MTV reboots Unplugged with Cody Simpson and G Flip

MTV Australia has launched an at-home edition of its popular Unplugged franchise.

The iconic music brand, which has hosted some of the world’s biggest acts, will bring Australian musicians and their fans together during isolation.

It’s another welcomed example of how media can support local artists during the pandemic, and follows initiatives by Foxtel-owned much channels and the Hit Network’s Ash London.

MTV Unplugged at Home launched on Friday (May 1) with singer-songwriter Cody Simpson, who performed three acoustic songs from his Los Angeles base.

Performances will be streamed on the network’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and website, with repeats to air on Foxtel and Fetch.

Multi-instrumentalist G Flip will perform this Friday (May 8), with more acts to be revealed soon.

“We’re thrilled to be able to kick off Australia’s local Unplugged at Home series with Cody Simpson’s set, followed by G Flip this Friday,” said Simon Bates, the network’s regional boss.

“It’s just the first of a number of initiatives we have planned to showcase Australian music to MTV’s global audience during COVID-19,” Bates told TMN on Saturday.

The new series coincides with the #AloneTogether campaign, a global initiative from MTV to educate young people on the importance of social distancing.

MTV Australia rebooted the Grammy and Emmy award-winning Unplugged series in 2018 with Gang Of Youths, filmed in front of a live audience at Melbourne’s Cobblestone Pavilion.

Unplugged performances from Amy Shark, DMA’S, The Rubens and Courtney Barnett followed.