Getting this out here right away: I think it's a *good* thing Ashley split "Literal Monster." The two halves have very different vocal aspects to highlight, and I'm looking forward to seeing her give a full video over to dissecting Will Branner's voice, on its own.
Totally agree. My reactions to each half of the song were so different that when reacting, it took me a second to recognize they were the same song! First reaction to a new face totally deserves a full video!
One thing I love about this song is that the bully, Max, interrupts the song. He's the alpha in the school, he decides when the song ends. And then he picks up his own version of the song (and absolutely knocks it out of the park)
As someone else has said, the "you betta" are sung by the cast that are off stage. They very well may have added recorded versions of those to sound better, but those were in the show for the digital ticket, which is just the live staged version. That could mean they're doing both. If you listen closely you can hear Curt Mega singing the "you betta". That's at least one voice I can pick out.
This music in this song is what gets me, it's so punchy and high energy, it sets up Max's character SO well. Little fun fact: Bryce and Kim's nerd characters didn't have official names in the script but Bryce and Kim made up names for them which have now become canon (Bryce's nerd is PJ, Kim's is Reese!)
oh i cant wait to see your introduction to will branner's voice. he was just such a great addition to starkid, it feels like hes been part of the family for years
Even though they re-tracked some of the backup vocals, I think they did it logically how it would be done in the show - the "you betta, you betta" sounds like people who are actually off-stage - Corey and Curt and Angela, and possibly Will as well. Live they would just be singing into their body-mics backstage but I'm sure they laid down perfect tracks for the pro-shot recording to make sure the harmonies were correct and obvious where they might get lost live. I don't think they cheated by having the onstage singers (like Lauren and Joey) double the backup vocals they would not have actually sung in the show.
Kim's part is my favorite bit of the song, she is so ridiculously talented. Bryce also comes in extremely strong for her first of the stage shows with Starkid. Also, while it might not be the strongest from a technical standpoint, I love how well Joey sings through his character voice for Pete in this, he really brings the character to life.
I think two people already mentioned hearing Curt and Corey in the "you betta"s, and I can confirm it is them! They were going down the audience aisles and intimidating people
This show instantly became my current Starkid obsession when it premiered. There’s something about the heart and soul of the previous Hatchetfield shows being backed by a much larger production that feels sooooo cool. I’m pumped to go through it again with your input and knowledge. There aren’t many people who react to Starkid stuff, and only a few vocal-focused people who do within that. Thank you for doing these!
Just rewatched the trail to oregon and their vocal snd production growth are palpable. It is crazy how good they were ehen they started amd how much they have improved since then
oh no, i didnt get notified on this premiering - so excited to watch anyway So quick note, during the fundraiser livestream when they revealed Lauren's characters name and Nick said that she "had alot of problems" regarding her health so I dont think Lauren knew she would have that mouth piece originally, but her reaction to hearing that was pretty funny So so excited to see you react to will!!!
Seeing you so excited over the increase in production quality has me sooooo hyped for you to see Cinderella's Castle,,,,when I tell you it goes above and beyond in every single aspect, it genuinely blew my mind with just the digital ticket and I know the proshot is going to be even better
Okay, seeing this, I can't wait so see how you react to Bryce's solo in a later song, honestly the song with the moat references, and also my favorite, Hatchet town, it took a bit for it to truly grow on me, but I love it
Yay! I love Kim's bit in this so much, and everything that Bryce is doing so far is amazing! Can't wait for your reaction to Will Branner's voice in the next one :)
I've been catching up with all your starkid reactions, I love your insights, thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge with us! It seems like you have a very practical approach to talking about singing, it's given me a lot to think about. I think it's so interesting how every voice teacher has different metaphors and ways of visualizing the voice, I'm really enjoying your perspective!
Im so glad that you are here and singing with us! I love that you recognize the difference in perspectives between all voice teacher. every time i get a new student, i let them know precisely that. That we all have different brains and view our intangible voice differently! Keep noticing this and appreciating all perspectives of the voice and you shall go far! Sing with you soon!
I couldn't be in the live but is so great to see how focused in Kim's part you were and how much you enjoyed it I really can't wait to the second part ❤
Oh, I hoped you'd do both parts. But I'm happy for this. I'm getting more and more hyped for your reaction to the rest of the story and the characters.
i really love your detailed analysis of starkid shows! this is one of my favourite shows from them, and certainly their most polished. the music is so good, jeff did such a good job, in particular i think hes really taken the harmonies up a notch. like youve pointed out in the past, he doesnt use harmonies a lot, and when he does, theyre not that complicated. but to my ear it sounds like he tried to do more complex harmonies in this show! whenever you choose to go back and do older shows, im really excited to see what you think with different song writers, other cast members, character voices, and how actors youre already familiar with have grown! i think joey richter in particular has had some of the most singing growth, i remember being surprised by his performance in trail to oregon because i was used to his ability in older shows like starship and a very potter musical. im also excited to see what you think of holy musical batman, as that show does some cool stuff with chorus vocals
hi ashley! just wanted to let you know, that this isn’t the end of the song, there’s a second part a few minutes after, from the bully’s perspective love your reaction, as always!!
