Disney’s magic kingdom of music
Covers album A Whole New Sound sees favourite songs from the Disney archive given a musical makeover by contemporary bands — and an all-new lease of life
When Edith Victoria of American pop-punk band Meet Me at the Altar was growing up, she’d religiously tune into the Disney Channel for what she would later realise was her musical awakening.
“Disney had a very important role in making me who I am today because I’d love shows like Hannah Montana, Demi Lovato in Camp Rock. They had some of the first songs that I ever harmonised to, and they really influenced me to be in a band myself.”
Now, Edith has had the chance to experience one hell of a full-circle moment. As the lead singer of Meet Me at the Altar, she’s led the Gen Z favourites through a spirited rendition of Randy Newman’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ for A Whole New Sound, a new compilation album which sees some of the most beloved songs from the House of Mouse being given a fresh pop-punk twist.
When the opening riff of ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ kicks in, you realise that it’s the Toy Story favourite like you’ve never heard it before.
“I used to watch Toy Story 24/7, so we were really happy when it turned out that song was still available,” explains Edith. “It’s always stood out to me how jazzy it was, and I thought we could make a really good rock rendition from it.”
Joining them on the album are the likes of Simple Plan, who give their take on Elton John’s ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’, and New Found Glory, who deliver a spirited cover of ‘Part of Your World’ from The Little Mermaid.
And while pop-punk and Disney might not be the most natural bedfellows, Edith says the House of Mouse is a secret fit for fans of the genre.
“I think Disney has been really smart in realising there’s an overlap between pop-punk and Disney, because I’ve always equated the two, but I’m just happy that other people are realising that too.”