Let the beat drop

Time to send in your requests to MTV Pinoy’s newest VJ, Aryanna Epperson, the 17-year-old who’s ready to bring music videos to the new generation.

MANILA, Philippines - Kids of the ’90s will argue that their era ruled because of many things — MTV happened to be one of them. The music channel was born in 1981, but its heyday locally was arguably in the 1990s when MTV Philippines set up shop on your shores. Kids looked up to MTV, not just for airing the coolest music videos, but also for becoming a source of all that was great about being young. It was in MTV that many young people learned about and idolized shows like Daria and Beavis and Butthead (who, okay, weren’t the best role models…), but also looked up to VJs as their older siblings. (There was nothing quite like the feeling of VJ Donita Rose reading your request and playing that video of the Backstreet Boys’ I Want it That Way for the nth time.)

MTV’s popularity waned, sadly, no thanks to the growth of video streaming. But if we are to judge things based on the millions of hits that music videos get on YouTube, it’s obvious that kids today still appreciate how visuals accompany sound. It’s pretty clear that people still loved MTV, even after it left Philippine airwaves for a while.

Thankfully, people will have the chance to enjoy a precious part of history. Coming back as MTV Pinoy, young music lovers can have the chance to have a glimpse of what the ‘90s was like in a fun, more refreshing way. (I mean, we wear Birkenstocks all the time anyway. Let’s commit to it fully.) Adding to the modern youthfulness of the channel, they’ve even brought in new talent by way of the MTV VJ Search. Leading the new pack is its winner, 17-year-old Aryanna Epperson.

Aryanna may not have grown up in the era of old MTV, but she is nonetheless a fan of music videos. “I love watching classic MTV and watching how it has progressed and inspired a new generation of artists and musicians,” she says. “How can anyone forget Green Day, Nirvana, and most especially Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine video?”

With a quirky sense of humor and a strong creative eye (aside from being a musician, she’s also a talented illustrator), Aryanna will soon become another strong voice among her peers—one that’ll bring in the LOLs and heart eyes emojis in mainstream television. Chatting with Young STAR after her recent win, Aryanna talks about appreciating music, being called a condiment, and channeling her inner Taylor Swift.

YOUNG STAR: Congratulations on winning the VJ Search! Which emoji best describes how you’re feeling right now?

ARYANNA EPPERSON: Thank you! (Insert: “Smiling Face With Open Mouth And Tightly-Closed Eyes” emoji)

Was being a VJ something you’ve always wanted?

To be honest, I never planned on becoming a VJ, but when the opportunity was presented, I grabbed it by the horns as if I were a Spanish matador being faced against thousands of bulls. Joining the 2014 MTV VJ Hunt was definitely out of my comfort zone. The challenges during ‘The Stand-Off’ series really put me to the test. 

What made you wanna try it out?

I used to make YouTube videos on my lifestyle channel “Pepper Draws” which featured vlogs about my life, food, music, art, tutorials and challenges and really enjoyed it. When I found out about the 2014 MTV VJ Hunt, I wanted to take my videos to the next level and reach out to a wider audience.

You were quite young during the MTV Philippines of the ‘90s. How do you think your appreciation of music videos is different from the older generation?

Yes, I was very young (practically a fetus!). I don’t know about how much the older generations appreciation of music differs from mine, but I’d imagine that since music is a universal language, it hasn’t changed much aside from the style and technology in making videos present today. MTV Pinoy has always been in the forefront of promoting the love for music and will always be there because music is forever.

You also go by a nickname—Pepper. Will people be calling you VJ Pepper?

In my YouTube videos, I go by the name “Pepper” (because it’s waaay easier to spell), but I prefer to be called by my first name (which is not a seasoning) Aryanna. So, I hope everyone’s on board with calling me “VJ Aryanna” (and that’s with a “y” and double “n.” Thank you po.)

If you could make or star in a music video of any song, what would it be and why?

It would definitely have to be Shake it Off by Taylor Swift because I can totally relate to her awkwardness but still having fun. I consider myself a very positive person so whenever a challenge arises, I face it head on. Once it’s over, I don’t dwell and just shake it off.

    Young Star has a Spotify playlist, and we’d love to have you take part of it. Can you give us a playlist on songs that can help someone get out of a slump?

1. All About The Bass - Meghan Trainor

2. Hey Jude - The Beatles

3. Back in Black - AC/DC

4. Domino - Jessie J

5. Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

6. I’ll Follow the Sun - The Beatles

7. Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

8. Space Trucking - Deep Purple

9. Live While We’re Young - One Direction

10. Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj

11. Stronger - Kelly Clarkson

12. Harder, Better, Faster Stronger - Daft Punk

Photos by TOM EPPERSONStyled by JENNI EPPERSON, Hairstyle by HENRI CALAYAG