FIRST Reaction to Pentatonix's Happy Now | Veterinarian Reacts!

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Welcome one and all! This week is a mental health break and Dr. Em reacts to Happy Now by Pentatonix. Join them for the upbeat and exceptionally enjoyable song!
Here's a link to the video: • Pentatonix - Happy Now...
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[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

If you want a great mental health video watch their original “ Thank You” . Scott and his husband Mark wrote it during Covid. The lyrics are amazing. Their original “Sing” is also one that always makes me smile.

[@VetMedCorner]

Adding both of these to my list now. I am already looking forward to the next one!

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

@@VetMedCorner I subscribed so I won’t miss them !

[@janhankins911]

I absolutely "Sing"! It always makes me smile.

[@df5199]

Yes, these songs are great!

[@carolynl.higgins6206]

Great reaction ... also Love Me When I Don't co-written by Kirstin, is another mental health song. Please react to it.

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you for the recommendation, I will add it to my list! 🙌

[@df5199]

This song can be about a break up, a death, or other sense of loss. It’s about being able to move on after grieving. I think your analysis about the use of color is spot on. When grieving, everything is gray.

[@VetMedCorner]

I hadn't thought about other senses of loss, but I think that's a really interesting idea and I like it! There's so many types of loss, and the song could absolutely fit those situations too 💜

[@simsweechuah9753]

Thank u for the reaction

[@margretrosenberg420]

I love this song. My husband of 46 years killed himself just over two years ago, and this is one of my go-to mental health/recovery songs. "Is it illegal to dance like I'm about to?" is such a great line - it isn't asking for permission; it acknowledges the ambivalent feelings while stating that I AM moving on, regardless of the answer. That is just so healthy, so right. It's what we need to do when getting over a relationship that has failed, in whatever way.

[@VetMedCorner]

I also love that lyric. I hope that you have a wonderful support system to be with you as you grieve 💜

[@margretrosenberg420]

@@VetMedCorner Thank you. I'm a member of a group that gets together about once a month to sing filk songs ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filk_music ). We never criticize anyone's performance; it's just for fun. These are incredibly caring people. I know who to call for help if I need a ride because I had a minor accident, barely made it to my mechanic's shop, and now need a ride home; or if I need, say, outpatient surgery and the doctor doesn't want me to drive myself home. Perhaps more to the point, I have shoulders to cry on when I need them, and people to listen when I'm trying to figure out why something that's apparently minor FEELS important, even if it means I'm rambling. (If it feels important, your subconscious is trying to tell you something. Unfortunately, my subconscious tends to speak only in symbols, which can be frustrating.) I'm also a member of a computer club that goes out of their way to watch out for me, and have relatives and close friends who are only a phone call or email away. Songs I've put in the "Recovery" directory on my little mp4 player: SuperFruit's cover of "Rise," "Run to You," and "Happy Now." Also, for personal reasons, "Todrick Hall - The Wizard of Ahhhs (ft. Pentatonix)" {highly recommended, but only if you're familiar with _The Wizard of Oz,_ the 1939 film starring Judy Garland}.

[@pittiesnkitties1216]

One thing that I love about music is that it can mean different things to different listeners. I was originally thinking of a different type of loss, death of a loved one. Sometimes it feels like we aren't allowed to be happy after we lose someone, making it hard to move on. I feel this song is kinda giving permission to move on and be happy. When someone dies, your world goes dark, and things that made you happy, just don't give the same feeling, until one day, the color comes back and you can feel that happiness again.

[@VetMedCorner]

I absolutely see how someone could view the song through this lens as well. Music is incredible in how it can impact us so individually

[@margretrosenberg420]

Relationships end in many ways - horrible arguments, unfaithfulness, a simple realisation that "We've grown apart and it's time to acknowledge that," or death. It's almost always traumatic, and it always means learning new ways to do things and developing a new mindset. As far as I can tell, "Happy Now" is about moving on after the relationship ends, regardless of how it ended.

