The Pulse: Recent Episodes
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WIBI A Cappella has been busy with not one, not two, but THREE EPs they are releasing over the course of the next few months. We had a chance to sit down with the group to hear about all the music they are putting out and what life has been like as the pandemic has loosened its grip a bit.
Learn more about WIBI on Twitter (https://twitter.com/wibiacappella), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wibiacappella), or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/WIBIACappella).
With a recent successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and and a recently released EP, we had so much to catch up on with the University of Exeter's Illuminations! You can find out more about the group on their website (https://www.exeterilluminations.com) or watch their latest videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJSX222tzl5M-ljGLlxRew.
Members of Ann Arbor Skyline Blues talk about their new album, Light at the End, as well as what they are looking forward to now that they are back together.
Listen to the album on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ySggu9Fy1iAX8IX924j1a
Check out the group's YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/AASkylineBlues
Pitch Fight is a 15 piece all-female identifying a cappella group from the University of Bristol. The group is competitive in competitions like VoiceFest and the ICCAs, in addition to being featured in Sky One's Sing: Ultimate A Cappella, and participating in Edinburgh Fringe. Rachael sits down with Helen, Emily, and Aashna to talk about the group's latest single, Thumbs, opb Sabrina Carpenter.
Listen to Thumbs here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axKUcd-C7x4
Learn more about Pitch Fight here: https://www.pitchfight.co.uk/
Who knew an electric bassist would alter the landscape of a cappella recording forever? Bill Hare sits down on The Pulse for a special hour-long episode to talk about how it all came to be - the fortunate, unfortunate, and sometime bizarre series of events that have had an enormous impact on the art form.
Learn more about Bill Hare at https://www.billhareacappella.com
The Scottish a cappella ensemble, Perfect Forth, has put together a digital show that's premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival August 20th and 27th. Rachael sits down with this group of collegiate a cappella graduates with musical theatre values to talk about the inspiration for the show, how they managed to put it together during lock-down, and what's coming up for the group.
Learn more about the show at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/perfect-forth-lost-and-found
Listen to the group's music at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4CdlkcA037vSNyZ4njsXGw
Learn more about the group at https://www.facebook.com/PerfectForth
What do you do during summer break during a pandemic? If you're Fundamentally Sound, you release an EP! Rachael sits down with the group to talk about Suspended, what made now the right time to release the music, and their upcoming joint single with Pitches and Notes, another group on campus.
Check out the EP here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6Y7zAYV8au2zawhhIsJm6k
Learn more about the group here: https://uwfundamentallysound.com/
Squad Harmonix is at it again! This time, they've released a truly fabulous rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" in honor of Pride and as a fundraiser for The Trevor Project. They have amazing cameos from members of the a cappella and LGBTQ+ communities. Rachael sits down with members of the group and their director Laura Saggers to talk about this incredible passion project.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq0pzoharVU
Support the group's fundraising efforts here: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/3302464
Learn more about the group here: https://www.squadharmonix.com/
J.D. Frizzell, noted arranger, director of OneVoice, and founder of the NAAC festival, sits down with Rachael to talk about OneVoice's latest release, Underground, plus shares details regarding the group's July 8th show, in addition to talking about what's coming up for NACC.
Watch "Underground" here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3030217833880795
Learn more about OneVoice here: https://briarcrestonevoice.com/
Learn more about NAAC here: https://www.facebook.com/NatAcaCon/
University of Bristol's oldest mixed auditioned group, the All Sharps, have released a new tune, Dance Monkey! Rachael sits down with the group's music directors and arrange to chat about this fun bop and the EP the group is working towards.
Check out the tune here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v069X-ndonc
Support the EP here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/all-sharps-ep-2021
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/AllSharps
Black Forest Voices is an annual vocal festival that takes place in the scenic Kirchzarten, Germany in the courtyard of Talvogtei. This magical festival is a collection of workshops and concerts led by such notables in the a cappella community as Kevin Fox (The Swingles, Cadence), Kim Nazarian (New York Voices), and Peder Karlsson (The Real Group). Amanda sits down for incredible interviews with these folks and more in a special episode focused on the festival. You won't want to miss it!
To learn more about the festival or purchase tickets, go to: https://blackforestvoices.com.
Visit the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/blackforestvoices.
The boys from The Pennchants are back at it with their second Summer Series benefiting Philabundance, continuing their fight against the worsening hunger crisis in Greater Philadelphia and across America. These incredible musicians put together an impressive amount of new music during the pandemic, which they plan to release soon, so be on the lookout. Tune in to hear all about their recent and upcoming endeavors!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.pennchants.com/
Listen and watch their music videos here: http://youtube.com/thepennchants
And support the group by donating to Philabundance here: https://secure.philabundance.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app317b?df_id=6399&6399.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=AF82AE541E7102A9588AB3409A2F3569
Fifth Street is a vocal quintet based in Victoria, BC. Its five members – Natasha Penfield, Jilaine Orton, Ryan Narciso, Kenji Lee and Taylor Caswell – met at the University of Victoria’s School of Music and formed the group out of a desire to make music together and continue growing as artists. Inspired by a capella powerhouses such as Pentatonix, The Real Group and M-Pact, Fifth Street combines the worlds of pop, jazz and R&B in five-part harmony.
Rachael sat down with three of the members to talk about some of their newest music, what the group has been doing during lockdown, and what's coming up for the band over the summer!
Check out all the music featured in this episode on the group's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8BFqzNAaxKK5LQJV8iBJQ.
WIBI A Cappella is an innovative contemporary a cappella ensemble founded in 1988 at York University. WIBI is the longest-running collegiate a cappella group in Canada, and in 2018, the group celebrated their 30th anniversary! Rachael sits down with the group to talk about their upcoming full length EP.
You can listen to Greedy for Your Treasure here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdWQ938aO84
You can listen to Coffee/I Miss Her here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrg0TN9OkY4
You can learn more about the group here: https://www.wibiacappella.com.
Treble On Huntington has released a new single, Rainberry! The ladies sit down with Rachael to talk about recording this jazzy tune while in lockdown, and what their lives have been like trying to make music during the pandemic. We also get a chance to hear and talk about two other songs: Taste and Finest Hour, the later of which was selected for BOCA 2020!
Learn more about the group here: https://trebleonhuntington.weebly.com.
Check out Rainberry here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=415jA5Dm83M, Taste here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyTHjTxppU8, and Finest Hour here: https://open.spotify.com/track/4lrSgTXCILF0vE4smy6Eyb?si=96546030139c4870.
Paul Sperrazza has been performing as a singer since 1996. He has entertained worldwide audiences at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Luxor, Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas. But in the a cappella world, Paul is most known for cofounding and codirecting Vox Audio (formerly Toxic Audio), his time as a clinician, and his work developing Fearless Performing 101.
Rachael sits down with Paul to talk about his time with Vox Audio, the work he does know teaching kids to sing and perform, and what's coming up for him!
Learn more about Paul at http://www.fearlessperforming101.com/
Learn more about Vox Audio at http://www.voxaudiogroup.com/
Listen to Paul's music at https://www.youtube.com/user/spazzbox123/videos.
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out Untitled, competitors from Towson University!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/untitledtu/
Check out their competition set here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w3z_TEV6gI
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out Radius, competitors at BOSS 2021, as we talk about their fun mashup of The Boys Who Left The Boybands!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/radiusvocals/
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6vbn-G_jzw
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out POSTYR, headliners at the pro concert!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/Postyr
Listen to their music here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4wdQoC6bp65lRiql8WpZhw
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out On The Vox, scholastic competitors from the Berklee College of Music!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/OnTheVoxACappella
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out On’lar A Capella, part of the pro concert!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/onlaracapella
Listen to their music here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0JGfPDn79B_FcvBx0FtIA
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out OneManJamz, live looper and deliberation performer, talking about his latest release, "Positions".
