Eric Scholz of Eric Scholz Productions joins us to talk through the basics of recording, working on original(!!) material with The Sons of Pitches, and how to play to the strengths of your group's voices/rhythm section! Song: "Utopia" by The Sons of Pitches https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1228929569?mt=1&app=itunes&at=1l3voFY&ct=project538244224 The Sons of Pitches: http://www.thesonsofpitches.co.uk/ Eric's website [work with him!]: http://ericscholzproductions.com/ Eric's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ericscholz-1 "Soundbreaking" [highly recommended documentary on recorded music]: http://www.pbs.org/show/soundbreaking/

Ricky Jabarin (DolCe Vocals) & Chris Little (Vox Pop) of A Cappella Productions join us to talk post-collegiate a cappella, the value of the a cappella community, and managing a semi-pro group! Songs: [Intro] "Runaway Baby" by Vox Pop https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/runaway-baby-single/id1039070768 [Outro] "New York City" by RickyJab ft. Esther Park https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-york-city-single/id1169772454 A Cappella Productions: https://acaproducers.com/ Vox Pop: http://voxpopdc.com/ DolCe Vocals: http://www.dolcevocals.com/ *The* twitter thread from Rob Dietz: https://twitter.com/rdietz55/status/856613096000860160 Socials for Chris and Ricky: @christophum, @rickyjab

Elliott Von Wendt of The Nor'easters joins us to talk all things arranging: process, techniques, reharmonization, commissioned work, and more! Song: "Lionheart" by the JHU Octopodes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oceanborn/id1172556228 Nor'easters' Website: https://web.northeastern.edu/noreasters/ Hire Elliott: http://thevocalcompany.com/team/elliott-von-wendt/

Alex Green of Plaid Productions joins us to talk about making music that "feels good," when groups should record, a cappella education, and other studio wizardry! Song: "It's Time" by Plaid Productions https://soundcloud.com/plaidacappella/its-time Plaid Productions Website: http://plaidacappella.com/ BOSS (it's never too early to think about next year): http://bostonsings.com/

Charlie Arthur (Charlie Arthur) joins head/voice to wax poetic about his transition to living in LA, his various musical projects, and his vision for a cappella in the future! Song: Adapted for Six Voices - "Shofukan" by Snarky Puppy

Brandon Crichfield & Rachel Gonzalez of Pitch Slapped from Berklee join us on for a special episode on all things about the group - including their sound, songs, arrangements, group dynamics, philosophies and their new album 'Complexion!' Song: "Beggin & Pleadin" by Pitch Slapped from 'Complexion' https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/complexion/id1222793312 https://open.spotify.com/album/34eRiSSsTUvIN4ksmrH5A3 Pitch Slapped's website: https://www.pitchslappedacappella.com/ Lark's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1982348234/larks-first-studio-album Topics: 0:00 Intro 1:28 How Pitch Slapped defines their genre/themselves 5:12 On the group's shift away from traditional pop 7:27 Picking the repertoire 9:55 Longevity of songs in the set 14:09 Process for recording "Complexion" 20:49 Rehearsing/elevating the set 25:41 Honing technicality in arrangements 29:33 Re-auditioning soloists/being a team player 34:18 Balancing personal preference as MD 40:33 On diversity in "Complexion" and in the group 43:06 Trends in a cappella; the future for Pitch Slapped

Harrison Acosta of Voicebox joins us to talk about building Voicebox from the ground up and everything that comes with it - arranging, selecting songs, creating effective group identity/culture, and directing! Song: "Dangerous Woman" by #TVCInterns https://soundcloud.com/thevocalcompany/dangerous-woman-tvcinterns Voicebox: http://thevoicebx.wixsite.com/ucfacappella NACC: http://acappellaconvention.com/ Lark's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1982348234/larks-first-studio-album

Sahaana Sridhar of the Network of Desi A Cappella takes us inside the world of South Asian-inspired a cappella and talks tradition, fusing cultures, and their upcoming competition! Song: "Soona Soona"by Dhamakapella https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/naya-zamana-welcome-to-the-new-age/id975941102 Competition: http://events.sulekha.com/all-american-awaaz_event-in_new-york-ny_312556

Shams Ahmed of The Vocal Company and formerly MD of the Nor'easters talks his arranging process, varied influences, and how to use group time and energy effectively! Song: "Diamonds" by The Nor'Easters https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/equilibrium/id749359612 http://thevocalcompany.com/team/shams-ahmed/

Archie Gopal of S#arp Attitude talks female-identified a cappella, refining group sound, and diversity in the a cappella community! Song: "What Is Love" by S#arp Attitude http://sharpattitude.wixsite.com/home