MKTO: The Pop-Rock Duo of the 2010s

MKTO is an American pop and pop-rock duo formed by singer Malcolm Kelley and vocalist Tony Oller. The pair achieved international success in the early 2010s with their self-titled debut album and its chart-topping lead single.

Early career

Malcolm Kelley and Tony Oller first met as actors on the Nickelodeon series "Gigantic" in 2010. Bonding over a shared love of music, they began writing songs together, blending pop melodies with rock and hip-hop influences, and officially formed MKTO in 2012.

Breakthrough

MKTO's breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of their infectious single "Classic." The track became a global hit, reaching the Top 5 on the Australian ARIA chart and achieving multi-platinum certification there, while also charting in several other countries including the United Kingdom.

Key tracks

Classic - This 2013 single served as the duo's massive breakthrough hit, defining their throwback pop-rock sound and earning multi-platinum status internationally.

Thank You - Released as the second single from their debut album, this track further solidified their pop credentials with its upbeat production and catchy chorus.

God Only Knows - Featured on their debut album, this song showcased the duo's ability to craft emotive pop ballads alongside their more energetic singles.

The duo's self-titled debut album, "MKTO," was released in early 2014 via Columbia Records. Following their initial success, MKTO continued to release music, including the 2015 single "Bad Girls," before announcing a hiatus as both members pursued other projects. They later reunited, releasing new music like the 2022 track "How Can I Forget."

Fans of MKTO's upbeat, genre-blending pop might also enjoy the music of Maroon 5 for their similar crossover pop-rock style. The catchy songwriting of One Republic shares a comparable melodic focus. Listeners might also appreciate the energetic pop of The Script, which blends rock elements with mainstream appeal.