First Time Hearing Nothing Else Matters By VoicePlay!

[@arthurplane9682]

Congrats on entering the world of Voiceplay! Few Things: No Label! Completely fan supported, so they have complete control, and don't block reactors. They are part of what I consider the Trifecta of a capella groups, Voiceplay, Home Free, and Penatonix (who is a slave to a label ... but to each their own) and there is a friendly competition between fans of each group as to who are best. Me? I prefer them in the above order, but wont deprive myself of any! May I offer 7 Nation Army, Hoist the Colors, or for fun, their cover of Disney's Little Mermaid, Encanto, or Moana. Geoff, the Bass, has his own channel also! Try Ghost Riders in the Sky (judgin' from yer' slight accent I think you would like it ... forgive me if I'm wrong). Enjoy! Hi from California! 😁

[@patriciaschuman4205]

VoicePlay appeared with Home Free on the singoff, got voted off about midway through the competition, but have remained friends with the Home Free members. VoicePlay did a video when the pandemic hit, "Just Sing", which was used to raise money to support all the musicians who were dealing with no work due to the shutdown, and Tim appears in that one, with the comment "Yes, both Geoff and Tim have the same gray streak in their hair". And Geoff once joked that, "Yes, it is necessary to have long hair to sing deep bass." But Tim is sporting shorter hair these days. I was never tempted to join anyone's patreon, but after stumbling across a VoicePlay video last year, I swiftly became one for VoicePlay, Geoff Catellucci (the bass who also does his own videos) and PattyCake Productions (run by VoicePlay's beatboxer, Layne, and a former VoicePlay member, Tony Wakim). These guys are just insanely talented. It's funny, because I recently happened upon a comment made somewhere that was basically "I don't understand why people like accapella music, it's just an amateurish attempt to sing the song without instruments." Well, I would say whoever made that comment has probably never heard what groups like VoicePlay, Home Free, Pentatonix and Voctave achieve. While I respect the talent of all those groups, VoicePlay holds a special place for me. You're dealing with talented singers who each could be a lead singer, and yet can work together as a group to blend and support each other seamlessly. In addition, both Layne and Geoff, who arrange almost all of VoicePlay's work, work with the philosophy that 1) If all you do is take the original arrangement and replace it with voices, there's no reason to do it, people may as well just listen to the original, but 2) If you go so avant garde with the arrangement that no one can recognize what the original song was, you are also not doing it right. I hope you check out for VoicePlay and Geoff! It's always confusing at first, given that you see a lot of different participants, due to the fact that VoicePlay members have come and gone throughout the years, and right now they have been without a permanent fifth member for almost 3 years, so there are a lot of 'featured performers' working with them. But be assured that whoever they choose to sing with them will be phenomenal.

[@ilonadever8249]

Left to right Geoff Castellucci - bass and arranger of this piece J None - former member, recruited by the US Navy to sing with them, halfway through a year hitch Eli (ellie short for Eliezer) Jacobson - rocking beast of a tenor Cesar de la Rosa - baritone, joined after J left Layne Stein - beatbox, baritone, and VioLayne Geoff and Layne trade off month to month with the arrangements. Whoever does the arrangement does the storyboard, production, editing, as well as makeup and costume decisions. Eli does the light and effects They have no label, no manager, completely independent and they do it all themselves. Pre-Covid, they toured all over the world, when the world shut down they concentrated on their studio work. Their fifth member, high tenor Earl Elkins Jr left in 2020. They are still a man down and use featured artists in most of their covers. When J has leave, he comes back to work with them. Geoff started a solo channel during the pandemic, you will want to check his channel, too. I enjoyed your reaction, subscribed in anticipation of more Voiceplay and Geoff.

[@daolman8226]

That is so awesome IIona! Thank you so much for that info! These guys are amazing!

[@allisoncameron-dicker2737]

Yep, everything ilona said with bells on. Have subscribed in anticipation 😊

[@daolman8226]

@@allisoncameron-dicker2737 Thank you so much Alison!! Cant wait to see more of these guys, WOW!!!

