We Started Nothing

We Started Nothing is the debut studio album by British duo The Ting Tings, released in May 2008. Emerging from the vibrant Salford arts scene, the duo (Katie White and Jules De Martino) moved away from their previous pop ventures to create a sound that was intentionally more raw and rhythmic. The album is a cornerstone of the 'indie-sleaze' movement, characterized by its fusion of dance-punk, new wave, and minimalist pop. Its success was propelled by the massive commercial impact of singles like 'That's Not My Name' and 'Shut Up and Let Me Go,' which became ubiquitous in film, television, and advertising. Sonically, the record is notable for its 'less is more' approach, often featuring little more than a drum machine, a scratchy electric guitar, and White's distinctive chanting vocals. While it was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart, it also maintained a level of critical 'cool' due to its art-school aesthetic and punk-adjacent attitude.