I feel like Firebringer might be comparable in terms of vocals and choreography… I’d have to check again to be sure, but I remember it seeming pretty tight at the time… Maybe I’m misremembering.
Getting this out here right away: I think it's a *good* thing Ashley split "Literal Monster." The two halves have very different vocal aspects to highlight, and I'm looking forward to seeing her give a full video over to dissecting Will Branner's voice, on its own.
Totally agree. My reactions to each half of the song were so different that when reacting, it took me a second to recognize they were the same song! First reaction to a new face totally deserves a full video!
I was so excited to hear her reaction to his voice though!! 😭😭😭
@@allisonbergh4429 stay tuned!
Honestly will I'd say makes and breaks the whole show. And I have my own theories about the show and sad and crazy
@@brandontsosie4514 cant wait to hear all your theories as we move through the show!
One thing I love about this song is that the bully, Max, interrupts the song. He's the alpha in the school, he decides when the song ends. And then he picks up his own version of the song (and absolutely knocks it out of the park)
@@TiaMat99 that’s such a great perspective haha I love that! Not only that he takes it over ! Hahah
As someone else has said, the "you betta" are sung by the cast that are off stage. They very well may have added recorded versions of those to sound better, but those were in the show for the digital ticket, which is just the live staged version. That could mean they're doing both. If you listen closely you can hear Curt Mega singing the "you betta". That's at least one voice I can pick out.
You can also hear Corey Dorris' distinct voice as well.
This music in this song is what gets me, it's so punchy and high energy, it sets up Max's character SO well.
Little fun fact: Bryce and Kim's nerd characters didn't have official names in the script but Bryce and Kim made up names for them which have now become canon (Bryce's nerd is PJ, Kim's is Reese!)
Cutttteeee
I love that so much!! We stan PJ and Reese fr
oh i cant wait to see your introduction to will branner's voice. he was just such a great addition to starkid, it feels like hes been part of the family for years
@@Lalaisinhaa awe love that kind of chemistry!
Even though they re-tracked some of the backup vocals, I think they did it logically how it would be done in the show - the "you betta, you betta" sounds like people who are actually off-stage - Corey and Curt and Angela, and possibly Will as well. Live they would just be singing into their body-mics backstage but I'm sure they laid down perfect tracks for the pro-shot recording to make sure the harmonies were correct and obvious where they might get lost live. I don't think they cheated by having the onstage singers (like Lauren and Joey) double the backup vocals they would not have actually sung in the show.
Also shows the growth of Lauren Lopez as choreographer :)
I didnt even think of this!
Kim's part is my favorite bit of the song, she is so ridiculously talented. Bryce also comes in extremely strong for her first of the stage shows with Starkid. Also, while it might not be the strongest from a technical standpoint, I love how well Joey sings through his character voice for Pete in this, he really brings the character to life.
@@Pengalor agree on all points!
it sounds like the "you betta"s in the background are Curt Mega tbh? It makes sense since him, Corey, & Will come on stage right after
I think two people already mentioned hearing Curt and Corey in the "you betta"s, and I can confirm it is them! They were going down the audience aisles and intimidating people
This show instantly became my current Starkid obsession when it premiered. There’s something about the heart and soul of the previous Hatchetfield shows being backed by a much larger production that feels sooooo cool.
I’m pumped to go through it again with your input and knowledge. There aren’t many people who react to Starkid stuff, and only a few vocal-focused people who do within that. Thank you for doing these!
@@SnowMart oh really? Happy to be of service! Hahah
I just know you're really gonna enjoy Will Branner's voice and performance. I think it's very much a Jeff Blim kind of role, and he bodies it imo
Love it! Excited!
Just rewatched the trail to oregon and their vocal snd production growth are palpable. It is crazy how good they were ehen they started amd how much they have improved since then
Can’t wait to go back in time and react to it!
I love the random Ashley lore drop XD
@@CreiwryJay 😅😅🤦♀️🤣🤣
When Jon and Jeff are watching it, Jon comments on how he purposefully sang not at his best to sell that Ritchie doesnt know how to sing.
@@Battleaxolotl912 ohhhhh okay
You really should listen to the cast recording of this song it feels so different but the same at the same time
@@Taylor_greenwood I can see why! Lol
oh no, i didnt get notified on this premiering - so excited to watch anyway
So quick note, during the fundraiser livestream when they revealed Lauren's characters name and Nick said that she "had alot of problems" regarding her health so I dont think Lauren knew she would have that mouth piece originally, but her reaction to hearing that was pretty funny
So so excited to see you react to will!!!
Also, Lauren choreographed this whole musical!
