Talkappella: Recent Episodes
John Lampus & Brian Alexander
Talkappella is back with a very special guest - Marcella Puppini of The Puppini Sisters - a dynamic retro trio with millions of albums sold, a collaboration with Michael Bublé, and an enviable amount of precision and blend, plus a journey that started with an unsuspecting, raucous crowd.
Talkappella host Elicia Edwards catches up with her friend and former bandmate Kenneth Cobble who she refers to as the best vocal percussionist she's ever worked with. And there's a lot behind the story! A must hear for fans and aspiring beatboxers alike.
Tonight on Talkappella, host Elicia Edwards sits down with the founder and Executive Director of Techapella , Lindsay Alford. Learn more about this tech country a cappella movement that all started with Lindsay's group, Googapella.
Talkappella is back and host Elicia Edwards makes a visit to San Francisco. This week's guest is Robert Lee, founder of The Vocal Gym , a member of the award-winning group, Ro Sham Bo, and an alumnus of The Jabberwocks of Brown University.
The world may be leaving Asia post-Olympics, but Talkappella is bringing you a little more in their interview with Vocal Asia Artistic Director, Christine Liu! She's also part of Voco Novo 爵諾歌手, a conductor, an organist.... she really does it all! This year's virtual festival is just around the corner and you want to be there! Learn why in this week's episode of Talkappella.
Talkappella heads to NYC to chat with Connor and Andrew of Black to Gold about virtual adventures during lockdown and the long road back to live performance.
Brian and Elicia sit down with Mezzo A Cappella out of New York City. Ready to get back out and perform, hear more about what the group is up to. ALSO, they are hosting auditions soon, so treble voices - reach out to the group to learn more!
It is catch up time for your hosts, Brian and Elicia, as they delve into relationships in a cappella on this week's episode.
Turns out instrumentalists can find joy in singing! Kathleen Hansen talks about her experience getting into barbershop and now directing the San Diego Chorus. This chapter of Sweet Adelines are turning 70 this year and have a lot to celebrate about their decorated history.
Talkappella journeys Down Under today as they visit with Alex & Moira of MVP to chat about all of the exciting things going on with this powerhouse Brisbane-based group. And bonus, you'll learn a little Aussie slang and what the acronym MVP really stands for!
Talkappella is back with Episode 154 and gust Tyler Wilde, a trip down memory lane for Brian who sang with him as far back as high school. Brian and Elicia also talk with Tyler about his music now, both pre- and post-COVID.
Talkappella sits down with Chris Rupp - from Home Free to a solo career, there's a lot to love about this interview!
Talkappella is going in a bit of a different direction with tonight's episode, speaking to Bleek and Juss Fresh of Poetic City, a creative organization dedicated to the art of the spoken word. There's certainly room for a symbiotic relationship with the a cappella community and these experts have so much to share!
It's almost time for Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival 2021! Learn more about the festival and the people behind it today as Talkappella sits down with Dylan Bell, Suba Sankaran, and David Lane from the SING! team.
Who could ever get enough of BOSS? Not us! This week on Talkappella Boston Sings Executive Producer Alexander Koutzoukis and Competition Coordinator Emily Flanders sit down for an interview that showcases exactly why this community is lucky to have them both.
We all love when singing together feels like family. Double Vizion takes it one step further - Liz and Juan Sosa are an uncle/niece duo in Texas and they are this week's guests on Talkappella!
It's hard to believe that it's only been a few years since this group took the a cappella world by storm, but there is ZERO sign of Intonenation_nm slowing down anytime soon. Sometimes it's easy to forget that this group is still in HIGH SCHOOL. Talkappella managed to squeeze in a conversation with and about their talent into this week's episode.
This week on Talkappella Brian and Elicia check in with Elicia's old group, BYU Noteworthy.
Catch up with your hosts, Brian Alexander & Elicia Edwards on this week's episode of Talkappella
Brian and Elicia spend time UVU VoiceLine tonight on Episode 145 of Talkappella! Utah is home to some incredible a cappella and this group is no different - plus, they are a collegiate group with a pro group style, so there's lots to learn.
