Electric Bloom Episode 12: “How We Pulled A Song Out of Our Pocket”
In the twelfth episode of Disney Channel’s musical sitcom series Electric Bloom, titled “How We Pulled A Song Out of Our Pocket,” the show tackles a theme that resonates deeply with students: the ethics of originality in creative work, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence. This episode not only entertains but also prompts viewers to reflect on the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.
The Setup: A Songwriting Challenge
The episode begins with Posey (Lumi Pollack), Jade (Carmen Sanchez), and Tulip (Ruby Marino) engaging with their fans during an “Ask Us Anything” segment. A fan’s question about the challenges of songwriting leads Tulip to recount a pivotal moment in their band’s journey. The trio learns about a songwriting contest hosted by WNJC, a college radio station, where the winner would have their song played for an entire month. Inspired by Tulip’s dream of writing a song, the girls decide to enter the contest, setting the stage for a whirlwind of creativity and conflict.
The Struggle: Writer’s Block and Inspiration
As the deadline looms, Tulip grapples with writer’s block and self-doubt, shelving her attempts at songwriting. In a moment of distraction, she cleans out her closet and donates items to her favorite thrift shop, Modern Vintage. Here, she encounters Lucas (Nathaniel "Nate" Buescher), who is shopping for a gift for his girlfriend. While helping him, Tulip discovers a handwritten poem tucked inside a jacket pocket. This serendipitous find ignites her creativity, and she begins to craft a melody around the poem, believing she can transform it into something uniquely hers.
The Misunderstanding: A Song Misattributed
Tulip’s bandmates, Posey and Jade, overhear her singing the melody and mistakenly believe that she has found her muse. They rush to record the song, eager to capture the magic of the moment. However, Tulip struggles with the ethical implications of using someone else’s words. Despite her reservations, Posey and Jade submit the song to the contest without her knowledge, leading to a dramatic confrontation when Tulip discovers the truth. The fear of plagiarism looms large, and the girls decide to visit the radio station to retrieve their submission.
The Competition: Confronting Ethical Dilemmas
At WNJC, the girls find themselves caught in a web of competition and ethical dilemmas. They witness another band, The Two Shellys, using AI to create their own song, which raises questions about originality and authenticity. Electric Bloom grapples with the idea that perhaps their actions weren’t as wrong as they initially thought, believing they might be honoring the unknown poet’s legacy. However, this rationalization quickly crumbles when they confront The Two Shellys and realize the disingenuous nature of their own actions.
The Creative Process: Finding Originality
Back in their rehearsal space, Jade discovers some of Tulip’s rejected lyrics. By combining fragments from these drafts, they create original lyrics that reflect their true artistic voice. This moment serves as a reminder that songwriting is often a process of trial and error, and that creativity can emerge from unexpected places. The girls learn that authenticity is not just about the final product, but also about the journey of creation.
The Live Competition: A Stand for Integrity
As the live competition approaches, Electric Bloom decides to come clean about their song’s origins. However, DJ Kim (Heather Lynn Harris) disqualifies them for their honesty, leaving the girls disheartened. They encourage The Two Shellys to admit their use of AI, but the other band remains silent. In a twist of fate, when another contestant disqualifies himself, The Two Shellys are left as the obvious winners. Yet, Jade cleverly prompts them to confess on-air, exposing their reliance on AI to the audience.
The Aftermath: Celebrating Authenticity
In the green room, Lucas congratulates Electric Bloom for their bravery and integrity, contrasting their honesty with The Two Shellys’ lack of transparency. The episode culminates with Electric Bloom showcasing their framed lyrics to “Wolf Pack Energy,” a song stitched together from Tulip’s original efforts. The girls perform live, celebrating their journey of self-discovery and the importance of staying true to their artistic vision.
Upcoming Episodes
Fans of Electric Bloom can look forward to the next episode, “How We Tried to Crash a Party,” which promises to continue exploring the ups and downs of teenage life and creativity. The first 13 episodes of Electric Bloom are currently available for streaming on Disney+, with “How We Pulled A Song Out of Our Pocket” set to debut on Disney Channel on October 12th at 8/7c.
This episode not only entertains but also serves as a poignant reminder of the value of originality and the ethical considerations that come with creative expression in today’s digital age.
