Acaville Podcast Network Feed

No Southern Accent has competed in ICCA, recorded professionally, and toured the region - an impressive and growing resume for the group. We talk with them about how they get it all done, how they pick music, and their overall vibe. Plus, the sing for us in the mobile studio. Recorded in 2017.

Assembled as a super-group of amazing high school singers from around the country, Vocalight certainly lives up to its billing, with strong Rob Dietz arrangements (their director) and killer performances. We talk about the beginnings of the group, what they're about, and their plans for how the group might evolve. They sing us some tunes as well. Recorded in 2017.

In 2017, we invited the North Carolina State University Wolfgang into the studio to bring us up to speed on their evolution as a group, where and who they are today, and what might be ahead. They shared with us some of their current songs as well!

This one is John's pick for "Most Heartwarming Episode."

Talkappella: Audition Logistics

Just another chapter in Amanda Tran's long, illustrious a cappella journey!

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.

Side Note joined us in the mobile studio, sang some of their current music, and spent some time talking about the group. They discussed the musical influences that drive the group's sound, how they get and stay organized, and more. Recorded in 2017.

While in California in 2017, we sat down with the Cal Berkeley Dil Se, the South Asian Fusion group on campus. They talked about the role of competition, and about the differences between South Asian-focused competitions like Anahat vs. those open more broadly. We also heard them sing some of their latest rep for us in the mobile studio.

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.

The guys of the Columbia University Kingsmen joined us in the mobile studio to talk about all the things they're doing - and how they're preparing for their 70th anniversary year. We also focused on the here and now, talking about their sound and vibe today. While with us, they shared some of that sound, singing some tunes for us as well. Recorded in 2017.

Based just east of Dallas, Texas, Rockwall High School Walk The Line shares with us their evolution and growth into a high school group that competes nationally and delights audiences. They talk about how they do what they do, and sing us some of their current songs. Recorded in 2017.

Hailing from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, The Thursdays have been distinguishing themselves for several years. While at the ICHSA National Finals, we invited them into the mobile studio to talk about their path to New York, how they select their music, and what they get from their time in the group. Plus, they sing some of their award-winning music! Recorded in 2017.

In 2017, BLACKOUT joined us in the mobile studio to talk about their formation as a group, how they bond (and how that helps them musically), and how they structure the group to make sure things get accomplished and goals get set and reached. While there, they sang us some tunes as well! Recorded in 2017.

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.

Coming from Arkansas, the Jacksonville HS Vocal Jazz joined us to talk about how they've transitioned to more of a contemporary a cappella focus, and what that means for their sound. We talk about what it's like to join a group in flux, and how the members have helped shape what's ahead. They also sang some songs for us! Recorded in 2017 - now the group is called Natural State of Mind.

There are big advantages and disadvantages to building a post-collegiate group in New York City. We talk with Mezzo about both this episode, along with how their sound is continuing to evolve. While with us in the mobile studio, they sing us some tunes as well! Recorded in 2017.

We invited Top Shelf into the mobile studio to talk about how they've been focusing their rep and evolving their sound, how they make big decisions together, and about their vibe today. While with us, they sang us some of their current songs as well. Recorded in 2017.

VoiceJam is a festival that brings together groups from around the world, and while we were there, we brought Chinese group WOW Voice Group into the mobile studio to learn more about their journey. They've been around only a year or so, and despite speaking in a non-native language, did a great job of talking about their music and influences. We also heard them sing us some tunes!

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.

Lustre Quartet has won all kinds of awards in a cappella, including some of the most prestigious barbershop awards around (they have tiaras!) - so when we invited them into the mobile studio, we knew we were in for a treat! The session was fun and funny, as they walked us through how they work together as a team and make great music. They even sang some of that great music for us, too! Recorded in...

The sound of Doo Wop Sounds is remarkable and unmistakable - smooth, clean, and crisp. We invited them into the mobile studio to sing for us, and to share their journey as a group, both metaphorically and literally - from Korea to Arkansas for VoiceJam! Recorded in 2017.

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.