With perhaps their youngest guests ever, Brian and Elicia chat with Squad Harmonix on this week's episode of Talkappella! Learn more about this California group putting the stars of tomorrow in the spotlight now.
Lockdown has spurred new things in the a cappella circles. Out of Fairfax, VA comes nine voices, one body. Founded by Evan and Jason of All Ears Arranging, NOVEM is a post-collegiate a cappella group formed of talented singers and performers from across the country that will making their (virtual) debut at this year's Open.
What's it like to start a new a cappella group in lockdown? Inside Voices is seeing success in their online endeavor. Learn more in this week's interview on Talkappella.
From compilations to award winning albums, Voices Only Productions has put their mark on the map. Get to know owner and founder Corey Slutsky with an interview on Talkappella.
From collegiate stand outs to TikTok stars, The Trills are making good use of their time in quarantine. Brian catches up with the group on this week's Talkappella
The CASA events teams is elevating the virtual festival game by bringing in some of the best talent in the world and Los Angeles A Cappella Festival will be no different! The leadership team comes in to chat on Talkappella this week
What better way to spend the pandemic than in collaboration? The AcaLounge does just that and they stopped by Talkappella to chat about it!
NE Voices 2021 just wrapped up and the team sits down with Brian on this week's Talkappella. Learn about this fantastic festival and how it looked just a little bit different this year.
Who doesn't need a little extra magic in their life right now? Talkappella welcomes members of Tufts Enchanted A Cappella on Episode 136. Enchanted is an all-a cappella, all-Disney group. Don't miss this feel good interview.
Award-winning beatbox duo Spiderhorse is the guest on Talkappella this week. Get to know more about their journey and maybe even take away a few tidbits on what it takes to build your own skills
New episodes of Talkappella are back! This week is an interview with Pipeline Vocal Project with hosts Brian & Elicia! Pipeline is putting a spotlight on a cappella in Alaska and you are going to want to be able to say you knew this trio when!
Brian and Elicia sit down with VOCALOCITY out of Salt Lake City. Don't miss this interview with this long-running, award-winning group (and then check out their latest video!)
Countermeasure Music? Beatsync Music? The Ruach Singers? Sing! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival? Contemporary A Cappella League? We're not sure that J-M Erlendson sleeps! But he did stop by for an interview with Brian and Elicia on this week's Talkappella.
Brian and Elicia break down all of the great things that have happened over recent episodes.
Brian and Elicia get to know even more of the team from Cut Off Studios in their interview with Lishni Salgado and Mackenzie Cohn.
This week on Talkappella, Elicia and Brian chat with more of the leadership team of Cut Off Studios - get to know Alli Jackubek & Rachel Hammelman.
Lachi talks everything from the origins to getting an a cappella track up for a Grammy nomination, all while setting the stage and lifting up entertainers with disabilities.
Brian and Elicia take a virtual trip to Denmark tonight to chat with the one and only POSTYR! They talk about the evolution of the group over the last 10 years, their approach to "e-cappella," and give amazing insight on their songwriting process
This week on Talkappella, get to know Matt Zager, Founder and CEO of Cut Off Studios, in his interview with hosts Brian and Elicia.
Colleges are back in session. Well, kind of. In some places. But even the colleges that are back on campus still have restrictions on activities, especially singing. Brian and Elicia talk with Tim Bates, the director of BW SŌL A Cappella about what this year is looking like for the group so far.
Tonight on Talkappella, Brian and Elicia (virtually) head to Yale to chat with Dzidedi Azumah of Shades of Yale. At a university with a deep a cappella tradition, this group not only strives for great music, but draws from their rich ethnic backgrounds and focuses on the music of the African Diaspora. Hear the interview at 5 pm Pacific/8 pm Eastern on Acaville!
Podcast Inception! The hosts of The Headroom Podcast are guests on Talkappella. Brian and Elicia chat with Kyle Howard and Ricky Jabarin this week!
