Beats for Beginners

Take an '80s synth plus drum machine base and top it with a bit of psychedelia and classic pop and you're close to the sweet electronic sound of Beats for Beginners, the Manchester, England group formed by leader Mike TV. After being discovered by Mint Royale member Neil Claxton, the band was signed to Claxton's Faith & Hope label in 2003. They released the "Kill All DJ's" single that year and followed it up in 2004 with their full-length debut Don't Fly into the Sun. Mike TV also collaborates with the Doves' keyboard player Martin Rebelski for the side project Stickers on Keys. ~ David Jeffries