Learn more about him here: https://www.facebook.com/OneManJamz
Listen to "Positions" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWqu5XmTd-c
We recently sat down with competitors and performers from BOSS. Check out In Full Colour, winners of BOSS 2021, and their original set Alone Together!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/infullcolouracappella
A prolific and award-winning singer, composer, arranger, actor, teacher, music director and conductor, Mister Tim has performed around the world in bands, a cappella groups, orchestras, and music theater productions. He performs his solo vocal live-looping show and a solo classic crooning show, is music director for Vocality Music, regularly releases music and music videos, and directs and performs wit a variety of ensembles. Rachael sits down to talk with him about his latest release, Are You Gonna, a love song to his wife, along with some of his other newer releases.
Check him out at https://www.mistertimdotcom.com or listen to Are You Gonna at https://open.spotify.com/track/2H0KVMUXcsLG0MgeJHxPWg?si=147bd77fb06845ce.
Towson "Untitled" is a Co-ed a cappella group with a focus on contemporary, indie, and original music. Their mission is to bring forth a competitive, close-knit, and long-term organization/ensemble at Towson University in MD. Rachael sits down with the group to talk about their recent single, Speculate, and how the group has been handling lockdown.
Learn more about Untitled at: https://involved.towson.edu/organization/untitled.
Watch Speculate at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xloepsjEKI8&feature=emb_imp_woyt
Cut Off Studios was founded in 2014 by Nick Hunter and Matthew Zager. The two met at Roberts Wesleyan College, as members of the all-male a cappella group, Vocal Infusion. After college, Matt and Nick, along with other Roberts a cappella alumni, founded the post collegiate group, Cut Off. After recording an EP with Liquid 5th Productions, Nick became interested in the production side of a cappella music and started working on his own recording projects. The two began collaborating on projects together and thus began Cut Off Studios!
Rachael sits down with Matt, Kiara, and Alyssa to talk about what the studio has been up to during the pandemic, including recording all sorts of projects, virtual choirs, and their newest endeavor, MC2.0.
Learn more about Cut Off Studios at: https://www.cutoffstudios.com
While real travel isn't in the cards just yet, Rachael takes a virtual trip across the Atlantic to speak with Silvia Marchesan from the Venice Vocal Jam about their first album, "Raise", which was released in November and about how the group, who is split between the UK and Venice, Italy are managing to still produce music and videos during the pandemic!
Learn more about the group at https://linktr.ee/venicevocaljam.
Listen to "Raise" in its entirety at https://songwhip.com/venicevocaljam/raise.
What do you get when two Canadian groups join forces to record? An epic 11 part arrangement of the Leonard Cohen classic, "Hallelujah"! Rachael sits down with Quayside Voices and 6 Minute Warning to talk about this incredible first ever collaboration between the groups, and how it has inspired them to work together on more projects in the future.
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u71Ng2BXk6Q
Learn more about Quayside Voices here: https://quaysidevoices.com
Learn more about 6 Minute Warning here: https://www.6minutewarning.com
A little more than a year ago, the ConChords, originally from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in the UK, were on top of the world, having secured a win of the UK ICCA semifinals and the right to compete on the stage at finals in New York. Then the pandemic hit and things came to a bit of a halt, but the group didn't stop! They recorded and released their rendition of Moanin', which was in their 2020 set. Rachael sits down with Johnny and Aitzi to talk about how that all went down, where the group is now, and what's up next!
Keyframe Voices is the brainchild of Christopher Igoe & Graham Allen, two friends who wanted to view the magic of movies through the lens of a cappella. This prompted the duo to review the massive Disney catalogue and put together medleys of the various ages of the studio. In this episode, Rachael talks with Chris and Graham about their first two medleys - The Golden Age and The Silver Age - which feature gems from movies like Snow White, Fantasia, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp and so many more! They called on friends and singers from all over, the result of which is an amazing collaboration of talent that begs to be heard and seen!
You can watch and listen to the video for The Golden Age at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARGpHyDdZ3Q.
You can watch and listen to the video for The Silver Age at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID0_EToBSIM.
And while we didn't discuss it in this episode, the video for the third installation, The Renaissance, was just released and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92-rOJf4lsw.
Even when daylight hours are short, Alaska Sound Celebration is long on fun, talent, and drive! This chapter of Sweet Adelines International is led by director Peggy Benton. The group has a strong commitment to education and competition, participating in Region 13, and has performed on the regular at the festival associated with the Iditarod since 1991! Rachael spoke with some of the executive board to learn about this fantastic and creative group of ladies and shares their spirit and personality with you in this joyful interview.
Learn more about Alaska Sound Celebration at: https://alaskasoundcelebration.org.
Learn more about Sweet Adelines International at: https://sweetadelines.com.
It's podcastception here at The Pulse! Rachael sat down with George, Rob, and Charley from 1001 Open Mic Nights, a show being produced for Fringe this year, which is ALSO a podcast! We had a great time talking about how the show was conceived, what its current state is, and what plans are for the future, in addition to talking about the podcast. Plus, get a sneak peak at the podcast episode of 1001 Open Mic Nights that features Rachael!
Learn more about the show by listening to the podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/24oYsAzZTxL4ITu32qdaa7
The Real Group Academy has found amazing ways of keeping connected during the pandemic. Together with John Knutson & Matt Falker, members of The Real Group alumni gathered for an event called "Blast from the Past" where they took folks on a retrospective journey through TRGs video archive. Rachael sits down with Anders Edenroth, Stephanie Lam, John, and Matt to talk about the event and what's coming up for everyone.
Check out The Real Group at https://therealgroup.se.
Learn more about The Real Group Academy at https://www.therealgroupacademy.com.
Rachael sits down with Andi Giles of California, who took it upon herself to create A Cappella Harmony, a virtual youth festival that is taking place February 20 & 27th from 4-7pm PST and is for treble singers ages 25 & under. This new-to-the-scene festival is a 2 weekend workshop series and virtual choir experience, and features LoveNotes, Kim Newcomb, Deke Sharon. Learn more about the work that went into setting up this festival, the impetus for creating it, and much more!
Hear special guests LoveNotes Quartet: https://youtu.be/mXPx8JXQhoM
Hear from Hot Pursuit, two of whom will be leading vocal warm ups on February 20th: https://youtu.be/z_1zv72OhBg
Listen to Kim Newcomb in her quartet The Ladies: https://youtu.be/Xr2JWu6YzZ4 or her quartet Half and Half: https://youtu.be/DXws8YD8Asg
And what festival would be complete without Deke Sharon? Listen to him chat about Pitch Perfect: https://youtu.be/rXZlV3lCeWQ
Professional UK-based a cappella group, VERSA, was founded in January 2019 by award-winning arranger Sara Leanne. The group is formed of six experienced singers displaying a variety of timbres and vocal skills, yet continually praised for their ability to perfectly fuse together to form a rich, slick and professional sound. Rachael speaks to the group about The Pretender, their collaboration with fellow post collegiate UK group, VICE, and about the group's singing Valentines!
Buy a personalized singing Valentine here: https://www.versaacappella.com/product-page/personalised-singing-valentine
Listen to The Pretender here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j04FYZ7d69w
Learn more about VERSA here: https://www.versaacappella.com
Learn more about VICE here: https://viceacappella.wixsite.com/vice
The Sirens, a women's centered a cappella group from Simmons University in Boston, MA, has released a new EP titled "Brookline Ave"! They sit down with Rachael to talk about the process of recording this EP and feature 3 of its songs: High Hopes, Unbreakable Smile, and American Boy.