[@Badger77722]

PTX can make a break-up song sound like it's the happiest occasion, something you'd WANT to have happen, even though it's usually pretty traumatic. Happy Now, A Little Space...and I think there's one more in that genre that I'm blanking on right now. I'm afraid my analysis of the color/no-color was a lot more simplified than yours was! I was simply thinking that the lack of color at the beginning represented the feeling of emotional "emptiness" that you can feel after a break-up (especially something long-term or highly emotionally charged), and that as you begin to recover from it that the color (emotion) begins to come back into your life, until you're finally fully "in color" and back to "normal" - whatever that might be for you. Another song you might like is also an original - Love Again. It was their follow-up to Daft Punk, and they really took the makeup and costuming from that song to heart. Written by Avi and Kevin, with input from Mitch, it's definitely one that will get you chair-dancing!

[@VetMedCorner]

In the chair dancing sounds like something I would really enjoy!!! Thank you for the recommendations, I really appreciate it 🙌

[@lleldridge1]

Lovely, thoughtful reaction. Thank you! ☮

[@VetMedCorner]

🥰 I appreciate your comment!

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

Great reaction to this Pentatonix original! I love this song. Great message about choosing/ deciding to be happy NOW in life no matter what is going. If we wait to be happy until everything is good and we have a partner, it might be a long wait. It is okay to be happy and move on and Dance Now. “With or without you”, choosing to be yourself and wanting to be happy now with whatever makes you happy is my take. I love it especially once Mitch comes out of his cocoon ❤❤❤❤❤

[@VetMedCorner]

Ooooooo - a cocoon!!!!! The idea that he was encased in a cocoon never once crossed my mind and now I feel ridiculous for missing that 🤦 thank you! 💜

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

@@VetMedCorner That is my interpretation , I have not heard that as an official explanation why he was in the material. Maybe he couldn’t be any sort of really happy until he was out of his shell and able to be himself

[@VetMedCorner]

It makes far more sense than my utter confusion about Mitch being covered by a sheet like a child's Halloween ghost costume 😂🙈

[@Gwennedd]

@@VetMedCorner , Yes it does. I always considered it a veil (it's more opaque than a sheet) and he blossoms forth from under it, in full colour, to be his full self. A cocoon is also a perfect interpretation.

[@margretrosenberg420]

"Happy Now" was written by Scott, Kevin, and Kirstin, in collaboration with Sean Myer, Ross Golan, Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, Jon Bellion, and Johan Carlsson. Logically it should have come first, but in my mind the companion song to "Happy Now" is "Run to You." "Run to You" depicts a desperate attempt to recover a broken relationship. It's another #PTX original, written by Avi and Kevin, and in my opinion it contains the most beautiful harmonies Pentatonix has ever produced, which is saying a LOT. There's no lead singer, no solos, no percussion, just glorious five part harmony throughout. And in the official video, through the genius of Ed Boyer, who edits Pentatonix's audio tracks, any time the camera is focused on one singer, rather than the entire group, that singer's voice is just SLIGHTLY more distinct. It doesn't damage the balance - you don't even notice it if you aren't watching - but it's real, and it makes it much easier to distinguish individual voices.

[@VetMedCorner]

That sounds *incredible* - I can't wait to see that one!!!

[@davephillips7209]

By mid song, everyone smiles at this song 5:37 for you lol.. It's after breakup, just when you are getting over and ready to move on.

[@VetMedCorner]

I thought it was about moving on after a break up - glad I'm not alone in that!!!

[@jenniferkamigaki-sander5981]

Many times a member will take a lead on a song that was written by / about another member’s story. That is the case in this song.

[@pjb3583]

I bet the director and videographer would love how analytical you are reacting to the color variations and the visuals of this video! My take on the meaning is how do we permit ourselves to recover from a loss, grief or even a disappointment. When does mourning become part of the background of your life rather than the focus? As for the vocals, you’ll find that members of PTX are very committed to presenting the best version of all songs. There doesn’t seem to be ego or jealously in any of their decisions. (I don’t know why Mitch did the sheet thing either. I used to think he loves to hide, but now I think it’s more of a cocoon thing. Who knows, ever, with Mitch?) I always love your music reactions, so thanks! Peace …

[@VetMedCorner]

Ah, I love your thoughts on the song 💜 I love hearing how different people think about it.

