Billboard recently explored the world of the 19-year-old musical agenda-setter over at MTV’s newest — and sexiest — show, the stateside incarnation of U.K. phenomenon “Skins.” Now, the newest music supervision player, Matthew “Matt F.X.” Feldman, gives Billboard an inside look at just a few of his favorite song selections from “Skins” U.S. season one.
Q&A: MTV ‘Skins’ 19-Year-Old Music Guru, Matt F.X.
Given the musical legacy of U.K. “Skins,” Feldman’s picks may be popping up elsewhere sooner than later.
Episode 1: “When I’m Small,” Phantogram
“We were looking for something to be absolutely electric and stunning when paired with an entrance like Michelle’s in episode one,” Matt F.X. tells Billboard.com “We got it!”
Episode 1: “Here For You,” Mesita
“Read about this guy on a tiny little blog a few years ago when he was recording everything in his garage with a single mic, playing all the [fuzzy scuzzy] instruments. Still a solo act, but just look how far he’s come!”
Episode 2: “Don’t Forget Me Now,” Mumdance
“Really into what’s going on in the U.K. electronically; with a guy like Mumdance you can pretty much tell right away the song’s 100% British — but the influences are not.”
Episode 2: “Crime Pays,” Bear Hands
“Try not getting this stuck in your head. I dare you.”
Episode 3: “The Beautiful Young Crew,” Lawrence Arabia
“I’ve said this before, but this really might be the most ‘Skins’-esque song, ever. Chorus: ‘We love each other/We hate each other/We’re afraid of each other/Cecause we want to screw each other.'”
Episode 3: “Dead Girls Dance,” Oberhofer
“I’m curious to see how much this guy’ll choose to clean up his sound; regardless, I’m quite certain he’s tapped for big things.”
Episode 4: “It’s Me,” Aquadrop
“One of the first dubstep songs that was able to show me how flexible the genre can be. This song ain’t filthy or dirty, and it certainly doesn’t have the ridiculous beatdrops that the genre is famous for, but I like it just fine.”
Episode 4: “Playtime,” Young Man
“From his fantastic debut EP. Never heard a group of songs about being a little boy that contained both nostalgia and maturity, side by side, at the levels of which Colin is able to do.”
Unaired Episode: “Heart,” Baths
“This song is absolutely gorgeous, and totally heartbreaking. This is a really big moment in the first season, I’d say.”
Unaired Episode: “Lovesick Teenagers,” Bear in Heaven
“Another song with hard-hitting, close-to-home lyrics. Shows up at a beach scene as the party’s starting to wind; I think it fits quite nicely.”