Splendora
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Janet Wygal, Tricia Wygal |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
Splendora was a New York City-based American alternative rock group composed entirely of women. Established in 1993, the lineup featured Janet Wygal (lead vocals, guitar), Tricia Wygal (lead vocals, bass), Delissa Santos (drums), Cindy Brolsma (cello), and Jennifer Richardson (violin). The band issued a single studio album, In the Grass (1995), before disbanding in 2002.
Their most recognizable work is the track "You're Standing on My Neck," which served as the opening theme for MTV's animated series Daria. Additionally, Splendora contributed the songs "Turn the Sun Down" and "College Try" to the Daria television movies Is It Fall Yet? and Is It College Yet?, respectively.
Formation and In the Grass: 1993–1996
Following the dissolution of her power pop ensemble The Wygals, Janet Wygal began collaborating musically with her sister Tricia. By 1993, their creative circle had expanded to include friends Delissa Santos, Cindy Brolsma, and Jennifer Richardson. Tricia described forming the band as a passionate endeavor, emphasizing their frequent rehearsals and enjoyment of the process. Initially, Splendora secured a development agreement with Geffen Records; however, the label ultimately opted to sign Lisa Loeb instead. Subsequently, they entered into a contract with Koch Records.
Their debut album, In the Grass, was released on September 9, 1995, under Koch Records. The production was handled by Splendora alongside Gene Holder of The dB's. The album title alludes to the 1961 film Splendor in the Grass. The single "Rattle" was distributed through Really Fast Racecar Records, while Carey Burtt directed a music video for "Bee Stung Lips". Although critics from publications such as Billboard responded positively, In the Grass suffered from limited promotional efforts and did not achieve commercial success; it is currently out of print. Janet Wygal attributed this outcome to insufficient support from the label, recalling that she personally organized tours and reached out to radio stations to promote the record.
Daria theme songs and breakup: 1997–2002
In 1997, cellist Cindy Brolsma took on the role of producer for MTV's adult animated sitcom Daria. Searching for an "unknown" band to perform the theme song, Brolsma introduced Splendora's debut album In the Grass to producer Susie Lewis, who then invited the group to compose a theme track.[1] Splendora crafted a four-song demo incorporating specific phrases requested by the producers, including "excuse me" and "you're standing on my neck".[2] The track "You're Standing on My Neck" was chosen as the series' theme and also appeared in the 2000 puzzle adventure game Daria's Inferno.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Furthermore, Splendora created original themes for the Daria TV films Is It Fall Yet? ("Turn the Sun Down") and Is It College Yet? ("College Try").
Following the release of "College Try" in 2002, Splendora announced their disbandment. With Delissa Santos departing and members prioritizing marriage and family life, motivation declined. Tricia Wygal remarked that the group dynamic had shifted unfavorably, signaling their decision to end the band.[3]
Post-breakup
In 2013, lead singers Janet and Tricia Wygal briefly reunited to perform "You're Standing on My Neck" at Maxwell's venue. For Daria's 20th anniversary in 2017, Billboard conducted an interview with the Wygal sisters discussing Splendora's background and their three theme songs for Daria. On July 6, 2020, "You're Standing on My Neck" was officially made available on streaming platforms under the title "Daria (Official MTV Theme)".
Musical style and influences
Splendora's musical identity was shaped by the sounds of CBGB, sunshine pop, and grunge, taking inspiration from influential late 1960s and 1970s groups such as the Ramones, Television, Talking Heads, and The Free Design. Janet Wygal characterized their approach as a fusion of a forceful instrumental foundation with harmonious vocal melodies.
Band members
Past members
- Janet Wygal – vocals (lead), guitar (1993–2002)
- Tricia Wygal – bass guitar, lead vocals, percussion, flute (1993–2002)
- Delissa Santos – drums (1993–2002)
- Cindy Brolsma – cello, whistling (1993–2002)
- Jennifer Richardson – violin (1993–2002)
Studio album
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| In the Grass |
|
Extended play
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Daria |
|
Single
| Year | Track | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | "Rattle" | In the Grass |
Promotional single
| Year | Track | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "Daria (Official MTV Theme)" | Standalone single |
Music video
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | "Bee Stung Lips" | Carey Burtt |
See also
- The Individuals (power pop group including Janet Wygal and her brother Doug)