Pentatonix - Bohemian Rhapsody (Rock Artist and Producer Reaction)

[@RubyGB]

PTX GOLDEN RULE: They do not record anything they can't do live on stage and sound the same or even better...

[@gaynora1858]

HA HAAAAA .... I am sitting here feeling like I am PTX'S mum and kinda getting offended by the assumption that there are studio effects on their voices, or drum overlays on Kev's beatboxing. Urrrrmmm ... noh-ohhh!!! Reactor dudes, pls watch the live version of every PTX official video. I suspect that we have 2 new pentaholics on our hand here. I shall watch this spot with keen interest.

[@Iansco1]

@@gaynora1858 I have fam in CA who know Avi. I have met the original lineup. And personally heard them do THIS. ACA. No mics, no studio.

[@danielcummins5092]

They absolutely can do this live - they've published a live video here on KZbin, but also, there are absolutely studio effects on this video. For example, there are times where there are definitely more than 5 voices, times when one part overlaps with another part, and reverb and EQing done on the drums. When you hear it live, you'll hear some of those things are missing. It's still amazing! But all studio recordings, even Pentatonix, have post-production on them. I even watched a BTS Pentatonix video where they show making more than one pass on a phrase in the studio to layer vocals on top of each other for a more choral sound.

[@booboo6598]

lies

[@triciashockley1313]

Have you heard current music sang live??

[@angelaprzybylski1425]

Wait till you hear them live. BTW the megaphone was only a prop. He can do that live. Mitch has one of the most incredible voices you will ever hear

[@joettebaumann-cr2xl]

Went to Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. First time hearing them. BLOWN AWAY. AWESOME.

[@Emerald-t7k]

mitch has the voice of multiple angels lol

[@loucrutchersmith7972]

They call it being Mitch slapped.

[@mollykeefe2870]

Kevin is 100% making those drum sounds. I've seen them do this live. It's incredible. They have 4 grammys. check out ALL of the christmas stuff.. don't miss "daft punk" (which they won their FIRST grammy for..), "Wizard of Ahhhhs.." "Kiss from a rose.." They are WORLD CLASS musicians. I've seen them live 4 times- and trust when I say, this is all real. Kevin also Cello-boxes. yes, that's right. Cello and beat-boxing at the same time. :). welcome to Pentatonix... :)

[@sharonsmith5296]

they have three grammys, with more nominations ;)

[@BethVargas-uw6qq]

Three Grammy trophies - 2 for vocal arrangement and 1 for country. There were another two nominations

[@Butterflyandhearts95]

Kevin is a phenom in his own right. Love his KZbin channel

[@audreywalker9025]

Mitch is a counter tenor. He has a naturally high voice.

[@jamesensley3906]

Brian May, the Queen guitarist, gave this video a nice shout out on his social media.

[@perrystevenson6364]

Pentatonix Bohemian Rhapsody Insights: So, some things to know about this cover and video: -It took PTX years to get the arrangement to where they felt they could do the original masterpiece justice. -The cover, and especially the video, was meant to be an homage to Queen. Some of the moments paying respect were: 1.The mono-recording of the line "easy come, easy go" followed by the panning of the voices from left to right on the line "little high, little low" (which is how the original was recorded), 2. Obviously the flashlights being used to mimic the lighting on the operatic part of the original video, 3. The four shooting stars to represent the four members of Queen, as well as acknowledge the fact that Dr. Brian May is an astrophysicist, 4. The overhead shot of them lying on the couch is to represent the Sheer Heart Attack album cover. 5. When Mitch lies down on the couch, singing "Too late, My time has come," they're referring to Freddie Mercury's death (the foreshadowing was, of course, unintentional on Freddie's part; there's no way he could have known about AIDS, thank goodness). The other four are walking next to the couch to serve as Mitch's pall bearers. The megaphone was just a prop. It is not needed to reproduce the electric guitar distortion. -PTX can, and does, perform this live with no backing track...something even Queen and the Great Freddie Mercury could not do. Freddy once said he didn't care what people did with his music as long as they "...don't make it boring, darling!", so I think he would absolutely approve. They were indeed on an actual road and luckily, there actually is a behind the scenes for the making of this one that you can watch! The link is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2nYmH2kfqySgs0 Also when Brian Mays heard it... he posted it on his web site with the word "ENJOY”. The overall video--with the "living room" and couch--is an homage to Pentatonix's own journey as a group. They lost their record deal right after winning the Sing Off and moving to LA, so they started putting out videos on KZbin, performing covers. They would sit on the couch in Kevin (beatboxer) and Avi's (bass) living room and just record themselves on Mitch's (counter tenor who took the lead on this song) iPad. Some of their earliest videos went viral and they eventually were able to secure a new deal, record an EP, go on tour, release chart-topping albums and win three Grammy awards...so they moved out of the living room and down this new, unknown road. At the end of the day, though, they're still the same choir-nerds they've always been; just happy to sit together on a couch and sing.