[@margretrosenberg420]

Mitch could also have been depicting the "ghost" of the relationship that has died. My guess is that this is deliberate ambiguity - you can interpret it however you need to, as long as you catch the fact that the song is about healing after the relationship ends.

[@perrystevenson6364]

Pentatonix History…..composed by Alan Freeman updated by Perry Stevenson They won The Sing Off in 2011. They made a guest starring appearance on America′s Got Talent as non−competitors a couple of years after that. The founding members are:- Scott Hoying (tall blond guy, natural baritone but has an impressive five−to−six octave range, can go all the way up to high tenor and down to bass, sings the bass lines when the usual bass singer takes the lead); Kirstin "Kirstie" (Rhymes with "Thirsty") Maldonado (the only female member, natural mezzo soprano, but can go down to low alto and as high as upper soprano, also can sing in whistle notes that are off the scale); For a time in 2018 between the group’s tours, had the female lead on Broadway in the production of “Kinky Boots”. Mitch Grassi (a true contra−tenor, can hit high notes in his chest voice with ease and go WAY higher in his falsetto, also with ease); Avriel "Avi" Kaplan (dark beard and long hair), true basso profundo, trained as an opera singer, also can go up into the tenor range; and Kevin "KO" Olusola (beatboxer extraordinaire, also is a world−class cellist who plays cello on some of their songs, has a beautiful high tenor voice and gets occasional lead vocal solos as well, graduated pre−med from Yale and speaks several languages including Mandarin Chinese). Kirstie, Scott & Mitch grew up together in Arlington, Texas, and began performing together as children in local youth musical theater. They ended up in high school together and performed in the choir. While there, they formed an a cappella group called The Trio which had several performance videos go viral on KZbin, most notably a cover of Lady Gaga′s "Telephone". The three of them are best friends and consider themselves to be almost siblings. Scott & Kirstie (who were a class year ahead of Mitch) both graduated high school in 2010 and went their separate ways to different colleges, Scott at USC and Kirstie at Oklahoma. While at USC, Scott joined a USC−based a cappella group called the SoCal VoCals, where he met alumnus Ben Bram, who was now an arranger and vocal coach for the NBC TV show The Sing Off, an a cappella competition show. Ben convinced Scott to get The Trio to audition for the show. The three reunited (Mitch had to skip high school graduation ceremonies to go) in Los Angeles for the audition. They found out that the rules had changed, so they needed at least five members to audition. Ben put them together with Avi (a native of Visalia, California), who he knew from Avi′s performing days at Mount San Antonio College in California. They found Kevin (from Kentucky) through one of his KZbin videos that had gone viral featuring him playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time, a talent that Kevin coined as "Cello−Boxing". Kevin arrived in Los Angeles literally the day before the audition! Scott came up with the name "Pentatonix" after the pentatonic scale. They performed a re−arrangement of "The Telephone" for the audition and passed, despite having been together as a five−piece group for less that 24 hours! Oh, yes, the name. Pentatonix is named for the pentatonic scale, which has five (penta) tones just as Pentatonix has five (Penta) singers. In other words, it's a fancier way of saying they're now "The Quintet." They won The Sing Off that season (all of the performances are available on KZbin), in which they received a substantial cash prize AND a record contract with Epic Records. They pooled their prize winnings together and all moved to Los Angeles, and all got apartments right next door to each other in the same building. But just a week later, Epic dropped them because the marketing people didn′t think an acappella group could sell records. Instead of giving up, they were determined and began recording their own songs on KZbin, hiring Ben Bram as their producer and arranger. These usually consisted of the five of them sitting on a couch and performing cover songs live. Several of the videos went viral, and Sony (the parent company of Epic) decided to give them another chance by placing them on one of their smaller labels, Madison Gate. They released two secular EPs and one Christmas EP on Madison Gate, all of which were strong sellers. But when their cover of a medley of songs by Daft Punk not only went super−viral, but also won them their first Grammy, they were promoted all the way up to RCA Records, Sony′s top label. They began writing and producing their own songs in addition to their covers, began putting out a Christmas album just about annually (which has become their