Listen to the EP at: https://open.spotify.com/album/1HmdZbXtGUZBCUos8GYr6F
Learn more about the group at: https://www.facebook.com/simmonssirens.
What happens when you start a new group and the pandemic hits only a couple semesters later? Clearly you grow, compete, AND record! Meet Ascension, the newest mixed gender group at East Tennessee State University. Rachael sits down with the group to talk about the release of the group's first EP, Ascension Level 1.
Listen to the album at: https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZvEPqbLSgMjSGktF1lXHk
Learn more about the group at: https://www.facebook.com/ascensionetsu
The Pennchants are the University of Pennsylvania's ass-kicking, name-taking and award-winning all-male a cappella group, and College Ambassadors for MEMBERS ONLY apparel. In partnership with Philabundance, the largest hunger-relief organization in the Delaware Valley, The Pennchants have created an Online Concert-Series, Bedroom Bops. Rachael sat down with the group's executive board to talk about this unique collaboration and to listen to some tunes.
Check out Bedroom Bops on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzXEFpy05QNUcwYfmBdz1RssZ6PT8ZcoC.
Learn more about Philabundance at https://www.philabundance.org.
Semi-Toned was formed in 2010 as a five-man barbershop harmony group at a university which doesn’t teach academic music. Today, the group is at the forefront of a cappella in the United Kingdom. The guys released an EP in December called Infrared and sit down with Rachael to discuss it, in addition to talking about where the group is heading in the upcoming months and the ambitious goal they created for themselves last term to create new music weekly!
Check Infrared on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4mu7wY8SKnu3jBbYsKUxex
Purchase Infrared on iTunes: iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/infrared-ep/1539866259
Watch the videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLJdDUcQJbS-nXJFNngNiv7qUSaApTcs&fbclid=IwAR1K9JOr3YJj5o9lZLnLr71S_HWXQlOiWuNw7TrrVObTm-2LeLd1nOGXfa0
Learn more about Semi-Toned at: https://www.facebook.com/semitoned.
University of Bristol’s award winning all-male a cappella group Academy has just released their DEBUT ALBUM, Exhibit A! Rachael sat down with group members Mark and Felix to talk about all the hard work that went in to pulling this off, especially under lockdown, and delves deeper into the meaning of two of the particular recordings, Bang, Bang, Bang and No Time To Die.
Check out the album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2uh4j6FVYmQJqllETMOFbj.
Learn more about the group at: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyACappella
No Comment has become a household name in a cappella after their appearance on the special, Sing It On. Since that time, the group has been competitive in ICCAs and, this year, UpStaged AID! They have made it to the semifinal round, competing with their recording of Fall In Line, originally performed by Christina Aguilera, featuring Demi Lovato. Arrangement of this tune is by Trent Calderone and includes soloists Ramya Jaishankar and Destinee Feliciano.
You can check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4npExkH6ro.
Vote for this group here: https://www.commoninja.com/bracket/eafdb423-d966-4753-9712-efaf41bb513b.
Learn more about No Comment here: https://www.facebook.com/uiucnocomment
The suspender-clad men from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have carved out a niche in contemporary a cappella for their lively personalities, genre-bending arrangements, and engaging performances. Rachael talks to president Borna Riazi about the group's tune A Cappella 101, which was selected for Voices Only 2020 and they are using to compete in Upstaged AID.
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3sQ-0jl3Lw.
Learn more about the group here: http://uwfundamentallysound.com.
Squad Harmonix is the relatively new kids a cappella group, with members ranging in ages from 8 to 15. This group is making their mark, getting lots of attention after making a theme song for Some Good News, hosted by John Krasinski.
In August, they reached out to 2019 ICHSA champs InToneNation from New Manchester High School to ask about working together and the result is an incredibly powerful and relevant rendition of the Cynthia Erivo tune Stand Up, from the movie Harriett. Tune in to hear representatives from both groups talk about this stunning collaboration and how it all came together.
You do not want to miss this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwxiiQB0hZ4
Learn more about Squad Harmonix at http://www.squadharmonix.com.
Learn more about InToneNation at https://www.facebook.com/intonenation.nm.
Eight Beat Measure began in 1987 as the RIT Men’s Octet. Originally faculty-lead and formed as an extension to the RIT Singers, they quickly expanded their horizons and branched into the world of contemporary a cappella, changing their name to Eight Beat Measure to reflect the new attitude, and expanding from only eight members. The group now sings hip-hop to rock to Irish folk, so there is something for everyone in their repertoire. The boys continue to raise the heat for their audiences at two annual concerts, and now they’re ready to compete on stages all across the country. That heat is in full force on Hollow, the second to last tune on the second Voices Only 2020 album. We sit down with soloist Jarrell Green to talk about this Matt Goldstein arranged powerhouse!
Listen to the song at https://open.spotify.com/track/3dD8EYlNKLMUaPmwbcGEZp?si=Nf9ZPlAGRAGWfAcL9ONSTQ.
Learn more about the group at https://8beat.org.
Founded in 2007, Maize Mirchi was brought together by two students who decided it was time to fuse together two cultures with the power of voice, and bring a new genre of performance to the a cappella stage. Since then, their passion for learning music, their love for beautiful sounds, and their connection to South Asian culture has only grown. Those elements are represented in the gorgeous mash up of Winter Bird and Albela Saja, originally performed by Aurora and Ustad Rashid Khan, respectively. We sit down with arranger Prakash Kumar to talk about this beautiful tune, soloed by Olivia Pak and Swathi Sampath.
Listen to the song at https://open.spotify.com/track/2UsPpQgcKivAGWXXEe5OwG?si=GcCHK8emSBmBExrmkh06Gg.
Learn more about the group at http://www.maizemirchiofficial.com.
Highline is a vocal jazz quintet comprised of five friendly friends who really like singing. The group was founded in December 2017 and has been creating music videos for original, tight 5-part arrangements ever since. Based in NYC, they perform in the tri-state area and beyond, such as headlining N.E. Voices 2020, opening for DCappella on tour, and setting the stage for Kathie Lee Gifford at the 2019 Nashville Pops Holiday Show. We sit down with the group's arranger, Jared Graveley, to talk about their rendition of the jazz standard, How High The Moon.
Listen to it at https://open.spotify.com/track/5edHUd37KiVPLm5bTfkU4S?si=xrfGFvk-Q8uVPkOO5JTpKQ.
Learn more about the group at https://www.highlinevocaljazz.com.
The Danish vocal group POSTYR gives vocal music a facelift with their five voices, one computer and catchy melodies. The group has become known worldwide for their characteristic and evocative sound, combining four gripping voices with sampled beats and heartfelt songwriting, also making POSTYR’s live performances unprecedented in the international music landscape. We sit down with the group to talk about their hauntingly beautiful original tune, No Home Without You, arranged by Line Grodt and Tine Freese-Ronsfeld and sung by Lucas Tuan Minh Hoang.
Check out the tune at https://open.spotify.com/track/4zfirdmBYkGbCAdU01cPRu?si=W70eC9nWRX2ZSjUSn2MLjg.
Learn more about the group at http://postyrproject.dk.
Mark Silverberg, aka Docacappella, takes a page right out of musical satirist Weird Al Yankovich, with IT Guy, an original tune written, arranged, and sung by Silverberg and featuring Chris Harrison from ARORA. We sit down with Mark to talk about this tune's selection for Voices Only 2020!
Listen to the song at https://open.spotify.com/track/16oG0mzUIE2skG7TxLiidW?si=gnsasUi9QmibNTR5WqWBkQ.
Learn more about Docacappella at https://www.docacappella.com.