[@stischer47]

Almost...the sofa is in reference to their first YT videos that they did on a couch very similar to this one.

[@milissaleatherwood6837]

​@@stischer47he said that 😂 I've never seen a more thorough comment in my life. Great breakdown!

[@stephanie3230]

Avi Kaplan is an amazing bass. He is solo now with incredible songs.

[@cathyboyce6457]

Yes! You should check out Avi Kapan's solo original uniquely powerful "Change on the Rise" ~ he isn't just a remarkable basso profundo, he has a beautiful voice period!

[@bridgethaines7127]

They refer to Kevin (beatboxer) as the human 808. More impressive, he can beatbox while playing the cello.

[@melissacoviello2886]

They have a behind the scenes video for this! And then you should react to The Prayer and then watch/react to The making of Evergreen which as musicians will give you soooooo much insight into their process. They are spectacular all of the time, but nothing beats hearing them live in concert! It’s always surreal!

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

Yes, the Recording of Evergreen is awesome!

[@christinespiers-wy9kr]

I loved “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Josh Groban!

[@lorriredmon8212]

Dell, yours is the FIRST one ever to catch the Brian May Tribute in reference to the stars. His being an Astrophysicist! THANK YOU!!!!! You know your stuff. Thank you both for a very enjoyable reaction.

[@ATN2USN]

Del, nice catch on the tribute to Brian May. They do this live.

[@katiemcteague]

This sounds best with headphones too! You really hear the nuances then.

[@milissaleatherwood6837]

Normally I would agree but I saw them react to all the stuff headphones put out. I think they might have a sound system that is just as good as headphones.

[@terriepurkey708]

It's always fun to see someone find Pentatonix for the first time. I've seen other commenters have left very informational comments for you. I'll chime in with agreement - This song and Hallelujah are staples in their performances and no megaphone is involved for him to make the guitar sound. And, truly, Kevin's beatbox sounds are true - maybe with a slight production adjustment, but live, he sounds just as amazing and crisp. Watch any song of your choice from "Live From Hollywood Bowl" where the filming is good and you'll get a good sense of how well they perform live. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you guys absorb this music - hope you do more!

[@rizeagle33]

Been hearing the same shit for over a decade, they had to add this or adjust that and noway they can actually do this without studio help. Then when you hear them live or without mics even and realize that all 5 are world class vocalists and can do all this live with zero post production and they go i cant believe it. Yes they can do everything live and have they over the years added things to make certain songs better sure but the ability they all have is absolutely some of the best in the world.

[@allybandy3047]

Indeed, been doing it live since the Sing Off... with zero effects allowed.

[@minaolenella869]

technically not ALL But their lives are usually better even without added effects.

[@rizeagle33]

@minaolenella869 yeah I didn't say all but the fact is they only use effects in an artistic way and not because they can't do something.

[@milissaleatherwood6837]

​@@rizeagle33like the 90s dance medley when they do Cher's famous auto tune. Intentional art and ptx is above and beyond most artists.

[@debbiehagel5672]

more pentatonix please. I suggest "OH come all ye faithful>"

[@jlelliotton]

You really need to use quality headphones to hear all of what PTX can do. And yes, while recorded in a studio they do this live and it sounds almost the same. Mitch Grassi (who is the singer with the high voice) is a counter tenor (he can get a LOT higher than this). Scott Hoying (blonde) is a baritone, Avi Kaplan (beard) is the bass, Kirstin (Kirstie) Maldonado is a mezzo-soprano, and Kevin Olusola is their master beat-boxer, tenor, cellist, ... Avi Kaplan left the group in 2017 and was replaced as the bass by Matt Sallee.

[@Gwennedd]

These guys have a proper Bose stereo speaker system like a recording studio set -up has, so they don't need headphones.

[@heidi_d]

@@GwenneddThank you, most of us need headphones but these guys are hooked up way better than any headphones!

