BOTW #24 – 78Violet
This week’s BOTW spotlight is on 78Violet, a.k.a. Aly & AJ Michalka! These names probably sound familiar to you if you were ever a Disney Channel frequent of my generation. These pair of sisters were seen acting on TV shows (Phil of the Future, Hellcats), movies (Cow Belles, Easy A), and were signed as “Aly & AJ” early on in their careers to Disney’s Hollywood Records. Although they started out with Disney, their spin on “pop” was a lot edgier than the rest of the bubblegum singers on the Disney roster with synths and guitars that they actually played, and songs that they actually wrote (both a rarity nowadays in the industry).
These Cali born/Seattle raised sisters brought us super fun and catchy electro-poprock hits like “Potential Breakup Song” and “Chemicals React” that were bound to be stuck in your head.
With Aly & AJ 2.0 on a different label, now referred to as 78Violet, their sound has matured into a more raw and organic direction, and it will not disappoint! Their leading single, “Hothouse,” from the upcoming album gives off an indie-folk-pop vibe and their melodies and harmonies are absolutely haunting (very reminiscent of one of my favorite bands, Eisley)!