Vocal band Business Casual combines elements of pop, jazz, and other genres to produce fresh a cappella versions of vintage chart toppers, today’s top 40 hits, and award-winning original songs. Featuring powerful leads, floor thumping bass, and sizzling beats, audiences can’t believe that this group rocks the room using only their voices! Since 2012 the group has performed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, USA, where they are based, as well as at festivals and competitions at home and abroad. We sit down with the group to talk about their funky rendition of Faith, originally performed by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande, arranged by Jon Smith, and soloed Roshun Alur.
Listen to it at https://open.spotify.com/track/3C66uGS2x9iCb6F0Ts0Jom?si=vGDwCnrUTtugAej6ZarZOw.
Check out the group at https://www.bcvocals.com.
Originally founded in 2003, Distilled Harmony has grown from humble beginnings into one of Northeastern's most recognized a cappella groups. The music they perform, which ranges from mainstream pop to indie rock, is just as varied as the interests and academic backgrounds of each of its members. Yet "ohana" still means family for this fun-loving and ever crowd-pleasing group. And this family created an incredible rendition of Breathe, originally performed by RZLZ, arranged by Johnny DelToro, and soloed by Karizma Kishnani. We sit down with Karizma herself to chat about the tune!
Check out the song at https://open.spotify.com/track/360YnNTpaFaFLvNVqXSdw3?si=AgaFqcqcSqeqFx8hT3hu2Q.
Learn more about the group at https://web.northeastern.edu/distilledharmony.
Profecy A Cappella is an entirely student-led all male A Cappella group at Rowan University. The group's mission is to both strengthen the presence of A Cappella within the Rowan community, as well as increase Rowan's presence within the national A Cappella community. The group is well on their way now that their tune Say Amen (Saturday Night), originally performed by Panic! At the Disco has been selected for both BOCA 2020 AND Voices Only 2020! We sit down with music director Tim Catrino to talk about this Matt Goldstein arranged power hitter, soloed by Zack Spencer.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/3asKuPDVT24fVOrZAL6RzW?si=Ak4cFWRGTQ6peg4DdluWVw.
Learn more about the group at https://www.facebook.com/RowanProfecy.
The Vassar Devils started in the fall of 1987 and are now one of eight co-ed a cappella groups at Vassar. The group formed when two members of another campus a cappella group fell in love
From James Madison University, Exit 245 is a group of dudes that sing slick grooves and sweet tunes. We talk to the group about their selected tune, Home Alone, originally performed by Ansel Elgort, arranged by Leif Jomuad and with the solo by Cam Ayer.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/5yiokZbVkLJFvubPULsalE?si=rKFk3DyyRP6bEAwLMDEuWQ.
Learn more about the group at https://www.exit245.com.
The group Tune Army from Newcastle University has released a brand new album while in lockdown called Behind Closed Doors. Rachael sits down with members Adam and Chi to talk about the album, take a listen to some of the tunes, and generally hear what the group is up to.
Listen to this incredible album yourself on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/3BtJCFesoGCz2RrRRNkfiT?si=wlh5FvsSR1qCzdEgmmbydA.
It was a dark and stormy evening (probably) in the fall of 2009. Skinny scarves and low rise jeans are all the rage. In a dark, muggy building, now known as Varner Hall, a rag-tag group of kids who all just happen to love to sing get together for the first time. It was there, on that possibly dark and stormy evening, in the deep dark corners of Varner Hall, that Gold Vibrations A Cappella was born. We had the pleasure of speaking with members Wes & Maria their rendition of Billie Eilish's song When The Party Is Over, soloed and arranged by Cole Fazzini.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/4wDiDTNWfEbbJMwu61AOcu?si=EBV07XSRQqyY0TniAQ2AMA.
Learn more about the group at https://www.oaklandgoldvibrations.com.
Pitch, Please! was founded in the winter of 2017 and is a co-ed, competitive a cappella group at UCLA. Their music varies widely from indie ballads to upbeat experimental-pop hits, most of which is arranged by their very own members. We had the pleasure of speaking with the group about their rendition of Ariana Grande's God Is A Woman, soloed by Allie Stone and arranged by Thaddeus Demeke.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/5vIquQv52cPsjjuGpP6r8Q?si=kdDvpH5SSSGqdiksn6xCJQ.
Learn more about the group at https://www.pitchpleaseucla.net/.
In the fall of 1998, Brian Haverkate gathered fearless singers, who needed not instrumental accompaniment, to form the first group of its kind at Florida State University. They named this group All-Night Yahtzee and the reason why is a closely guarded secret. We spoke with PR director Joshua Emmanuelli about their rendition of the Billie Eilish tune, You Should See Me In A Crown, featuring soloists Colette Verner and Maddy Schatz, and arranged by John Haas.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/69PAiO1c0yU3Wvamfxi71o?si=QfzixMqXR26mfSffXqXsog.
Learn more about the group at https://www.allnightyahtzeefsu.com.
Voices from University of Chicago is composed of both undergraduate & graduate students whose unique repertoire includes original compositions, as well as an eclectic mix of pop, r&b, rock & alternative music. We sat down with President Summer Aslam to talk about their original tune Part of Me, written by Summer and Kate Connors, and arranged and soloed by Will Cabaniss.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/77G5ib8PO9LGJxwqLtdIdq?si=WnSRjxogQqqXUxtvWGjcqw.
Learn more about the group at https://www.ucvoices.com.
Aquapella, the National Champions of A Cappella 2017, 2018 & 2019, founded in 2011. From the University of Bath, the group prides them selves on team spirit, innovation and integrity. We talk to the group about their tune, Boys, originally performed by Charlie XCX and mixed with Girls by Rita Ora. The solo is Maisie Hillier and the arranger is Erin McCullough.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/2iEfuJScNLeT6H20fYNHr5?si=FpeLwcT4SumZujeUTKZgvg.
Learn more about the group at http://soundoffacappella.com.
Sound Off A Cappella is an award-winning, professional a cappella group from Boston, MA. We talk to the group about their selected tune, Never Let Me Go, originally performed by Jess Glynne, arranged by Elliott von Wendt and with the solo by Eileen O'Hara.
Check out the tune yourself at https://open.spotify.com/track/2iEfuJScNLeT6H20fYNHr5?si=FpeLwcT4SumZujeUTKZgvg.
Learn more about the group at http://soundoffacappella.com.
We are kicking off our special on the release of the Voices Only 2020 volumes by speaking with Voices Only Productions' own Corey Slutsky! Tune in to hear how Corey put together this year's compilation from a record-breaking number of entries and included more original tunes than ever before!
Check out the entire list here: http://www.voicesonlyacappella.com/VO/vo2020.php
When the Edinburgh Fringe Festival closed due to the Coronavirus, The Bristol Suspensions got to work! The group created an online Fringe Fest for the month of August, culminating in the release of 3 brand new special releases: their Lower Voices High School Musical medley, their Upper Voices Movie medley, and their rendition of The Weather, originally performed by Lawrence.
You can check out the group's YouTube channel and watch the videos of these songs here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBristolSuspensions or you can buy the single for The Weather in iTunes or listen in Spotify!
Rachael sat down with the team for the UK Virtual A Cappella Collective, who saw an opportunity when the Edinburgh Fringe festival was cancelled to provide a virtual space for UK collegiate a cappella groups to connect. Learn how the whole thing came together and get a sneak peek at the audio from the mass collaboration between 19 UK a cappella groups in a medley of famous tunes.
And tune in to Facebook Live on Sunday August 30th for a massive watch party for all the videos from the participating groups, which will culminate in the release of that mass collaboration!