Brian and Elicia talk even more about the UK a cappella scene - including how it's growing and what work is going into making the whole community a more inclusive place - with guest Dan Mailer
Brian and Elicia's special guest is the incredible Amy Lynn Whitcomb. They chat all things BYU Noteworthy, Delilah, Vocalosity, and more from her illustrative career.
A Cappella is evolving the music scene at RIT and Hyannis Sound is having the most unique summer on the Cape with big plans for the future. Guest Jarell Green tells Brian and Elicia all about it!
Talkappella hits Episode 116 where Brian and Elicia discuss what it means to be an a cappella fan, as well as both a source of internal and external support for an a cappella group with guest Ted Stark.
Brian and Elicia dive deep into UK a cappella with guest Mia Poku of the Cardiff University DeciBelles.
Tonight on Talkappella, guest Trevor Stevenson, incoming president of Harmonyx at UNC Chapel Hill, talks about finding his musical home and family and the importance of representation for people of color in the arts. Tune in at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm Pacific!
Tonight on Talkappella, Brian and Elicia chat talk the UK a cappella scene, Edinburgh Fringe, and diversity with Georgia Blessit, an alum of Aquapella.Tune in at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm Pacific!
This week, Brian and Elicia interview Michel Kennell of Carpe Sono, talking about the crossover of classical and a cappella and expanding diversity and inclusion in vocal music. A timely and fun interview.
Brian and Elicia are back with Episode 111 of Talkappella, sitting down with Stephanie Coss, Brian's longtime friend and fellow original member of UNT Green Tones - a group that is now sweeping some of the nation's top a cappella competitions.
At only 26, Janae Klumpp has accomplished quite a bit in a cappella. Learn more about this BYU Noteworthy alumna who's gone on to more singing, coaching, judging, teaching, and more.
On Episode 109, Brian and Elicia are with Business Casual, a Bay Area group that's been experiencing a steady rise in the a cappella community - including two appearances at Carnegie Hall, wins at Harmony Sweepstakes and VoiceJam, and a trip to represent the US at Vocal Asia in Japan.
On this episode of Talkappella, Brian and Elicia sat down with some of the leadership of Association of South-Asian A Cappella. Arjun Arragwal, Sarang Joshi, and Natasha Shah share more about the mission of the organization, the growing community, and what goes into this very unique brand of a cappella.
From oboe master, to comedian, and now Rebecca Loops, Rebecca Marquardt obviously took the straightest path to becoming a looper - with a story that includes Conan O'Brien, Nicki Minaj, and a host of other inspirations.
With a new host onboard, it is time for another Hosts Special on Talkappella! Brian and Elicia talk controversy, the impact of a cappella, and dream of what the world looks like on the other side of the pandemic.
On Episode 105 of Talkappella, Brian and Elicia chat with all 4 members of GQ! 3rd place medalists for Sweet Adelines International, this group not only embraces barbershop, but also many other styles and influences of music. Get to know more about this award-winning quartet at 8 pm EDT/5 pm PDT - free at acaville.org!
Talkappella is back tonight with Episode 104 and Elise Hackl of Varsity Vocals, talking about the behind the scenes work of ICCA and ICHSA, the real benefits of competition, and what happens next.
Their school year may have been cut short, but there's still plenty to talk about with Beauties and the Beat A Cappella on this episode of Talkappella! Join us as we discuss the complexities and challenges of being an all-female a cappella group, as well as take a deep dive into the group's award-winning 2020 ICCA set.
PLUS, we welcome a brand new co-host with Episode 103. Elicia Edwards of Inversion A Cappella will be sharing the mic with Brian Alexander.
Elicia Edwards sang bass with BYU Noteworthy before going on to co-found Inversion A Cappella in Salt Lake City. In this episode, we discuss the inner-workings of participating in collegiate a cappella as a grad student and how groups can continue functioning during a global pandemic.
