Drops of Jupiter

Ryn Weaver: The Edit #3

13:10Millicent Metcalfe

Meet the internet's new 'it' girl. Ryn Weaver. 4 months ago and seemingly from nowhere, a young songstress burst upon the internet like a whirlwind of musical genius. Here's the thing. This 21 year-old pop singer based in New York and Los Angeles, is already taking the music biz by storm. Containing elements of radio worthy pop, her latest clean and catchy track had me listening from the beginning. This current track 'OctaHate' had helping hands on it's initial release back in July, from Passion Pit's frontman Michael Angelakos, Paramore's Hayley Williams, alongside Jessie Ware and the likes of Charli XCX. There's no doubt this track was an instant hit among the masses. Only, make sure you don't call her an overnight success.

Ryn, real name Aryn Wuthrich, provides stunning sultry vocals that are able to shine whilst still enhancing her all-star production cast. Michael Angelakos, Benny Blanco & Cashmere Cat all chipped in for this one and it really does show. "Octahate" gives something new to revel in every time that you hit repeat.

Mesmerizing and versatile, Ryn encaptures everything that a good pop song should. The juxtaposition of the droning harmonies tied with clashing thunderous beats found within the chorus, are definitely to be marvelled. The lyrics tell of heartbreaks and lost romance, also contrasting chirpy, upbeat melodies. When asked about how the song's name came about Ryn replied with: "The reason we originally called the song "OctaHate" is because they used an octatrack. In fact, it was actually first called "Octaloser," as sort of a self-deprecating joke thing. Then we eventually changed it. The idea of "octa" means so many things numerically—it was also about hate, and at the time of writing it I was sort of hating someone."

The music video is also something to show of Ryn's approach to music. 50% opulent and 50% goulish, this pop debut is definitely one to stand out from the crowd. Containing brightly coloured costumes and face paint, the video has various clown/puppet-like appearances. She certainly isn't one to take herself too seriously. I think she's going to have a fun time with whatever she does, and I can't wait to see what she'll do next.

So, Over 2 million soundcloud plays later, this song is still as irresistible, and goddamn addictive since I heard it the first time around.

I suggest you give the track a 'lil whirl. I also really recommend "promises".

Aryn? you're doing fine.

Millie x

edit

10 Reasons this October Will Be All Kinds of Awesome.

12:36Millicent Metcalfe

Got your horrifying Halloween costume? Check! Pumpkin carved so that its teeth vaguely resemble the Manhattan skyline? Check! But what’s that I hear you say? You don't have a mind-meltingly awesome Halloween playlist for your party? You don't have a selection of too-ghoul-for-school music to groove to as you pull on your slutty-Chewbacca outfit? Fear not! As we slowly move further into October, we in turn edge closer to Halloween. Oh, Halloween. Everyone's choice time of trick or treating, total terror, and a terrific selection of tunes.

1. Michael Jackson-Thriller. (1982)

Do I really need to say anything? 'CAUSE THIS IS THRILLERRR!".

2. Time Warp-Rocky Horror Picture. (1975)

Another track, another classic. This trademark song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show is THE perfect party song. It not only makes you want to dance, the song also provides you with the instructions to do it. Avid TV watchers will remember the "The Time Warp" on Glee's tribute to The Rocky Horror Picture Show in late 2010.

3. Rockwell-Somebody's Watching Me. (1984)

Now for the halloween hit that had everybody paranoid. With it's catchy chorus, and creepy lyrics this halloween hit was almost guaranteed. With backing vocals provided by the likes of Michael and Jermaine Jackson, this 80's track is one of the best.

4. Ray Parker Jr.-Ghostbusters. (1984)

Another revered '84 track, and a firm family favourite. The theme song from the phenomenally successful movie Ghostbusters, the track was written like an advertising jingle for the ghostbusting business. Suitable for all ages, "Ghostbusters" isn't scary, it's fun. This hit is certain to get everyone shouting along "Ghostbusters!" no matter the time or place.

So, who ya gonna call?

5. Don't Fear the Reaper-Blue Oyster Cult. (1976)

An ageless mid-tempo rock classic, perfect for your Halloween party playlist. This next track may be a little lengthy, but by god it's worth it. Filled with magnificent hooks and riffs perfect for sinking your fangs into.