Learn more about the collective here: https://www.facebook.com/ukvacfringe. Join the Twitch channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/ukvac. Donate to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief fund here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ukvac2020
You had questions, we sought answers! On this episode of The Pulse, Rachael sits down with the team at Upstaged, the organization behind the new virtual collegiate a cappella competition. With the final bracket announcement coming, learn more about the whos, the whats, the whys, and the hows.
Aaron Jensen joins us for The Pulse to talk about Countermeasure's latest project - one with gasp instruments! Countermeasure joined forces with some of the most talented and award-winning instrumentalists to join their sound as a solo "voice" with songs nearly all composed by Jensen. We get to dig into album concept, inspiration, process, and more.
Cape Harmony is Cape Cod’s all female a cappella group, comprised of 10 talented young women from all over the nation who come to Cape Cod during the summer to make music for its residents and visitors.
The pandemic have upended our traditional summer plans, but for Cape Harmony, the show must go on! Tonight on The Pulse we learn more about how this iconic summer group is facing the challenge with grace and joy.
Established in 2015, Mezzo is a all-female a cappella group that has been performing all over the New York tri-state area. They pride themselves on cool arrangements of contemporary tunes, as well as reinventions of classic hits. Rachael sits down with the group to talk about their recently released album, Woman Like Me!
To learn more about Mezzo, check out their website at www.mezzonyc.com or follow them on social media @mezzonyc!
Amanda Cornaglia steps in for Rachael to showcase a conversation with the incredible Bill Hare, the world’s most awarded individual Contemporary A Cappella producer, including over 70 appearances on BOCA, over 100 CARA nominations, over 40 albums in the RARB "Picks of the Year" lists, and 13 "DeeBee" awards since 1987 in the Vocal Jazz category from Downbeat Magazine!
Learn more about Bill Hare here: https://www.billhareacappella.com/home.html.
A rebroadcast from the 2019 Twin Cities A Cappella Festival with all-male group Geoff and all-female group Midori, from Hopkins High School!
Learn more about the group here: https://courseweb.hopkinsschools.org/course/view.php?id=675.
A rebroadcast from the 2019 Twin Cities A Cappella Festival with mixed high school group, Encore!
Learn more about the group here: https://lshschoirs.org.
A rebroadcast from the 2019 Twin Cities A Cappella Festival with all-female high school group, Stay Tuned!
The Vocal Suspects is the oldest (and funkiest) mixed a cappella group at UMass Amherst. Founded in 1999, The Vocal Suspects have always had a reputation of blending contagious energy with adept musicality. Their arrangements are innovative and electrifying, and over the past two decades, they have continuously reshaped their sound to incorporate the new talent that is brought in each year.
Rachael sat down with the group to talk about their latest studio album, Spectrum! To listen to the album in its entirety, check it out on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/7o0iiH3STLd86aMSN1FL1J or Apple Music at https://music.apple.com/us/album/spectrum/1513645858.
St. Croix Sound is a competitive a cappella group from Prescott High School. Rachael sat down with the group at the 2019 Port Washington Acapocalypse Festival.
Learn more about St. Croix Sound here: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottHighSchoolChoir.
The Jaguar Singers is a jazz and a cappella group comprised of middle school students in grades 5 - 8 from Thomas Jefferson Middle School . Rachael sat down with the group at the 2019 Port Washington Acapocalypse Festival.
Learn more about the Jaguar Singers here: https://sites.google.com/pwssd.k12.wi.us/mrsraaflaub/music-activities/jaguar-singers.
Highlands Voices is a competitive, contemperory a cappella group from Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ. Rachael sat down with the group at the 2019 Port Washington Acapocalypse festival.
Learn more about Highlands Voices here: https://www.facebook.com/HighlandsVoices.
Parkside Range is the flagship contemporary a cappella ensemble of the Contemporary Commercial Music - Voice program at UW-Parkside. Rachael sat down with the group in the summer of 2019 at A Cappella University.
Learn more about Parkside Range here: https://www.facebook.com/ParksideRange.
In the Summer of 2019, Rachael traveled to Wisconsin to cover A Cappella University. She sat down with the educators who were attending the event to find out what their experience was like.
Learn more about A Cappella University here: http://www.acappellauniversity.net.
Swaram is Texas A&M University’s premier South Asian Fusion A Cappella team. Since its inception in 2007, the team has been renowned not only for competing at national collegiate a cappella competitions but also for numerous national accolades. Swaram fuses both Indian & Western musical styles through pure vocal performances to create innovative and vibrant music. Recognized for its avant-garde twist on South Asian fusion, Swaram enjoys bringing powerful stories to its music through representation of socially and politically prevalent concepts through its themes. Swaram has had the honor of placing at the All-American Awaaz National Championship for three years in a row and has released multiple albums and singles on Spotify and iTunes. Recently, Swaram's latest single "Crazy in Love" was nominated for a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) for Best Mixed Collegiate Arrangement. Music is a beautiful language, and we hope our stories and music speak to you in a profound way!
Learn more about Swaram here: https://www.facebook.com/SwaramAcappella.
Dhamakapella is an award-winning coed South Asian fusion a cappella group based in Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Dhamakapella was formed in 2005 by student Mayank Prasad at Case Western Reserve University. With help from students, Raksha Soora and Manoj Nair, Mayank organized and established the first university-recognized coed a cappella group, which would feature genres from both Western and Eastern cultures. Within three years, Dhamakapella grew into an sixteen-member group, with singers of various and diverse styles. Due to the untraditional arrangements and unusual compositions, the group instantly stood out on University campus and downtown Cleveland. In 2011, Dhamakapella released its debut album Pehli Nazar: First Look, following the group's growing popularity across the city and the University. The group derives its influences from Indian classical, contemporary Bollywood, pop, and electronic genres.
Learn more about Dhamakapella here: https://www.facebook.com/dhamakapella.
Hum A Cappella was founded in 2001 and is the South Asian a cappella group at the University of Texas at Austin. Hum blends cultures and puts a unique spin on both Hindi and English songs. From its six-member inception, Hum has evolved into a group of highly dynamic vocalists who arrange all of their songs by themselves. They have competed at a variety of local and national competitions including ICCA, Jhalak, Taal, Nasha, Texas Revue, Gathe Raho in Iowa, and Anahat in California. The team comes from a variety of musical backgrounds, and their collaboration and appreciation for a cappella music keeps them constantly moving forward.
Learn more about Hum A Cappella here: https://www.utxhum.com.
In Hindi, ‘Dhunki’ means ‘spellbound.’ The name also contains the Hindi word ‘Dhun,’ which means ‘tune’ or ‘melody.’ This Hindi name symbolizes this group’s focus on the areas of South Asian music and culture. The group's goal is to spread their culture throughout the community by the means of a unique style of music in which Eastern and Western themes collide in intricately arranged mashups.
Learn more about Dhunki here: https://dhunkimusic.weebly.com.
SoundWave is SDSU's first and only co-ed a cappella group. SoundWave's goal is to splash the audience with a powerful wave of sound, leaving them wet and wanting more. Their musical repertoire consists of the best guilty pleasures of the past and present, with diverse musical genres. Get ready for a wild ride full of amazing music and exciting choreography.
We sat down with the group after their ICCA competition was canceled due to the coronavirus and we spoke with the group at length about their set and its meaning. We are including that set in its entirety for your listening pleasure! And if you want to view it, you can do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4A-84s9rZg.
Learn more about SoundWave here: https://www.facebook.com/SoundWaveSDSU.
