United Kingdom – The Pulse

The ConChords

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!

1001 Open Mic Nights

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

Semi-Toned

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.

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

Venice Vocal Jam

Episode 150 (0:19:30)

Venice Vocal Jam

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!

Italian (1) | 2021 (12) | Semi-Pro Groups (17) |

Quayside Voices & 6 Minute Warning

Episode 149 (0:18:54)

Quayside Voices & 6 Minute Warning

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.

And be sure to check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u71Ng2BXk6Q

Canada (2) | 2021 (12) |

The ConChords

Episode 148 (0:21:01)

The ConChords

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 2020 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!

United Kingdom (4) | 2021 (12) | Post Collegiate Groups (17) |

Keyframe Voices

Episode 147 (0:17:47)

Keyframe Voices - Evolution of Disney

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!

And while we didn't discuss it in this episode, the video for the third installation, The Renaissance, was just released! You should definitely check it out!

2021 (12) | Post Collegiate Groups (17) |

Alaska Sound Celebration

Episode 146 (0:22:10)

Alaska Sound Celebration

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.

2021 (12) | Post Collegiate Groups (17) |