Talkappella is back after a short hiatus! Join Brian for Episode 101 with Grayson Villanueva as they discuss deepening your creative skillset and life as a freelance musician in the Los Angeles a cappella scene.
It's finally here! Episode 100 with, who else? Deke Sharon. Listen as Deke recounts his early days building the contemporary a cappella community, his time with the Pitch Perfect movie, and his biggest piece of advice for the world of a cappella.
It's a retrospective in John's penultimate episode with guest and Acaville founder Aaron Director! Listen to Brian, Aaron, and John recount their favorite episodes of Talkappella and what the show has meant to them these past few years.
In our largest interview yet, John and Brian welcome four different guests to chat about how biological family can shape an a cappella group.
Matt Caruso returns as a guest for our 97th episode! Talking all about A Cappella Psych, managing groups, and vocal music education, Matt and John dive deep in this insightful episode.
Aaron Schumacher is back! In his second episode, he gives John and Brian a deeper look at tour life.
John and Brian reflect on their time together on Talkappella and discuss what's to come in the near future.
It finally happened! Our producer, editor, and fellow Acaville crew member, Amanda Cornaglia, joins us! Tune in for a great discussion about international a cappella, the industry at large, and the evolution of the art form.
Talkappella goes international, again! This time we're interviewing Philip Torrenueva, a Canadian acappellite who gives us the scoop on the contemporary a cappella scene up north.
Looking for a dynamic interview about music education, contemporary a cappella, and vocal music culture? Check out episode 92 of Talkappella with our awesome guest, Katy Dane, right here!
Our first double-guest episode in a while with two key members of the Austin, TX-based group, the Austonettes! We talk logistics, character, and the notion of a "hobby-group".
How does a cappella get spooky? Find out on this fun, insightful episode with Harrison Acosta!
Probably the most intellectual episode of Talkappella we've ever had, and it's so much fun!
It's Duncan! Again! Yay! This week, we're talking about the emotional process of recruiting, growth, and more choir/a cappella culture crossover.
Daniel Wolfert stops by the show to discuss honesty in a cappella music-making. This one gets deep.
John and Brian sit down with the current director of Colorado State University's Mountain Horns, Tim Costello, to discuss leadership, transitions, and group evolution.
It's Thomas King! Check out this exciting episode of the show with a true a cappella legend, hosted as always by John and Brian.
Our first aca-couple on the show! Tune in this week as Brian and John pick the brains of youtube a cappella sensations Scott and Ryceejo and their thoughts on Disney, a cappella production, and effective communication.
From the Roots is a unique, individualistic, and exciting new group exploring the frontier of the a cappella genre. One of their founding members, Tomas Padron, joins John and Brian this week to talk about FTR and their personal exploration of the a cappella genre.
This week, Brian and John sit down with Chris Harrison of ARORA to talk about his career, unique ways of music-making, and life on the road. It's a really, really fun time.
Fresh from BOSS, Lisa gives us an overview of her presentation on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership!
Nick Girard, of The House Jacks fame, joins Talkappella today to talk about his illustrious a cappella career!
This week Emily Gehman from Colorado State University's Bassic A Cappella joins our hosts to discuss the dichotomy between a cappella and vocal performance, standing out from the crowd, and her group, Bassic!
This week, John and Brian are joined by Trent Bynum, one of the co-founders of UNT's The Green Tones along with Brian! It's a trip down memory lane with solid insight and engaging stories.
It's episode 75! This week, Brian and John are joined by Jo Goldsmith-Eteson and Clare Wheeler to discuss their time in The Swingles. It's a momentous occasion and super fun episode, made all the more exciting that Talkappella is now officially on iTunes!
Privilege. Race. Gender Identity. Inclusion. All ideas that John, Brian, and Amanda Tran discuss on the most important episode of Talkappella yet.
Check out our interview with choral director, a cappella extraordinaire, and gospel aficianado, Chris Cross!
Isaiah Ragland of 2020 A Cappella discusses his time with Nada Cantata and his a cappella career in general.