The Smiffenpoofs originated in 1936 after a group of Smithies attended a Yale picnic where the Whiffenpoofs performed. The Smithies were so impressed by the Whiffs' camaraderie and musicality that they decided to form the first women's collegiate a cappella group in the nation, modeling it after the Whiffs and adopting a similar name in their honor. As the story goes, it was on November 23, 1936, that Smith College President William Allan Neilson gave his official approval of the group, gifting them with a leather-bound journal in which to record their history.
We were honored to sit down with the Poofs at the end of February to see what this amazing group of women are up to these days.
If you want to learn more about the group, you can do so here: http://www.thesmiffenpoofs.com.
Hailing from Brisbane, MVP are a new band that are blurring the lines of pop music and a cappella. Blending vocal harmonies and percussion with loop stations, samplers and effects, every sound made by MVP is produced by the human voice.
The girls have been making a name for themselves in the contemporary a cappella world, winning awards for their arrangements and original music through AUSACA (the Australian A Cappella Awards) in both 2018 & 2019
2019 has been the girls' busiest year yet - with two singles out in the world, they've been spending the year writing and recording for their all original debut EP, which has seen them collaborating with multiple producers from the USA at the top of the a cappella industry.
Learn more about MVP here: https://www.facebook.com/MVPacappella.
In the spring of 1949 a group of MIT students came together to form the Logarhythms, MIT’s premier all male a cappella group. Building upon the influence of barbershop tunes they swiftly began singing all over campus, building a fan base throughout Cambridge. Over the next few decades the ‘Logs’ introduced gospel, doo-wop, and modern hits, performing at several MIT events including Commencement. While balancing their academic workload, athletics, and keeping fans at bay, the Logs managed to record several albums, which last to this day.
In the late 1990’s the Logs made the transition from barbershop to modern a cappella introducing vocal percussion and complex arrangements of modern songs. The Logs performed off campus more often and toured around the country to California, Texas, Ohio, New York, Florida, and all of New England. Last year the Logs celebrated their 60th anniversary as one of the country’s finest a cappella groups. Their tremendous success is attributed to its alumni who have shaped this group into what it is today.
Learn more about the Logs here: https://mitlogs.com.
The Buzztones are not just an experienced, well-rehearsed, unique a cappella group. Sure, in 5 years they have gigged twice on the BBC's One Show and BBC3's Siblings, performed twice at the FA Cup Final, Big Game 7 & The Rugby World Cup at Twickenham, had 2 sell-out 5-star Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows & been named finalists of the prestigious 'View from The Shard' competition. And yes, through impromptu flash mob performances their harmonies have changed numerous Facebook statuses from ʻin a relationshipʼ to ʻengagedʼ.
But thereʼs something about The Buzztones thatʼs far more profound than sell-out performances & vivacious vocals; they are all great friends. Itʼs this connection between the members of the London-based group that has hooked audiences up and down the country. Itʼs what defines their sound, showmanship & insanely catchy pop mash-ups. What other group can merge 'Eye of the Tiger' with Beyoncéʼs 'Bootilicious', pull off a ballad like 'Kiss from a Rose' & round everything off with a Garage medley? Not to mention Celine Dion vs Eminem...
These are no Glee-inspired boppers. Theyʼre a group of 14 grown men putting their twist on all the latest tracks – no instruments, no effects. Just a team of talented friends bringing you a cappella as youʼve never, EVER heard it before.
Learn more about The Buzztones here: http://www.thebuzztones.co.uk.
While in London for the ICCA Quarterfinals, Rachael was delighted to sit down with 2016 ICCA Champions and 2020 Semifinalists (at least at the time of publication), The Techtonics, from Imperial College London. These are a fun group of guys who take their music and the passion for a good time seriously!
Learn more about The Techtonics here: http://www.thetechtonics.co.uk.
Newly formed jazz group, The Conchords, had an impressive first showing at London Quarterfinals, coming in second place and moving on to semis. Rachael was thrilled to speak with this group from Guildhall School of Music and Drama before their competition back in early February.
Learn more about The Conchords here: https://www.instagram.com/theguildhallconchords.
Back in early February, Rachael had the pleasure of sitting down with The Oxford Alternotives from Oxford University at their London Quarterfinals.
Learn more about The Alternotives here: https://www.alternotives.com.
While in London for their ICCA Quarterfinals, Rachael sat down with Alvarium, formerly Fantastic Beats and Where To Find Them, from University of Manchester!
Learn more about Alvarium here: https://www.facebook.com/alvarium.manchester.
Founded in January 2000, New England Voices in Harmony is a chapter of Harmony, Inc., an international, non-profit, educational and singing organization for women. Since officially chartering in April 2001, the chorus has competed at area and international events, hosted numerous shows, and entertained audiences at a variety of venues.
Learn more about New England Voices in Harmony here: http://newenglandvoicesinharmony.org.
Student-run high school group NOTEorious from North Reading High School in North Reading, MA sat down with Rachael for a remote interview recently. Hear more about this talented, competitive group!
Learn more about the group here: https://nrmusic.weebly.com/noteorious.html.
Rachael was thrilled to have the chance to sit down in person with Aca-Pocalypse from The University of Nottingham the eve of their 2020 ICCA Quarterfinals in London.
Learn more about Aca-Pocalypse here: https://uonacappella.wixsite.com/uonacappellasociety/our-groups.
Vinyl Street is the story of a group of strangers who found each other through a shared passion for music (and craigslist) and became a family. Based out of Somerville, MA, the group is a member of the Contemporary A Cappella League (CAL) and performs pop, rock, and country covers throughout the Greater Boston area.
Learn more about the group here: http://www.vinyl-street.com.
Chromatix is a nine-member a cappella group based in Madison, WI, consisting of vocalists Taryn, Erin, Andrea, Melanie, Kyle, Danny, Jason, Stu and Chris. The group started in November 2014 and is known for their tight harmonies and stunning arrangements of contemporary pop and alternative songs. Rachael sat down with Chromatix remotely after one of their rehearsals to learn more about this fun group!
Learn more about Chromatix at https://www.facebook.com/chromatixacappella.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with the YellowJackets, from the University of Rochester to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Believer, originally performed by Imagine Dragons.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/URYellowJackets.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with the Vocal Chords, from Arvada West High School to talk about their BOHSA 2020 selection, Creep, originally performed by Radiohead.
Learn more about the group here: https://sites.google.com/a/jeffcoschools.us/arvada-west-choir/.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Unaccompanied Women, from the University of Chicago to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Kamikazee, originally performed by MISSIO.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/UnaccompaniedWomen.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with the Toccatatones, from High Line University to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Sober Up, originally performed by AJR.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/Toccatatones-6408709762.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Skyline Blues, from Ann Arbor Skyline High School to talk about their BOHSA 2020 selection, a mashup of Greenlight and 00000 Million, originally performed by Lorde and Bon Iver.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/SkylineBlues.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with the Ramifications, from Virginia Commonwealth University to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Bellyache, originally performed by Billie Eilish.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/ramificationsvcu.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Profecy, from the Rowan University to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Say Amen (Saturday Night), originally performed by Panic! At the Disco.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/RowanProfecy.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Mind the Gap, from the University of Oregon to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, a mashup of Rise and The Weekend, originally performed by Solange/SZA.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/uomindthegap.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Legacy, a group of high school students from various schools across Los Angeles, to talk about their BOHSA 2020 selection, By My Side, originally performed by Great Good Fine OK.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/legacyvox.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with SoundProof, a group of high school students from various schools across Kansas City, to talk about their BOHSA 2020 selection, I'll Be There, originally performed by Jess Glynne.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/kcacappellamusic.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with InToneNation from New Manchester High School to talk about their BOHSA 2020 selection, Glory, originally performed by Common and John Legend.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/intonenation_nm.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Falconize from Danvers High School to talk about their BOHSA 2020 selection, Chasing Tides, an original written by the group,
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/dhsfalconize.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Distilled Harmony from Northeastern University to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Bad News, an original written by the group,
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/distilledharmony.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with The Brown Derbies from Brown University to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Happier, originally performed by Marshmellow & Bastille.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/brownderbies.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with Chi Rho from Wake Forest University to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Bone + Tissue, originally performed by Gallant.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/wfuchirho.
