If you grew up in the early 2000s, you were likely a Disney Channel kid. Your favorite time of day was after school when you could sit in front of the television with a big bowl of ice cream and watch your favorite shows. Whether it was the hilarious but very short-lived ‘JONAS L.A.,’ or the iconic ‘Hannah Montana’ series, there was something special about the shows and movies with original soundtracks. The songs were always fun and dynamic, with lyrics and guitar-driven arrangements suggestive of the time they were written in.
While many people wouldn’t associate Disney Channel with the pop-punk scene, there were definite moments when the network’s programming reflected many of our genre’s characteristics. Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus were emo queens in their own right, wearing eyeliner and leather jackets with their dresses, while the Jonas Brothers were writing songs about heartbreak and leaving their hometown. With a bit more attitude, some bright hair dye, and harder-hitting drums, many of the songs from our childhoods could’ve been pop-punk!
This crossover may seem like a stretch at first glance. But at idobi, we can picture some of our favorite Warped Tour bands recording any of these songs and making them their own! If you’re looking to get nostalgic, here are 5 Disney Channel songs that could be scene hits.
1. You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home — ‘Hannah Montana Movie’
Although she was an international pop sensation, Hannah Montana always had an emo edge. Many of her songs could be pop-punk, but “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” from the ‘Hannah Montana Movie’ soundtrack could have added some guitar chugs and a drum breakdown into the mix. Many people don’t know that the song was co-written by Boys Like Girls frontman Martin Johnson and Taylor Swift, giving it an incredible origin story with pop-punk roots. Can’t you imagine Hannah singing this at Chain Reaction rather than at the county fair?
2. This Is Me — ‘Camp Rock’
This iconic duet performed by Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato begins with a lightly-plucked acoustic guitar and builds into a guitar solo reminiscent of The All-American Rejects. The lyrics, about staying true to who you are and who you love, definitely fall into the punk sensibility of individualism over fitting in. Plus, Demi’s vocal runs pierce through the mix, similar to Hayley William’s performance in songs like “Pressure.”
3. She’s So Gone — ‘Lemonade Mouth’
‘Lemonade Mouth’ is an underrated Disney Channel movie about a group of teenagers who forms a band in detention. If you haven’t seen it, think of it as Disney’s version of ‘The Breakfast Club.” Sounds pretty pop-punk right? “She’s So Gone,” performed in the movie at the local pizza joint (c’mon, it’s so obvious!) is the perfect female-empowering banger. Just check out these lyrics: “Insecure in her skin / Like a puppet, a girl on a string / Broke away, learned to fly / If you want her back, gotta let her shine.”
The blending of synthesizers and big drum fills could make it easy to transform into a modern pop-punk banger. We’d love to hear Honey Revenge crush a cover of this one.
4. Stick To The Status Quo — ‘High School Musical’
High School Musical incorporates a variety of genres in its soundtrack. From the hip-hop-inspired “Get’cha Head In The Game” to the pop ballad “Breaking Free,” the writers were unafraid to tap into different styles. And I’m not going to lie, I can hear “Stick To The Status Quo” as a Sleeping With Sirens song. It has the attitude and conviction of a pop-punk banger.
5. This Is What Dreams Are Made Of — ‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie’
Last, but certainly not least, we need an emo Lizzie McGuire moment. The synth-heavy song is nothing short of theatrical, but its vocal melody and surprise key change in the final chorus could be rearranged easily. Add some chugging guitars and double-time verses, and this song would be a hit on the Warped Tour main stage.
Did we miss any? Let us know!