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Seeing that you've done Peyton Parrish "Valhalla Calling," I should mention VoicePlay did a cover of "Valhalla Calling".

[@hwyla4416]

A cover that the composer (Miracle of Sound) gave “10 out of 10 raised alehorns” when it dropped.

[@LoriPeace]

@@hwyla4416 Wow! That's high praise, knowing the composer liked it that much!

[@rhov-anion]

Geoff ("Jeff") - bass with a 5 octave range, his solo work is also great. He and Tim Foust, the bass from Home Free, are good friends and their voices are about equal, although Tim says Geoff has the deeper chest voice, and Geoff said Tim helped him to learn growl techniques, although nowadays he mostly relies on subharmonics (a way to sing an octave lower using the power of physics, vocal chord tricks, and YEARS of practice). He writes about 50% of their music. J.None - baritone, past member, currently singing with the Navy in Seattle. He returns and records a song with the group whenever he's on leave. He brings joy and soul to the band, and he's proven that rap has a place in acapella music. Eli (rhymes with jelly) - rock tenor, I've read that he sang in a Metallica cover band in his youth, and his voice really shows it with that raw grit he has. He does the lighting and any Unreal background designs. Cesar - bari-tenor, newest member since J.None left. His lows are eerie while his highs are angelic. He's Puerto Rican and bilingual, so he sometimes sings Spanish lines. He adds some upbeat attitude to the group, very SASSY when he can play around more. (Not this song, but "Seven Nation Army" shows some of his sass-itude.) Layne - vocal percussion, baritone sweetheart, and violin master (a rare but lovely addition acapella... and yes, it's allowed in acapella!) He's one of the founding members since 1997, along with Geoff. He writes the other 50% of their music, especially their Halloween stuff. While J.None is serving his country, the group often gets guest artists. Years ago, they did a collab with Home Free, and they invited Tim Foust for a mini "bass-off" with Geoff in their mass collab for a Covid relief fundraiser, "Just Sing." Personally, I highly recommend "Carry On Wayward Son." I love that song, and they did it justice. I also recommend Geoff Castellucci's "16 Tons," one of my grandfather's favorite songs, and he put some depth to a song already sung by a bass singer.

[@janetdw]

Excellent recap. (Saved the rest of us a lot of typing😊). Now I’ll ramble on about other recommendations😂.

[@Broomrider1492]

VoicePlay and Home Free were on The Sing-Off together. Geoff Castellucci is bass VoicePlay and Tim Foust is bass Home Free both had long hair at the time. Tim has cut his. Geoff and Tim each have their own channels. Geoff does Low Bass covers.

[@JerryGDawg56]

In my humble opinion, VoicePlay is the best A Cappella group on the planet.

[@daolman8226]

These guys are nothing short of amazing!!!!

[@Badger77722]

Tim Foust, the bass singer for Home Free, and Geoff Castellucci, the bass singer for VoicePlay, are good friends and have traded "tips and tricks" on singing especially low bass notes - Tim tends to use a growl technique, and Geoff has pretty much perfected using subharmonics. Geoff has arranged at least one song for Home Free. Avi Kaplan, the original bass singer for Pentatonix, is also friends and has appeared as cameos in a couple of Home Free videos, and was featured in Home Free's Ring of Fire video. Tim was featured in a video for The Bass Gang (another a cappella group, with amazing bass singers), Hooked On a Feeling.

[@JillPeterson-dr6ox]

You were thinking of Tim Foust from Home Free. The two groups are friends and tim and Rib have appeared in Voiceplay videos, while Geoff and Layne have helped with the arrangements for Home Free😊. A huge group of Voiceplay fans are also Home Free fans and we like to keep compittion down. Both groups have their unique qualities that completely different, but fun too. I know you've already gotten a list of songs, but I'll add in Season of Love cover by RJ Rafael ft Voiceplay and Geoff's newest song that just came out I See Fire (from the Hobbit Movie) Welcome to the Rabbit Hole 😂😊😂😅

[@aaroncoffman88]

Geoff Castellucci, the bass, has a solo channel too. You would probably like his covers of The Sound of Silence, House of the Rising Son, and Ain't No Sunshine.

