Quirky princess of dark-pop, Melanie Martinez recently released a REMIX EP for her Lesley Gore-sampling single, “Pity Party” (iTunes | Spotify) featuring equally quirky re-interpretations of (debut album) Cry Baby‘s lead single from XVII, K Theory, The Feels, Myles Travitz and Kassiano. The lead single, which features a bit from the late Lesley Gore’s hit song, “It’s My Party,” was originally released back in June, debuting at No. 2 on the iTunes “Top Alternative Songs” chart before creeping up the the Spotify chart ranks, reaching No. 10 on the US Viral 50 and #13 on the Global Viral chart. Check out a “Pity Party” remix from The Feels below:
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Following it’s release on August 14th, Melanie Martinez‘ debut album debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at an impressive No. 6, also hitting No. 5 on the “Top Albums” chart. and No. 1 on the Top Alternative Albums chart. Across the pond, Martinez also impressed, debuting in the Top 40 (No. 32) on the UK Albums chart. The album, easily one of my TOP PICKS so far in 2015, serves as the follow-up to her 2014 breakthrough, The Dollhouse EP. Directly after its release, Cry Baby saw five tracks sitting in the iTunes’ “Top 200 Alternative Songs” chart, including “Soap,” and “Sippy Cup” BOTH of which premiered in the Top 10 on the iTunes Alternative Songs charts. Both songs featured visuals, conceived and directed by Martinez herself. Speaking of visuals, the video for “Pity Party” was tagged #hitoftheweek by MTV Hits, and has since garnered over 7 million views on YouTube.
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While a majority of Cry Baby was produced by NYC-based production duo Kinetics & One Love (B.o.B., Clairity, Neon Hitch) Martinez also received some help from Christopher J. Baran (Carly Rae Jepsen, Bea Miller, MIKA), Kara DioGuardi (Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Katharine McPhee) and SmarterChild (Usher, Tori Kelly, Jasmine Thompson). Melanie Martinez first got my attention on NBC’s The Voice, but it wasn’t until I heard “Carousel” featured in TV spots for FX Networks‘ popular American Horror Story series that she moved to the forefront in my mind. If you had to pin a specific genre to Martinez’ vibe, I guess it would be electronic-pop with some R&B influences but she’s a total original and definitely unlike any pop star I’ve seen or heard in recent years. Delightfully twisted to the core, from the hauntingly synthful production and unique vocal delivery to her deliciously-dark and murdery songwriting style—Melanie Martinez is the dream of your nightmares. Even her look, which can be described as Lydia-from-Beetlejuice-meets Wednesday Adams mixed with Harley Quinn—pure perfection.
Currently on tour in support of her album, Melanie Martinez is dazzling audiences with her live performances. I’ll be seeing her this Friday, September 11th at Highline Ballroom (with another favorite of mine, Handsome Ghost opening) and I can hardly wait. A majority of the tour is already SOLD OUT with new dates being added, so be sure to check out her official site for the latest ticket availability.
Download and stream Cry Baby (iTunes | Spotify) out now via Atlantic Records.
Check Out Melanie Martinez Online
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