best−selling genre), and have had multi−platinum album sales, sold−out world tours, and have won two additional Grammys. Avi began getting burned out with all of the touring and heavy recording schedule, was suffering from anxiety and personal problems, and learned that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017. He announced he was departing from the group and taking some time away from the music industry. Matt Sallee (from Baltimore) joined them in September 2017. He did only become official when they renewed their RCA contract in February 2018, but he recorded with them in September as a featured artist and went on their Christmas tour as a featured artist, as well. When he attended the audition for the group, he had already mastered the Bass part for most if not all their past catalogue. He was successful and has proved that he fits in well with the group. If you think there have been other changes to the line up - look again. This is the ONLY change. Kirstie and Mitch are like chameleons and change looks frequently. After a year away from music, Avi has now returned as a phenomenal solo artist in the Folk/Americana/Roots genre. Ben Bram has been in charge of their production, including arranging and directing from the beginning. He is often referred to as the sixth member. Scott and Kevin are major players in the arrangements, but every member contributes. good watch is "The Recording of Evergreen" where a camera was invited into the studio for the second week of recording/ Also, all members are songwriters for both Pentatonix and their own solo work. Ed Boyer who mixes everything of theirs (even the HWB Livestream) is the one who pulled Ben Bram into the sing off in the first place. The 3 Grammys they’ve won include…. (1)Daft Punk for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella…… (2)Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella…. (3) Jolene w/Dolly Parton for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. They were nominated for a 4th Grammy for their album “Evergreen” for Best Traditional Vocal Album. They were also nominated for a 5th Grammy award for their album “Holidays Around The World” for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. They have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame installed in February 2023. THEY ARE THE ONLY ACAPELLA GROUP WITH A STAR!!!! UPDATE: Pentatonix has also done 9 intros for Thursday Night Football based on their original song “sing”. Links for 3 of them are kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqPVpn2mqdKVgbc and kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIW4hHVqntyHf6s and kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2PTp3yKmJ6Uabc UPDATE: Pentatonix has done a cameo appearance in the new movie “Candy Cane Lane” starring Eddie Murphy. They are the carolers. UPDATE: Pentatonix sang the National Anthem at the 2023 College Football National Championship game. Link is kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKK6imV7iqyfnc0 UPDATE: They came in 3rd in the 2023 Masked Singer performing as "California Rolls" being unmasked in May 23. UPDATE: The trio of Scott, Mitch, and Kirstie also appeared as guest stars in an episode of the crime drama "Bones." Scott's song, "Light in the Hallway," sung by Avi, was played as the credits rolled. UPDATE: Pentatonix was featured in the movie "Pitch Perfect 2" as a Canadian a Capella group. Kirstie became a new mum which caused a pause in touring after their Evergreen Christmas tour 2021. Mid March 2023 Kirstie has announced that she is engaged to Ben Hausdorff, their videographer. UPDATE…Kirsten and Ben got married 04/24/24. It is an often debated subject among the Pentaholics as to just how soon we introduce the "Beginners Guide" as we don't want to overdo the introduction. This is a compilation of snips of a whole load of songs which PTX have released. It highlights each member with some of their solos and then a brief history in video. It is quite long - 14+ minutes and is a little dated now (Feb 2020) but is a good watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/onXbepmtm6igh6c&pp=ygUdYmVnaW5uZXJzIGd1aWRlIHRvIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D. Things you need to know because if you get these wrong “Pentaholics” will come after you with pitch forks and torches! Ha Ha Ha!! 1- There is NO Auto-Tune; what you hear is actually what they sing. They really are that good. One exception is the 90's Dance Medley where Cher used auto-tune as an effect - so they had to. 2- What produces everything that you hear in the video, you see in the official video. If there is an instrument used in the music, you see it on screen. In the 2022 Christmas album, there are some instruments not featured throughout the album. 3- They never release something on video they can’t reproduce with the exact same quality live on-stage.

