ever-changing music scene. Because of this appaling trend (University students not knowing about the next "big thing" until there is another "big thing"), tableau feels the need to introduce the unitiated to several of these genre-crossing groups, the aforementioned ones included. We like catching you up (most of these groups either released albums in 2007 or 2008). As a forewarning -- these bands are unabashedly commercial -- but they probably don't give a $#@$ about that fact.

1) Hollywood Undead - a sick-nasty hip-hop + alternative + anti-pop band that is completely self-aware of its brazen, over-the-top act (actually a common theme of the remaining groups, too).



2) 3oh!3 - Really, we shouldn't have to promote this group. You SHOULD already know about this Denver-based band. But ... sadly ... most University students just figured out why tableau has been singing the praises of "doing the Helen Keller and talking with your hips" since like forever ago.



3) Breathe Carolina - OK, so they're uber-commercial. And they covered a Miley Cyrus song. But they probably are the most popular screamo-punk-electro act on Myspace, and for that reason have to be included on this list.



4) Jeffree Star - Not knowing about Jeffree is like not knowing about Perez. Seriously. Completely self-created, this personality (no other word really fits) dabbles in music, too.



5) Electric Valentine - More electro-dance-oriented than other groups on this list, Electric Valentine is gaining in popularity as we speak (or type?). Also check out their cover of "Two of Hearts."



6) Brokencyde - There must be something about Colorado that helps create groups like the ones here. That, or it's the "high" mountain air. In any case, think 3oh!3 + Breathe Carolina -- and ignore their cover of "Low."



7) Blood on the Dance Floor - We don't know if this group has exited -- or will ever exit -- puberty. Their smutty lyrics don't suggest it -- but we don't mind. Do you?



8) Kill Paradise - This solo project of a 23-year-old is gaining online steam. Probably not as polished as other acts, but it certaintly fits the mold.