The Pulse: Academy

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

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The Pulse: No Comment

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

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The Pulse: Fundamentally Sound

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.

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Vocal HERspective: Laura Kruschke

It’s number 60 and our guest is Laura Kruschke, the founder of greenTONE and president of the Contemporary A Cappella League. Get insight into the world of adult a cappella, tips for longevity, how CAL fits into the a cappella community and what the organization is up to in the pandemic!

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Vocal HERspective: Marlou Vriens

Vocal HERspective heads to The Netherlands with guest Marlou Vriens, accomplished singer-songwriter, composer, and part of the incredible team at Vocal Leadership. We chat songwriting, music education, and her upcoming album which you DON’T want to miss!

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Vocal HERspective: Abbey Janes

Amanda’s not one to idolize, but she and Rachael get to sit down with one of her biggest inspirations on tonight’s episode of Vocal HERspective. Tune in for an interview with the heart and soul of Duwendé – longtime arranger and architect of the group, Abbey Janes is brilliant, dedicated, and so, so talented.

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The Pulse: Squad Harmonix and InToneNation

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.

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