This is a fun one. Brian's wonderful wife, Laura, comes on the show to discuss her viewpoint as an "a cappella-adjacent" member of the community.
Lisa is back! On episode 69, we dive into Lisa's a cappella career, recording, and how a cappella can learn and evolve by examining other fields of study. Nice!
A relaxed, heartwarming look back at why John, Brian, and Duncan simply enjoy a cappella for what it is.
Featuring Shawn Pearce from the Acalumni Project, episode 66 focuses on the different ways we "do" a cappella and the importance of accessibility for all singers.
Rachael Jaffe has interviewed tons of groups, and now we get to interview her! An important member of the Acaville team, Rachael provides insight into her long career as an a cappella adjacent member of the community.
Our first international episode! While Brian's out of town, John sits down with Tine Fris to discuss her group, Postyr.
This week, in a fun change-up, John and Brian interview each other. Madness ensues. Noodles are mentioned.
John sits down with Restless Vocal Band's Brian Kirkness to discuss his career and the dual nature of contemporary a cappella.
Gary Stroh, the director of TAG, discusses the group's history, prestigious career, and rehearsal processes.
How do you move on from your group once you've graduated? This week, John, Brian, and Greg wrestle with that question and attempt to answer it.
Jose Peraza-Diaz, one of the first Mountain Horns, stops by the show to discuss why it's important to take music seriously, but to never take yourself too seriously.
Chris Glatfelter, another Mountain Horn, sits down with John to talk about singing in a collegiate group as a non-student and the role family plays both in and around contemporary a cappella.
Mark Holdemann, the host of ShopTalk on Acaville, discusses the recent change in the Barbershop Harmony Society's gender policy and how it will affect, and ultimately improve, both barbershop music and its community in the coming years.
What can orchestra and a cappella group members learn from each other? Listen to Logan Griffin, an experienced cellist and newly minted a cappella group member, discuss the similarities between the two ensembles and how they have both guided him to grow into a more well-rounded music educator.
Katie Simon stops by again to provide another perspective from the University of Oregon campus on preparing for the International Collegiate Championship of A Cappella.
How can we redefine what it means to be in a cappella group? What are the responsibilities and privileges that being in a group offers? Most importantly, how can we share these benefits with those in need?
How did this all get started? Acaville founder Aaron Director stops by to discuss how Acaville was founded, its failures and successes, and its ultimate goal to spread a love of contemporary a cappella worldwide.
What is it like moving on from a high school a cappella group to a collegiate group? Brooke Wunder from Colorado State University's Mainstreet A Cappella discusses the tricky transition on Talkappella episode 49.
Greg Starr joins the show today to discuss how he and John handled auditions with their group, The Timbermen, and what ideas they hope to bring to their future a cappella endeavors.
Brian's second episode! A fun look back at the dynamic that would eventually form the core of Talkappella.
Michael Wingate AKA Match BBX from Ember discusses vocal percussion how-to and skill-building as it relates to your learning environment.
This week, Katie Simon from UO's Divisi stops by to talk her experiences with sexism in contemporary a cappella and what we can do to create a more inclusive rehearsal and performing culture for our groups.
This is a big one! Paul Scholtz, a member of the famed vocal ensemble, Cantus, stops by Talkappella to give his perspective on professional ensembles, touring, and vocal health.
Our first episode with two guests! Talkappella regulars Duncan Tuomi and Greg Starr join John for an entertaining discussion about an a cappella group's place in the wider community and how groups can use their community to grow and evolve.
Wyatt Jackson, the director of The Timbermen, reflects on his first full year leading the group and what he plans to bring to the table in the coming year.
Daniel Wolfert comes by to discuss the unfortunate practice of hazing, a cappella's parallels with fraternities, and how groups can take control of their own legacy by creating accepting, inclusive environments.
Before he was a host, Brian was one of the many fantastic guests we have here on Talkappella! Check out his debut episode all about starting his group The Green Tones.
Matt Caruso of A CappellaPsych joins John on the show to discuss the exciting opportunities of the modern a cappella age.
