With Grammy nod, the Ting Tings feel like winners

In this Dec. 5, 2009 file photo, Jules De Martino, left, and Katie White, of The Ting Tings arrive to KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2009 in Los Angeles.(AP Photo)

It all started in a bedroom in Manchester, England. Undeterred by the sound of nearby construction wafting through the window, Katie White and Jules de Martino were poised to make a do-it-yourself record, not knowing, or caring, what would come of their sonic potential.

That was in 2008. Two years later, the British pop duo, who named themselves The Ting Tings, have gone from virtual obscurity to global pop stars.

Their debut record, "We Started Nothing," shoved the pair into the limelight with the hit singles "That's Not My Name," and "Shut Up and Let Me Go."

"Our whole lives have changed," said White, 26, the duo's lead singer. "We were so carefree, and it's changed so much. Our music has gone around the world."

"That's Not My Name" peaked at 39 on The Billboard Hot 100 chart but is omnipresent. The track saturated the media, having been heard on TV shows like "90210" and "Saturday Night Live" and in other campaigns.

The success of the contagious tune fueled their best new artist Grammy nomination.

"It's danceable, it's poppy, and it's not too slick," Endelman said of the tracks. "It has a homemade quality that people like."

Michael Endelman, senior editor at Rolling Stone, said their populist and commercial appeal is in line with the Grammys' ethos.

"The Grammys like to reward people who they think will have future success in a big, mainstream sort of way," he said.

While The Ting Tings do not expect to win the category — their competition is MGMT, the Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson and the Silversun Pickups — the nomination itself is thrilling.

"I think we've won by being nominated," said backup singer and drummer, Jules de Martino, 33. "It's kind of humbling real