[@karinwolf9639]

Watch VP... There is no bad choice! Happy falling into it... 🎉😂❤

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Great reaction. I never heard this song until this video. Voiceplay is a phenomenal acapella group. These guys are known as both "The Theater Kids of acapella" and "Kings of Halloween" because of their love of dressing up and performing. Every video has a theme to go with the song. At present they're only 4 so they collaborate with various artists for the 5th. They also have awesome minis/shorts as well. Their newest video will be released Friday. Their latest is... Seven Nation Army. Left to right.... Geoff (Jeff) Castelucci - Bass, Arrangements. J None - Baritone, Guest, Former Member. Eli (like jelly) Jacobson - Tenor, Rock Tenor, Lighting. Cesar De La Rosa - Baritone, Tenor. Layne Stein - Beatboxer, Baritone, Arrangements. Geoff has his own channel where he sings non acapella. He usually clones himself 3-4 times for harmonies. His newest video he released Friday is... I See Fire. He dressed as 4 of the dwarves from the Hobbit movies. Geoff can go super low and super high. I am very proudly on both their patreons.

[@daolman8226]

Thank you for the info and the comment Jacky!

[@ronsbrat525]

@@daolman8226 You're very welcome 🤗

[@christinestromberg4057]

VoicePlay are sometimes called the Theatre Kids of a capella, as they often make very theatrical videos rather than just singing straight. In that way they are in a different league from Home Free or Pentatonix, or the other a capella groups. Their harmonies are incredible and often give me goosebumps, apart from having great voices, And no, Geoff Castellucci is not Tim Foust, though they both have long hair and deep bass voices. And then there's Layne, the vocal percussionist. :) Geoff has his own channel of deep bass covers or many genres of song. Welcome to VoicePlay, you will enjoy a lot of what they do, I'm sure. The violin is a rare addition, it's only appeared once before, in Warriors.

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

Welcome to the Voiceplay rabbit hole the bass from homefree is Tim Faust. Voiceplay. and Homefree were in the same sing off and know each other ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@candilunsford2878]

My favorite song of theirs is the next one. They just keep raising the bar and then exploding it.

[@DavideBaroni]

Welcome to Voiceplay's Rabbit Hole. They're great, as you already noticed, and they cover pretty much every genre you can think of... From Disney movies' soundtracks to Broadway medleys, from rock songs to video games soundtracks, from Halloween stuff (they OWN Halloween 😁) to classical music (their cover of "In the hall of the Mountain King" is creative, hilarious and virtuosistic all at the same time). Oh, and they have some good "medleys" like "Boy bands in 5 minutes", or "Queen in 5 minutes", that show their ability in transitions and the variety of their repertoire (and their sense of humour, too). They are, as someone already wrote, the "theatre kids of a cappella". They love to dress up and get in character with what they're singing. And they're quite good at that, BTW. 🙂 Geoff Castellucci, the bass, has a solo channel he started during the pandemic. I'd suggest you check that as well. He has a 5 octaves range, and sings all the parts in those. It's not a cappella though, he uses instruments there. But oh boy, is he good!! 🤩 Voiceplay and Home Free were in the same season of "Sing Off", and are good friends since. They are different, I don't see a reason for compare them and put them in any sort of "competition" (and as far as I read, they don't like it), and I always hope for some kind of collaboration between the two full groups. There has been one at the time of "Sing Off", resulted in a hilarious video ("Survivor - Zombies vs Hillbillies), but it was many years ago, and both groups have improved a lot since. Some say that Voiceplay, Home Free and Pentatonix are the "trifecta" of a cappella, and I agree, but I'd add a fourth group and make it a "quadrifecta". This other group is The Bass Gang, 4 guys from the 4 corners of the world who never even met in person, all of them bass singers with incredible ranges. I'd suggest you to check some of their stuff... They're amazing. 🙂 Just subscribed hoping for more of them all. 🙂 See you next time!