AAhhhh. Can't wait for pt 2 it's my favorite part of literal monster
Seeing you so excited over the increase in production quality has me sooooo hyped for you to see Cinderella's Castle,,,,when I tell you it goes above and beyond in every single aspect, it genuinely blew my mind with just the digital ticket and I know the proshot is going to be even better
@@gaygh0stt I can no wait
Oh, there's a lot of quick changes coming for Kim in this one
Why am I so excited for this
Okay, seeing this, I can't wait so see how you react to Bryce's solo in a later song, honestly the song with the moat references, and also my favorite, Hatchet town, it took a bit for it to truly grow on me, but I love it
@@permafrost7875 oooo can’t wait!
@Ashley Kennedy
Fun Fact: Lauren Lopez was the Choreographer for this Musical.
Also, we NEED an "Ash Covers Starkid!" Album! Please?
IF YEE DEMAND IT
Yay! I love Kim's bit in this so much, and everything that Bryce is doing so far is amazing! Can't wait for your reaction to Will Branner's voice in the next one :)
I've been catching up with all your starkid reactions, I love your insights, thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge with us! It seems like you have a very practical approach to talking about singing, it's given me a lot to think about. I think it's so interesting how every voice teacher has different metaphors and ways of visualizing the voice, I'm really enjoying your perspective!
Im so glad that you are here and singing with us! I love that you recognize the difference in perspectives between all voice teacher. every time i get a new student, i let them know precisely that. That we all have different brains and view our intangible voice differently! Keep noticing this and appreciating all perspectives of the voice and you shall go far! Sing with you soon!
I couldn't be in the live but is so great to see how focused in Kim's part you were and how much you enjoyed it I really can't wait to the second part ❤
Oh, I hoped you'd do both parts. But I'm happy for this.
I'm getting more and more hyped for your reaction to the rest of the story and the characters.
Really appreciate all of your insight on this and just enjoy being along for your ride :)
@@pinksenshi9690 ugh! I’m so happy you’re here for the ride too!
Yay! The return of your pretty vocals :D
@@boop-9167 🤣 I added them in since we missed them last time. I won’t fail again 😉
Can't wait for the next one! I'm a huge fan of Will Branner's voice, so I'm looking forward to seeing how you critique him!
Coming soon! 💕
NOOOOO i missed this one it came out during my rehearsal!!!! hopefully ill catch the next one! always love kim's voice, shes amazing every time
@@crybabyyyyyyy hope your rehearsal went well!!
i really love your detailed analysis of starkid shows! this is one of my favourite shows from them, and certainly their most polished. the music is so good, jeff did such a good job, in particular i think hes really taken the harmonies up a notch. like youve pointed out in the past, he doesnt use harmonies a lot, and when he does, theyre not that complicated. but to my ear it sounds like he tried to do more complex harmonies in this show!
whenever you choose to go back and do older shows, im really excited to see what you think with different song writers, other cast members, character voices, and how actors youre already familiar with have grown! i think joey richter in particular has had some of the most singing growth, i remember being surprised by his performance in trail to oregon because i was used to his ability in older shows like starship and a very potter musical. im also excited to see what you think of holy musical batman, as that show does some cool stuff with chorus vocals
@@lynchie2073 Jeff has DEFINITELY been filling up some empty space for sure! It’s been funny watching him grow as a producer!
@@lynchie2073 thanks for your sweet words and for singing with me!
Yippee!! I can't wait to see your reaction to Max's introduction hgfjdk
You’ve been giving extra attention to all my favorite posts and it’s just fireworks to my brain!! I know your commentary!
awe! You KNOW me! I love it!
@@singwithAshley I’m so sorry, I meant to say I love your commentary! But you’re so kind to save me from my mistake 😅
@@hufflepuffwannabe hahaha it’s nice to be seen 😅🤣🤣🤣🙏
6:07 Lauren choreographed this show
Thank you! I figured but didnt have proof lol
Definitely hear Corey Dorris in the you bettas
Omg cant wait for u to meet our Will Branner bully!!
@@Vval000 teehee. You’re very excited about this bully!! Hmm should I be worried? 😉
@@singwithAshley absolutely
Ahhh I don’t wanna wait another two daysss
I’ll get it scheduled soon so it’s not a blind wait!
Wasn't able to make to premiere, but your reactions!!! ❤❤
hi ashley!
just wanted to let you know, that this isn’t the end of the song, there’s a second part a few minutes after, from the bully’s perspective
love your reaction, as always!!
Don’t worry she knows already, she found out in the livestream of High school is killing me the other day x
Thanks!
YAY MORE NPMD
I feel like Firebringer might be comparable in terms of vocals and choreography… I’d have to check again to be sure, but I remember it seeming pretty tight at the time… Maybe I’m misremembering.
THANKS TNAKGHS TGAHNKKSSS SS I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.
awe! I love that you love it so much!
I didnt get to catch this "live"
@@KT_BLU I’m sorry! I was so delayed today that I just wanted to “get it done” how bout I schedule a “live “ for tomorrow to make it up? 😂👋
❤
Wait did Jon reply on here and delete it??
@@TiaMat99 ummm I believe he responded to High school is killing me, unless I missed something! (Previous video)