Welcome to our BOCA/BOHSA 2020 special! In this episode we sit down with BisCaydence from University of Miami to talk about their BOCA 2020 selection, Lost in Japan, originally performed by Shawn Mendes.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/biscaydence.
HamojiN from Tokyo gathers some of the best and most reputable musicians in the jazz and a cappella music industry from Japan. They are Ayumu, Daisuke, and Kotetsu, veteran professional jazz vocalists, together with Kaichiro, vocal percussion master. This group of good drinking friends came up with the name “HamojiN”(鱧人) after their acclaimed debut in 2015, by combining the word “Harmony” and “people”(JIN) together, meaning “Harmony of people”. As described by their name, they also pursue the possibilities of improvisation in a cappella. The aim of the group is simply to “make good music”, which is definitely happening!
The Jewel Tones is a co-ed a cappella group out of Marblehead High School. We sat down with this group almost a year ago for Aca-pocalypse 2019 and we are so thrilled to be sharing that interview with you now.
Learn more about the group here: https://mhschoralmusic.wixsite.com/mhs-choral-music/jewel-tones.
The Rolling Tones is a co-ed a cappella group out of Bedford High School. We sat down with this group almost a year ago for Aca-Pocalypse 2019 and we are so thrilled to be sharing that interview with you now.
Learn more about the group here: https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/the-rolling-tones.html.
Note-oriety is James Madison University's premiere all-female a cappella group. We were honored to sit down with member Dani Rye in mid-December 2019 to talk about where the group is at these days and where they are going.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/jmunoteoriety.
We had the pleasure of chatting with local Kansas City jazz ensemble, Nightshade, an off-shoot of The Songflower Chorale, at the m-pact festival in Kansas City in November 2019.
Learn more about the chorale here: http://www.songflower.org/.
John Stafford is an associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Kansas City Community College. He helped put on the first annual m-pact festival in Kansas City in November 2019 and we caught up with him there.
Learn more about John here: https://www.kckcc.edu/academics/programs-and-departments/music/choral-vocal-jazz/choral-and-vocal-jazz-director.html.
m-pact is a professional a cappella group out of Los Angeles. We caught up with the group at their first annual m-pact festival in Kansas City in November 2019
Learn more about m-pact here: https://www.m-pact.com.
Upper Structure is a co-ed group from Berklee College of Music. Rachael spoke with the group about their history, what they're up to now, and what's next for this 2018 ICCA second place finalist!
Learn more about Upper Structure here: https://www.facebook.com/upper.structure.acappella.
The Loreleis are an all female group from UNC-Chapel Hill that Aaron sat down with November 2019 at SoJam.
Learn more about the Loreleis here: https://www.facebook.com/Loreleis16.
Second Shift, a post-collegiate, semi-pro group based in the Triangle are of North Carolina. Aaron sat down with group members at SoJam this year and we are so excited to share with you what the latest from the group!
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/SecondShiftACappella.
A Minor, based at the University of Connecticut, is a fun-loving group of friends who love singing together! Our schedules didn't work to sit down in person in New York when we were there for the AcaOpen, so they graciously agreed to be interviewed remotely. Tune in to hear more about this great group!
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/uconnaminor.
The AcaLumni Project, a virtual post-collegiate a cappella group, has released their latest collaboration - Let You Love Me, originally performed by Rita Ora. Rachael sits down with Shawn Pearce and Meg Leonard, two of the group's founders, to talk about this project and about the group more broadly.
Learn more about ALP here: https://www.acalumniproject.com.
Watch the Let You Love Me Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3IIatgbwr8.
We tried to interview The Rolling Tones while we were in NYC for the AcaOpen, but our schedules didn't work out. Luckily for us and for you, we were able to grab some of the members to talk to us about their group and a cappella on the University of Connecticut campus!
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/uconnrollingtones.
October 12th, 2019 Rachael drove to Pittsburgh to cover Vertigo, a concert of all-star collegiate a cappella groups, hosted by the Carnegie Mellon Originals. While there, she sat down with the N'Harmonics, but due to technical difficulties with that interview, they graciously agreed to re-record it remotely! Thanks N'Harms!
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/nharmz.
October 12th, 2019 Rachael drove to Pittsburgh to cover Vertigo, a concert of all-star collegiate a cappella groups, hosted by the Carnegie Mellon Originals. While there, she was delighted to sit down with members of the UCLA ScatterTones!
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/scattertones.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Business Casual to talk about their tune Yo Vivire, originally performed by Celia Cruz, which was selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/BCVocals.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with The BluesTones to talk about their tune Tell Me How, originally performed by Paramore, which was selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/thejmubluestones.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Tyler Walker from Run for Cover to talk about his arrangement of the group's tune La Lune, originally performed by Madeon, which was selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/UChicagoRunforCover.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with The Beltones to talk about their tune Heart of Gold, originally performed by Mario Jose, which was selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/beltonesmusic.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Michael Honey from Drums of War to talk about his original tune, Target Locked, which was selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/DrumsofWarofficial.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Stiletta to talk about their original tune, Get Pumped, which was selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: http://www.stiletta.net/.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Walk the Line, to talk about their tune Goldmine, originally performed by Kimbra, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/WalkTheLineRHS.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Matt Goldstein, music director of Hyannis Sound, to talk about their tune You Go Down Smooth, originally performed by Lake Street Dive, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/hyannissound.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with JD Frizzell, director of OneVoice from Briarcrest Christian High School, to talk about their tune Flying, originally performed by Cody Fry, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/BriarcrestOneVoice.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Hunter McDaniel of Reverb to talk about their tune iRobot, originally performed by Jon Bellion, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/reverbfsu.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Gary Stroh, director of The A Cappella Group (TAG), to talk about their tune Greedy, originally performed by Ariana Grande, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/TAGcypress.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with All-Night Yahtzee to talk about their tune Never Gone, originally performed by Said the Sky, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/AllNightYahtzee.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Tomas Padron of From the Roots to talk about their tune On and On, originally performed by Thirdstory, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/fromtherootsband.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with Jeff Smith of m-pact to talk about their tune We Can Work It Out, originally performed by The Beatles, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/mpactmusic.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with members of the Toccatatones to talk about their tune Sober Up, originally performed by AJR, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/Toccatatones-6408709762.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with members of the Nor'easters, 2019 ICCA champs, to talk about their tune Breathin', originally performed by Ariana Grande, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/noreasters.
In our continuing series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019, Rachael sits down with members of Fermata Town to talk about their tune Something, originally performed by The Beatles, and selected to appear on this year's compilation album.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/FermataTownACappella.
The first in our series of special interviews covering Voices Only 2019. Rachael sits down with Corey Slutsky, owner of Voices Only Productions, who puts out the Voices Only compilation albums!
Learn more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/voicesonlyacappella/
October 12th, 2019 Rachael drove to Pittsburgh to cover Vertigo, a concert of all-star collegiate a cappella groups, hosted by the Carnegie Mellon Originals. While there, she was able to catch up with The Nor'easters and to talk about the latest with them to share with you.
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/noreasters.
October 12th, 2019 Rachael drove to Pittsburgh to cover Vertigo, a concert of all-star collegiate a cappella groups, hosted by the Carnegie Mellon Originals. She was delighted to sit down with representatives of the group to learn more about them and about Vertigo.