[@musiclovingnurse2802]

I think you’d enjoy their version of “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton!!!!

[@daolman8226]

OMG!! they done that song???? I have to hear that, I love that song! I see a VoicePlay rabbit hole in my future! Thank you so much for the comment and the suggestion!

[@bjspeck4337]

Geoff is the bass, he and Layne at the far end are original members from middle and high school. Layne is the beatboxer, a baritone and violinist - this one gave him the moniker of VioLayne. They did such a great job on this one. Love it. The center fellow is Eli (rhymes with jelly) and a tenor extraordinaire, between him and Geoff (Jeff) is J None who was a member until he went into the US Navy. The fellow between Eli and Layne is the newest member of VoicePlay and can do baritone and tenor. He does the highest notes in Dream On. Geoff and Layne each alternate arranging, producing, costuming, stage design, etc. This one is Geoff's, next one will be Layne's.

[@Aurora-cv5to]

2 Cellos is great - welcome to VoicePlay - you're going to have fun with this!

[@Traci2000]

I love seeing someone's first time experiencing VoicePlay! You did not disappoint. I hope you go down this rabbit hole because it is a wild ride! I'll second their version of "Valhalla Calling." It is freaking epic!

[@traceyandrob13]

Love all their songs they did last one was In The Air Tonight but I love all their songs like Seven Nation Army to their Disney songs.

[@stephaniebunn4065]

Welcome to the joy of VoicePlay! You're going to have so much fun.

[@jenniferparker5189]

Yes, the guys of 2Cellos are very cool. VoicePlay has quite the collection and variety of things they do. Everything from the Oogie Boogie Man from Nightmare before Christmas to Dream On by Aerosmith. They are an amazing group and you can check out where they go head to head with Home Free in their version of Survivor: Zombies vs. Hillbillies. It was something they had prepared for the Sing Off: season 4. Welcome down the rabbit hole.

[@daolman8226]

That's awesome! thank you for the info, cant wait to see more of them.

[@shyrose720]

Yes! What she said. 💯.. Now, welcome to the rabbit hole. Love Voiceplay, each singer, and how hard they work.

[@DTA-Music]

Welcome to the VoicePlay rabbit hole. One of the reasons this is among my favorite videos of theirs is because it's so respectful of the original tune, right down to including the long intro and ending despite the length it adds in an era of short attention spans. Dream On, Carry On Wayward Son and Hoist the Colours are all excellent and I highly recommend them, but you really can't go wrong with these guys (or with Geoff Castellucci, the bass's, solo covers.)

[@JasonJayC1]

I first heard this song when it came out in 92 when I was 7 years old and thought it was awesome. I didn’t understand what the lyrics meant but what kid does at that age. Then 3 decades later I hear it again sung by these amazing vocalists and not only do they do this song justice, in their own style of course, but it’s still just as beautiful and soul touching as it was when first listened to it all those years ago. VoicePlay is truly an incredible group and I do hope they continue for as long as they can.

[@janetdw]

This is the piece that got them invited to appear with the iconic rock band Chicago recently for two nights. All of them have worked either at Universal Studios or Disney or both so are very comfortable with more theatrical pieces as well. Of all the major a cappella groups they have covered the widest variety of types of music. Geoff and Layne met in middle school and started singing together along with Earl who left the group in 2020. Around 2010 boxer left and Layne switched from the baritone spot. Tony Wakim appears in older videos and was with them until 2017 as the baritone. Around 2012, Eli, the gentleman in the middle, joined the group as well. He also grew up in the area and they competed against each other in high school singing competitions. When Tony left, after they appeared in the Sing Off, J None joined as baritone. he is the second person from the left and is listed as a featured artist as he no longer is a permanent member of the group. In 2021, a year after Earl left, the navy recruited J to sing for them. That is when Cesar de la Rosa, the fourth from the left, joined the group as their bari-tenor. For the last few years they’ve been one permanent member short and fill-in that fifth spot with a variety of guest artists. Subscribing in anticipation of you following more of their works, and also dipping into the solar channel of the bass singer.

