The Pulse: Dhunki A Cappella

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.

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The Pulse: SoundWave

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.

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The Pulse: The Smiffenpoofs

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.

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The Pulse: MVP

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.

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The Pulse: MIT Logarhythms

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.

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The Pulse: The Buzztones

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.

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The Pulse: The Techtonics

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.

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The Pulse: The Conchords

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.

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The Pulse: The Oxford Alternotives

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.

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The Pulse: Alvarium

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.

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