To learn more about the group, check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/CMUOriginals.
Rachael flew out to Minnesota early in 2019 to cover the Twin Cities A Cappella festival. She sat down with a middle school group called Bear Voices to hear how a cappella was reaching some of its youngest practitioners.
To learn more about the group, check out their site: https://www.wblmusicboosters.org/choir.
Luxemburg Casco High School's Sol Trane is a mixed high school a cappella group that Rachael sat down with in March of 2019 at Port Washington Acapocalypse.
Learn more about Sol Trane here: https://www.facebook.com/lcsoltrane/
ReSistas is a semi-professional a cappella group that formed at the Women's March in January 2017. They sing songs of social justice and unity to uplift our community during these unsettling times. Check out this amazing group of women!
And you can learn more about the ReSistas here: https://www.facebook.com/ReSistas.Bend/
As part of covering Chelmsford's Aca-Pocalypse in the winter of 2019, Rachael sat down and spoke to The Rolling Tones, a co-ed high school group from Bedford High School.
Learn more about the group here: https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/the-rolling-tones.html.
Covering the All American Awaaz Contest was an incredible experience! Rachael had the chance to sit down with University of Miami's premier fusion a cappella group, Tufaan, and learn more about their music and their participation in the A3. Tune in to learn more yourself!
You can find out more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/UMiami.Tufaan.
A Cappella University was an amazing coming together of great talents, including Inverse Vocals, the Michigan-based sextet! Rachael had a chance to speak with this incredible group about their time at Aca U and about their preparations for the Aca Open. Check out what they had to say!
You can learn more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/inversevocals.
Rachael flew out to Wisconsin last March to cover the 2019 Port Washington Acapocalypse festival. She was thrilled to sit down with Ladies Knight, an all-female high school group from Oak Creek High School.
To learn more about the group, reach out to their director, Sam Wulterkens, whose contact information can be found at https://www.ocfsd.org/oak-creek-high-school/staff-directory?utf8=%E2%9C%93&const_search_group_ids=&const_search_role_ids=&const_search_keyword=&const_search_first_name=sam&const_search_last_name=wulterkens.
Alex Sheafor, owner of Audio Max Production, has been mixing sound for a cappella groups for years, starting off with GET Vocal Point, and expanding into other groups in the Midwest and beyond! Learn about how he found himself in this niche market and what an incredible sound engineer can do for an a cappella group!
Learn more about Alex at https://www.facebook.com/alex.sheafor and more about Audio Max Production at https://audiomaxproduction.com.
Rachael interviews the Augsburg University's co-ed a cappella group, Convocadence, at the 2019 Twin Cities A Cappella Festival.
Learn more about the group on their Instagram site: https://www.instagram.com/convocadence/.
Rachael interviews the Lakeville North High School group, the Now and Then Singers, at the 2019 Twin Cities A Cappella Festival.
Learn more about the group on their website: https://www.lnhspanthers.com/nowandthensingers.
As part of covering Bend 2018, Rachael sat down and spoke to high school group Barlow Sound, from Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, OR. Take a listen to what this group is all about!
Learn more about the group here: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/Page/5516.
As part of covering Bend 2018, Rachael sat down and spoke to gender inclusive collegiate group, Mind the Gap, from University of Oregon. Take a listen to what this group is all about!
Learn more about the group here: https://uomtg.com.
Ring The Rafters is an a cappella quartet that sings barbershop, doo woop, classic, traditional and modern songs. Originally formed on November 30, 2011, Rachael ran into this group in Doylestown, PA over the summer and was so enamored of them, she thought you all needed to become enamored too!
Learn more about Ring the Rafters at: https://www.facebook.com/ringtherafters.
At the 2019 Chelmsford Aca-Pocalypse, Rachael had the pleasure of sitting down with Luminescence, the all-female contemporary a cappella group out of Marblehead High School.
Learn more about Luminescence at: https://www.facebook.com/Luminescence-85281607866.
In late March, Rachael was at the 2019 Chelmsford Aca-Pocalypse, where she had a chance to sit down with the school's completely student run group, Feedback.
Learn more about a cappella at Chelmsford here: https://www.facebook.com/ACAchelmsford.
Rachael sat down virtually with members of the Studio 4 Quartet to talk about life, liberty, and the pursuit of barbershop harmony! Tune in to hear what this fun-loving group of guys is up to.
Learn more about Studio 4 here: https://www.facebook.com/Studio4Qt.
Before the incredible final concert at A Cappella University, the amazing producer, singer, beatboxer, studio owner and live sound engineer, Tony Huerta, sat down to talk to Rachael about how he got involved in A Cappella U and what's coming up for him this Fall.
Check out what's going on with Tony here: http://www.sonicaudiopro.com.
“Astha” means faith in Hindi. And you should have faith that this group will knock your socks off! Rachael sat down with Astha A Cappella, from Saint Louis University, at All-American Awaaz to learn about how the group got started, what competing in AAA means to them, and where they are going.
Learn more about Astha A Cappella at: https://www.facebook.com/AsthaAcappella/.
Taking a break from an incredibly competitive volleyball game, Collide Vocals sat down with Rachael to talk about A Cappella University, how their group got involved, and what's coming up next for this talented quintet!
Learn more about Collide Vocals at: https://www.collidevocals.com.
Rachael had the incredible honor of traveling to University of Wisconsin - Parkside to attend the tail-end of A Cappella University, a camp for students and educators run by some incredible high school a cappella directors in the midwest. Hear how they started the camp and how it's grown since its inception in 2016.
Learn more about A Cappella University at: https://www.acappellauniversity.net.
Back in March, Rachael flew out to Wisconsin to cover the 2019 Port Washington Acapocalypse festival. She had the opportunity to sit down with the incredible high school group putting on the festival, Limited Edition!
Learn more about the group here: http://www.limitededitionacappella.com.
Off the release of their new single, we're featuring an interview Rachael did with Due North at the 2019 Twin Cities A Cappella Festival. Learn more about the group on their website: http://duenorthvocalband.com.
Recently, Rachael had the chance to sit down with Note-Ably Strange, an a cappella quartet based in Ohio. Learn more about them on today's podcast!
Check out the group at https://www.facebook.com/Note-Ably-Strange-190119681708408
As part of covering Bend 2018, Rachael sat down and spoke to six member, semi-pro group out of Seattle, Restless Vocal Band. Take a listen to what this group is all about! Learn more about the group here: https://www.restlessvocalband.com
Rachael traveled to Montclair Kimberley Academy in the Spring of 2018 to cover their A Cappella Benefit Concert for Cycle for Survival, where she sat down with the school's competitive a cappella group, Remix.
Learn more about the group here: https://www.remix.mka.org/
Rachael sat down with NACC 2019 champions, The Nor'easters at the Chelmsford Aca-Pocalypse festival this past winter to talk about their participation in festivals like Aca-Pocalypse and what's next for the group! Check out The Nor'easters at https://www.nunoreasters.com.
Rachael covered the All-American Awaaz finals in April 2019 and had a chance to sit down with members from University of Maryland's Anokha.
Check the group out at https://www.facebook.com/AnokhaUMD/ Check out All-American Awaaz at https://www.facebook.com/allamericanawaaz/
Rachael had the chance to sit down with 5am A Cappella, a ten member group from the greater Milwaukee area, while in Port Washington, WI at the end of March 2019, covering Acapocalypse. Check out the group here: https://www.facebook.com/5amACappella/
Rachael caught up with Evan Taylor Jones and Andrew “Berko” Berkowitz from Six Appeal, based in Minneapolis at the Twin Cities A Cappella Festival at the end of January 2019. Check out the group here: http://sixappealvocalband.com.