[@thisismetoday7423]

I hope you will react to more Voiceplay! They are an incredibly talented accapella group! ❤

[@AudioVile]

Great reaction!! On behalf of ALL the a cappella fanatics out here, we cordially invite you down the A Cappella rabbit hole. Voice Play is an amazing group. There are no 'weaknesses.' Wide variety of music, amazing arrangements (usually Geoff or Layne), frequent "guest" vocalists. You mentioned Home Free. In MY opinion, there are 4 a cappella groups that are absolutely the top talent in the genre: Voice Play, Home Free, Pentatonix, and Voctave. Again, MY opinion, there is not one "best" group. They are ALL amazing in their own way. I've sad this many times in other reactions..."The BEST group is the one you are listening to at that moment." Good luck with your channel!!

[@janetdw]

Although new, and hampered by the fact that they live in various parts of the world, I would definitely add The Bass Gang to that list. And I agree about the comparisons. They each are amazing In their own way. For me it boils down to the songs they cover and the mood I’m in.

[@AudioVile]

@@janetdwAs much as I enjoy the Bass Gang, I'm not sure they have reached the status level of those other four. Definitely not 7 months ago when I wrote that comment. Even now, they have some more 'work to do.' My opinion only!

[@janetdw]

@@AudioVile That is why I stated right away that they are new. They are not at that same level yet but are well worth a listen in spite of their immaturity. VoicePlay has been performing since 1997 professionally. The Bass Gang met three years ago. They are still worthy of a mention and a listen. Not the in the Top 4…. yet. I mention them only because three are so often overlooked.

[@AudioVile]

@@janetdw I agree that they are not yet seen as the talented group they ARE. Even among a cappella enthusiasts, not many could name all the member off the top of their heard. I can't! LOL!! I listen to Peter Barber's reactions (which is how I learned of them initially) often. He is an outstanding analyst. AND singer! I'm sure they will get there in terms of popularity. Voctave is similar in that their following just isn't as large as the 'big three.' I don't know... I love 'em all!! Then again, I still listen to raw, 4-part barbershop, too!!

[@janetdw]

@@AudioVile I found The Bass Gang due For some reason I really really really like Marwan. He’s my fave. There are some great a cappella groups out there that are “unsung”.😉. I always thought of a cappella as church choir and maybe barbershop Quartet and then Carmen San Diego came out. Been a fan of Rockapella and Straight No Chaser for years even though I have no musical training. Every once in a while a new one shows up on my feed. It’s generally a mixed bag but there are some real pearls out there. If you haven’t already done so check out some of VoicePlay’s minis they’ve done recently. They did a few of them closer to a true barbershop quartet style. (I was always the weirdo at the fair that like to listen to the Sweet Adalines🎤🎵🎶)

[@par500dragon7]

The only connection between Home Free and VoicePlay is that they both competed on the Sing-Off (which HF won). They toured together and are friends, and sometimes members show up in each other's videos. Also, both Geoff Castellucci (VP's bass) and Layne Stein (VP's beatboxer) have done or assisted with arrangements for Home Free (Geoff did HF's Elvira, which featured the Oak Ridge Boys - the originals!).

[@daolman8226]

That's awesome! thank you for that info!

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Yes. Welcome to the rabbit hole. I fell down it a year ago and never looked back. Also subscribed for more Voiceplay and Geoff. PS... Tim Foust from Home Free cut his hair recently. Probably got tired of the confusion between him and Geoff lol.

[@LoriPeace]

Yes, I love Two Cellos -- they're amazing too. Glad to see you enjoyed VoicePlay!

[@kimberleyharvey8175]

Always fun to watch someone on their first discovery of VoicePlay (or Geoff's solo work). Subscribing in hopes of more VP reactions!