[@tersommers]

This one cheers me up every time! Great mental health break song! Everyone pauses at the Mitch sheet image. I think it was supposed to cover Mitch's makeup and the sheet added more visual contrast when the color started coming into play. They probably should have had Mitch behind that see through sheet as more of a curtain rather than a ghost like costume. A bit confusing if I hadn't seen this video a hundred or more times! I feel like the color represents freedom when you aren't imprisoned by an unhappy relationship and the guilt of trying to move on and be happy by yourself! Just my opinion! Thank you for another PTX reaction!

[@VetMedCorner]

I love your interpretation ❤️ It took me a long, long while to learn how to be myself and be happy/content (most of the time) that way. This song is so upbeat and fun. I've listened to it a few more times since I recorded this and enjoy it every time!

[@perrystevenson6364]

Pentatonix songs suggestions: **List may contain some songs you may have reacted to** Hallelujah, The Sound of Silence, Daft Punk, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Cheerleader (OMI Cover), 12 Days Of Christmas, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, 90’s Dance Medley, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mad World, Wizard of Ahhhs (a montage of several modern songs made to tell the classic story of wizard of oz), Radioactive, Problem, Say Something, Kiss From a Rose (live vevo), Jolene, Royals, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, Be my eyes, Sing, Coffee in Bed, the Prayer, Blinding Lights, Dreams. SO MANY MORE TOO MANY TO LIST BUT THIS IS A GOOD START. ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY TO THE RABBIT HOLE KNOWN AS… PENTATONIX.

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you - this list is incredible!!! 🙌

[@robinmcdaniel5881]

Kirstie had a cancelled engagement and Mitch was super bullied this year. The whole album is about moving on and focusing on the positive. Mitch coming out from hiding is like a screw you to haters

[@VetMedCorner]

That makes me so sad to hear that Mitch is dealing with bullying 😢 I hope that things turn around for both Mitch and Kirstie soon!

[@robinmcdaniel5881]

@@VetMedCorner Kirstie is now a mama and married. Mitch seems stronger than ever.

[@janhankins911]

I still think you'll really enjoy "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" covered by VoicePlay (with J. None). The CGI is great---that's all I'll say to leave those who haven't seen this maximum enjoyment.

[@VetMedCorner]

I have so many songs to get to!!! 🥰

[@jayden1996b]

Nice song!!. Haha your confused looks. If you want to see w wacky video with lots of symbolism you should watch 911 by Lady Gaga - very confusing at first but everything becomes clear in the last few scenes.

[@VetMedCorner]

🤣 definitely a few times I felt completely lost. I suppose it's a shock to everyone that my brain tends to be more literal/analytical over anything else... 😜

[@stephaniem2007]

Hi! Love PTX! Do more please! That said, I’m going through a divorce and have moved to a smaller apartment with my two cats. I’m worried there’s not a ton of room for running and that they’ll get bored. Any suggestions/video on how to make a smaller place cat friendly/stimulating? Especially if I need to go into work during the day. Thanks!

[@VetMedCorner]

I also love PTX and will definitely do more in the future! Any particular songs you are interested in? I have a video covering the basics of feline enrichment and husbandry, let me grab it for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5qmdHyLrJ14Zqcsi=ko4iC3078KX5fEP- It's one of my earliest videos, so lots has changed (and hopefully for the better!) since then, but the info is still valid! 😻

[@stephaniem2007]

@@VetMedCorner thanks! PTX is on tour right now. Last week they did Can’t Help Falling in Love true acapella style and it’s gorgeous- kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XJXmtor9ike5osi=S2yDLQH3eJLROBH9

[@kacythomas1327]

I don't listen to pentagramtotonix

[@alphabetatiger]

Over analyzing…