For Hanna Olah, opportunities have only just begun to arise for her budding career within the music industry. Performing under the moniker Hannyta, a remix of her latest single “17” arrives fresh off the heels of two more impeccable entries within her early career: both ballads, “Make It to the Night” and “Breaking Up” feel like crucial steps forward for Hannyta to make it to the point of being a breakout success, and the original mix of “17” follows the trend rather nicely. The cream of the crop comes in the form of the DJ Housen remix of “17,” however, as the pop angle will serve as more than enough to truly give Hannyta the leverage that a promising up-and-comer needs to truly stake their claim in the independent pop scene.
“17 (Housen Boombox Remix)” is a cut above the rest, with the crystal clear dance-pop production functioning as a way for Hannyta to further hone her skills and strengthen her voice with a new genre and direction. It’s no secret that remixes have helped propel countless pop acts towards mainstream success; from the likes of teen indie queen turned global sensation Lorde to countless blow-up voices in the hip-hop scene getting rap veterans to “bless their tracks,” the proof of remixes having sway on career trajectories is right there. I’m not certain this Housen remix will be the exact track that shoots Hannyta’s career into the stratosphere but I can certainly see it doing a great deal of heavy lifting until more singles come along. Fans will certainly gravitate towards the original release of “17” in response to the Housen remix, too, as the differences between the two drastically different singles are so distinct. Either track can fit whatever mood you’re in, whatever the weather and the versatility for Hannyta very evidently has only just begun.
Originally, “17” was gifted to Hannyta by the husband and wife duo Greg and Donna Nolan Wilson, and the single was timed to debut for International Women’s Day. The remix takes everything from the original and makes it burst at the seams, feeling like a reclamation of Hannyta’s independence and evolving place as a woman not only in music but in the world. By using Olah’s international roots to helm a variety of electronic influences to craft her version of this song, listeners are given something that feels both exceedingly fresh yet also classic in its dance scene origins. In particular, the intermission given to the finale of the remix harkens back to ‘90s club anthems with its crisp synth sounds and nonstop momentum but there is a fluent nowness that permeates throughout the entire track.
Be it the feminist message at the single’s core or the weightless instrumental that transforms the original “17” into a club-worthy smash hit, the depth of the song goes much further than falling into the category of being just another pop entry. DJ Housen brings a refined ear and approach to the material and Hannyta arrives on the scene like a breath of fresh air, ready to conquer the music industry. If these first few songs are any indication, Hannyta is more ready for the big leagues. Let’s just hope the big leagues are ready for her!
Kim Muncie