[@par500dragon7]

Avid VP fan here... my favorites are: Hoist the Colours, Warriors, Carry On Wayward Son, the Wicked Medley, Queen in 5 Minutes, Seven Nation Army (newer), Valhalla Calling ... and so many more!

[@BonnieKaupp]

Welcome to our VoicePlay/Geoff Castellucci rabbit hole. 🙂

[@karenponchak5304]

Not the same bass, but they are friends. Welcome to the rabbit hole that is VoicePlay (and Geoff Castellucci). #theaterkidsofacapella #violayne

[@daolman8226]

Ok Kew! Thank you for the info Karen.

[@Z-LightfulMemories]

Welcome to the VP rabbit hole!! I'll be keeping an eye out for future videos.

[@Starrynightdiner]

Welcome to the VoicePlay rabbit hole. 🐇

[@iamsquatty]

Welcome to voiceplay 💜💜

[@joosyjulie]

The bass is Geoff Castelluci. For me his rendition of Sixteen tons is epic.

[@daolman8226]

Thank you for the comment! these guys are great!

[@cauldroncreations]

This was a great reaction. Looking forward to watching you react to more VP!😁

[@EtherealForever]

Listened to this and immediately bought it - looking forward to more reactions soon...! I see you checked out the original Valhalla calling - Voiceplay did that a while back too. They are amazing.

[@daolman8226]

Thank you so much! Yea, some of these groups blow my mind. And I love that song, I gotta check out Voiceplays version!

[@alexandersteinmetz6857]

Hey, nice Version, only scratched VP as for nop, thx for showing me, stay Healthy, greetz from Lago di Garda:)= NWA Bavaria North

[@bethgooch6243]

Check out Kiss From A Rose (live) from Pentatonix. They are another a cappella group who’s a human 808. His cello-boxing in that song is insane. The song itself is epic & an instant banger.

[@traceyandrob13]

They where on the same season called SING-Off BUT Rob from Home Free did ACA Top 10 movies with them also there is a Home Free vs VoicePlay that is Zombies vs Hillbillies.

[@daolman8226]

Awesome info!!! thank you sooo much for the comment!

[@traceyandrob13]

@@daolman8226 No Worries hope you some more so can watch your reactions

[@kat7797]

That was good

[@alexandramcleod2079]

Voice Play🎉

[@michaelfitzgerald9166]

HOME FREE VERSION OF , "RING OF FIRE" AMAZING. PENTENTONIX HAS MANT GOOD SONGS ALSO AN ACEPELLA GROUP. YOU NEED TO SEE GEOFF CASTELLUCCI (VOICE PLAYS BASSEST) "THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN" , "MONSTRR MASH" , "SIXTEEN TONS" .

[@melodiemalone2317]

Geoff is not from home free 😒😒😒😒

[@ShyAnn291]

He kind of looks like Tim.

[@melodiemalone2317]

@@ShyAnn291 not really 🙄🙄

[@ShyAnn291]

@@melodiemalone2317 I said kind of, and if you aren’t familiar with them as much as HF it’d be easy to mix them up.

[@melodiemalone2317]

@@ShyAnn291 dumb

[@Gael4ce]

Side note: there’s a condition most people haven’t heard of called “face blindness” (Prosopagnosia). There’s varying degrees of severity, but the bottom line is that not everyone recognizes faces easily. Some not at all. Good luck on finding a doctor that knows about it, and most people who have it don’t know why they struggle to recognize people. I know. I have it. I have cousins I’ve known all my life that I can never tell apart. I recognize people by their voice and the way they move more than their face. I tripped over an older vid when I first started watching VoicePlay where Geoff had short hair and Tony was in it….I flat out couldn’t tell who was who until I figured out who was beatboxing and heard the other two sing. If they sound alike and move alike - like two cousins who are brothers one year apart - it’s over for me. So maybe there isn’t a need to draw and quarter people for confusing Geoff and Tim, particularly when they don’t know either well, mkay? A simple, polite correction is all that’s needed.