I’m having fun today interviewing three members of Vocal Point, the talented a capella group competing on television’s “The Sing-Off.” This group is easily our favorite as we gather around to watch as a family. You can read part one of my interview here.
What does singing mean to you, and why did you choose to perform with an a capella group rather than a more traditional band?
Keith Evans answered, “I started singing when I was three, and have always loved the emotional outlet it provides. Music truly can communicate concepts, feelings and ideas in ways the spoken word can’t. I love singing in an a capella group because unlike performing in a band (which I’ve also done), there is no barrier between an a capella singer and the audience. No instruments, no music stands to hide behind: it’s just the singers’ voices and the people listening. The immediacy of that connection creates a thrill that I just don’t find anywhere else.”
Robert Seely added, “If you were to ask me what I do as a musician I would tell you that I play violin. That’s what I’ve worked on and studied for over nineteen years. I’ve been in many orchestras and even some folk-rock bands and I love it, but singing is unique in that it’s just you. No instrument to tune or get in the way. It’s more personal and you can sing anywhere with anyone. I grew up loving Bobby McFerrin and I loved listening to A Cappella groups so when I had a friend invite me to try out for Vocal Point I thought it would be a lot of fun and a good fit. I don’t sing high, so bass lines are great. I love to dance, I love to make people smile, and I like to share uplifting music. Vocal Point allows me to do all of these!”
Are any of you married? How has being a part of this group (and being on the show) affected your families?
Jake Hunsaker said, “I got married two weeks before I left for L.A. That gave us enough time for a honeymoon and furniture shopping before I flew out. My wife has been my best support during my absence. Leaving her has been hard on me, but her encouragement has buoyed me up and kept me going. She also was able to travel down and visit me a couple of times during the filming. But it hasn’t been all bad. You know what they say: ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder!’”
The CD I purchased has a wide range of songs featured on it, from the classic oldie “No, Not Much” to the more contemporary “Superstition.” How did you choose the songs to include on your CD?
Robert Seely said, “Vocal Point is a very collaborative effort. So at the start of each year we brainstorm ideas for new songs and then discuss and vote on what ones we would like to do. At the end of the year we again discuss and vote on what 5-6 songs (from a possible 25) we would like to record. Sometimes we base it off of audience popularity, sometimes we base it on which guys will be leaving the group so that we can be sure to record their amazing solos. Sometimes we just really want to try something cool with a certain song. After three years, we then have enough tracks to release a new album that is a collection of three different groups of guys. That way, every member in Vocal Point eventually gets on a CD.”
Very cool!
Now, I just want you to know that when it comes time for America to cast their votes, we’re going to be rooting for you guys all the way. And it’s not just because you’re local to me, and it’s not just because I belong to the same church … it’s because you guys are seriously talented. Best of luck!
Check your local listings to find out when “The Sing-Off” airs in your area. It’s on tonight – so get busy!
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Photo credit: Sony Pictures Television / Lewis Jacob