6. Monster Mash-Bobby Pickett. (1962)

Probably one of Halloween's most synonymous songs. Its uniquely upbeat tune is a much needed change for the spooky celebration, "Monster Mash" is THE Halloween song for those who grew up in the early rock 'n roll era, and this faux-frankenstein tune being a cult classic for many Halloween lovers too.

7. Ramones-Pet Sematary. (1989)

Punk legends the Ramones recorded "Pet Sematary" for the movie of the same name based on a novel by Stephen King in 1989. One of my favourites all year round, it seems especially fitting at Halloween.

8. Werewolves of London-Warren Zevon. (1978)

Possibly one of my favourite Halloween songs, Zevon's catchy three-chord progression and the songs simplicity is really what makes this song so goddamn haunting. If you recognise it, it may be due to Kid Rock's 2008 hit 'All Summer Long' that featured this same tune. But I must admit, the original (howls and all) is by far the best.

9. Highway to Hell-AC/DC. (1979)

The very best of pitch-black metal all the way from down under. AC/DC know how to play Halloween cool, and if you don't go there for the music, well... go for the mullets. It's all business in the front, party in the back. So cool.

10. I Put A Spell On You-Bette Midler. (1993)

And finally, a track from my favourite Halloween movie ever. 'I Put A Spell on You' will always be a classic, but it's Bette Midler's spin on it that really catches my attention. Her buck-teeth Hocus Pocus charm adds new taste to the song, and I for one love it. Well done Winnifred.

Enjoy some of Halloween's creepiest cuts...

And stay kool kats.

Millie x

review

78Violet.

12:42Millicent Metcalfe

After having somewhat a nostalgic time looking through my old iPod - circa 2007, (Second generation nano - it's a classic) I was enjoying reliving my good ol' tween days. Top of the list was Aly & Aj. Now, for those of you who weren't once a tween girl wishing she were on Disney Channel *ahem, that totally wasn't me* you may not have any idea who the hell they are. Fear not, Aly & Aj are/were an American pop duo formed of sisters (you guessed it!) Aly & Aj Michalka.

Now, having grown up in the spotlight (them, of course, not me) Aly & Aj released a few albums here and there under Hollywood Records, but apparently, never anything that was truly them.That I now know because of their new image change. Taking a break from the whole 'Disney' era, they took some time out before releasing their next single (only like, 5 years) to really understand what it was that they wanted from a music career, and what they would be contented to put their name to.

This is where '78Violet' came in.

After joining Hollywood Records all the way back in 2004, by 2009 the sisters had renamed themselves 78Violet, and by the next year had left the record label too. So, onto the reason I actually started writing this post.

78Violet bring a newer maturity with their sound, harnessing a whimsical, breathy tones to their songs, instrumentally staying airy and beautiful. The almost poetic sound that they've created is simply stunning, and seems to be a much needed change for the sisters. This is is a far cry from the the 'bubblegum' pop of everybody's favourite Aly & Aj hit 'Potential Breakup Song'. They've also given themselves a new look, which I think we began to see in their music video for 'Rush', a new divine, dainty approach to their style, with Aly donning a new hair colour really pushing their new look forward.

The singers released their latest single back in 2013, called 'Hothouse'. (To clarify, that's a greenhouse for us English folk). Again, whimsical and breathless, their voices harmonise perfectly and the acoustics paired with the modern backgrounds makes for a radiant track. Of course I cannot mention this track without also mentioning it's counterpart - the music video.

The video for 'Hothouse' begins with a lengthy monologue, (around three minutes) and whilst it's all very poetic, I don't necessarily think it's crucial for the understanding of the song. A mix of black and white, paired with coloured shots - it's all very beautiful. I could pause the video at any point and every shot would still look incredible. Boho hippy and incredibly chic, this ethereal beauty completely suits the mood of the song, and couldn't be a better fit. This isn't the only track I love either, tracks like 'Boy', 'Heart' and 'Crawl' are also some of my favourites. Their Billboard music sessions really show some live vocal work, which they've really put some hard graft into, especially after a 5 year break.