Never heard of RARB? You should! Listen to guest Stephen Lanza discuss his time with the organization and the factors that he considers when reviewing an album.
Rob Redei gives us the rundown on everything in the world of middle school a cappella - how it works, why it works, and the great musical moments it can create.
What are the responsibilities that come with founding a group? How do the original members craft a sustainable and healthy group culture?
BOSS? SingStrong? Bend? Acaville founder Aaron Director gives John the full scoop on the major a cappella festivals and competitions groups should be aware of today.
GIRL BAND member Laura Larson discuss the unique nature of her group and how her collegiate a cappella experiences framed her post-collegiate endeavors.
University of Oregon Mind the Gap member Jake Buhlmann stops by to talk to listeners about his experience preparing for the ICCA Quarterfinals with his group.
For episode 28, Helen Burns tells listeners how her time as a teacher has influenced her approach and understanding of contemporary a cappella.
What goes in to creating an effective a cappella logo? Acclaimed graphic designer Kyle Dybdal is here to break it down for us.
Our first post-concert breakdown! Christy Wood joins John to discuss her perspective from outside the a cappella sphere on the group Straight No Chaser and their 2016 Portland Christmas Concert.
Holiday music occupies a unique space in the contemporary a cappella sphere, so Duncan Tuomi is here to break down the ins and outs of the genre and how groups can properly tackle it.
In a fun switch-up, original Talkappella guest Brandon Vance interviews John about creating his first group, University of Puget Sound's The Timbermen.
Master cellist Bronwyn Hagerty sits down with John to discuss her venture into contemporary a cappella with Carnegie Mellon University's Counterpoint.
John invites his longtime mentor, Jacob Herbert, to discuss the unique culture, dynamics, and experiences that come with singing in a tenor/bass a cappella ensemble.
An a cappella group for the "musically challenged," the University of Virginia No-Tones are perhaps the most fascinating and subversive corner of the a cappella community featured on Talkappella yet.
Summer? A cappella? Cape Cod? Count us in! Listen to guest Lisa Hawkins discuss her summer singing with Cape Cod's premiere soprano/alto group, Cape Harmony.
Timbermen member Alex Luque joins John for a discussion on the unique dynamics of a five person a cappella group.
Long before she ever became a segment host, Amanda was on one of the earliest episodes of Talkappella! Listen to her describe her long and fascinating a cappella journey in episode 16.
How do you tell a story through a cappella? How does sound design influence a performance? Find out with guest Alex Adkins in episode 15.
A legendary cappella aficionado known for his time with the Nor'easters, intense arrangements, and role with Camp A Cappella, Shams Ahmed sits down with Talkappella to spill the tea.
Story time! Dr. Dawn Padula from the University of Puget Sound gives listeners an engaging recap of her audition and induction into the Wellesley Widows.
A Cappella can get mean. It's unfortunate, but it happens. Listen to guest Aubrey Lawrence and host John Lampus take a deep dive into some of the more challenging and uncomfortable areas of contemporary a cappella.
Is auto-tune cheating? Yup. Is making a conscious decision to use electronic manipulation to create an engaging, dynamic soundscape cheating? Find out on episode 8!
Danny Liebster, a tenor from John's old group, tells listeners about his a cappella experiences and how he gets his eyes so bright and tail so bushy.
Duncan Tuomi drops some arranging knowledge bombs. Is knowledge bomb a phrase? I'm not sure. It could be. We're going with it.
Greg Starr's first episode! Talking the difference between big groups v. small groups and the impact choral training has on leading an a cappella group.
Struggling to turn a group around? Listen to Lisa Hawkins thoughts on the matter in episode 4.
Featuring Lauren Park from University of Puget Sound's What She Said, Episode 3 focuses on keeping a group focused, motivated, and hungry.
Episode number 2! Guest and composer Daniel Wolfert breaks down the ins and outs of original a cappella tunes.
Our first ever episode! Featuring a great conversation between host John Lampus and guest Brandon Vance.