[@vickiandrews4087]

The Pentatonix rabbit hole is very big! They have 3 Grammys...Daft Punk Medley (also fun and different), Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy...with NO words and a collaboration with Dolly Parton on Jolene. Plus, over 200 more songs and they have original songs, as well. Hope you visit them again soon!

[@shilohauraable]

Also, the only a capella group with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! 💖

[@margretrosenberg420]

Where #Pentatonix came from: Kirstin, Mitch, and Scott all grew up in Arlington, Texas. All of them were involved with community musical theater as children, and Mitch met both Scott and Kirstin there (separately) when they were still pre-teens, and became friends with each of them. However, Scott and Kirstin didn't meet each other until they were fourteen and in the same high school class. All three were choir geeks (duh), and they quickly became best friends in high school. And if you're wondering what was in the water in Arlington in the early 1990s that three such remarkably talented people should all be born in such proximity, you aren't the only one. There was some kind of singing contest to meet the stars of _Glee,_ and the three of them wanted to enter, so they formed a trio which they named "The Trio." (I know; not very imaginative. They're somewhat better with that now.) They lost the contest, but they kept The Trio together anyway; they performed at school functions and occasionally on local television. Pentaholics still refer to these three as "the trio," and the trio is the heart of Pentatonix. Kirstin and Scott were a year ahead of Mitch; they graduated in 2010, when Mitch was still in eleventh grade, and both went away for their freshman year of college. Kirstin went to the University of Oklahoma (with a full ride scholarship!), and Scott went to the University of Southern Califonia. Scott is a very outgoing person, so he immediately began looking around for extracurricular activities where he could meet people and make new friends, and he found an award-winning amateur a cappella group named SoCal VoCals, which he joined. While there he met a former member named Ben Bram, who at the time was a coach on NBC's a cappella competition show named _"The Sing-Off."_ A cappella groups would audition for the show, and those that passed appeared throughout the season. There was a panel of three judges, all professional musicians, who would critique each performance. Along the way some groups would be eliminated, narrowing the field, and at the end of the season viewers would be invited to vote on a winner. The winning group would receive $200,000 and a recording contract with Epic, a minor subsidiary of Sony, the show's sponsor. Scott was intrigued. He thought The Trio could be competitive, and if they could get a recording contract they could have a career doing what they most loved, with the people they most loved. So he talked to Kirstin, who thought his idea had promise, and at the end of their first year of college the two of them headed back to Arlington to be there for Mitch's graduation and to talk with Mitch about Scott's idea. Meanwhile, back in Arlington Mitch had been having a very difficult year. His best friends weren't there, and as an out-of-the-closet young gay man with an unusually high voice he was being seriously bullied. And unfortunately, since the bullying was ostensibly for his voice he was quickly developing the notion that there was something wrong with his voice and that no one would want to hear him sing. So when Scott presented his idea Mitch was on board; it was a way to get away from the bullies. He had doubts about his ability to carry his weight in the group, because of the bullying, but he was willing to try, and if Scott and Kirstin said they could win, well, maybe they could. So with everyone agreed, Scott called Ben Bram to find out how to arrange for an audition, and this is where they met their first setback. _The Sing-Off_ had a size requirement; the minimum size allowed was five. The Trio needed two new members and a new name. They were stumped. Ben suggested that they'd profit from adding a rhythm section: a bass and a beatboxer, and he knew the perfect person to recommend for the bass, a guy named Avi Kaplan. They talked to Avi, and he was very interested, so that took care of the bass, but where to find the beatboxer? Ben didn't have any suggestions. So in desperation they typed "beatboxer" into a KZbin search box and the first hit they got was a black guy playing a classical piece on the cello and beatboxing at the same time. And all of them said, "Wow! He's the one! How can we get in touch with him?" They were in luck. At the time KZbin had something called KZbin messages, which would allow private messages between members (now discontinued), so they sent Kevin a private message: "Hey! We really love your stuff, and we wonder if you'd be interested in flying across the country to join four strangers to audition for an a cappella competition show on television?" And Kevin messaged them back: "Normally I'd be there in a heart beat; I love a cappella and have been in a cappella groups before. But right now I'm studying for my final exams for my pre-med major from Yale." Oh. That sounded pretty definite; better keep looking. So they kept looking, and they found someone, but he was no Kevin Olusola. Oh well; you work with what you have. And two weeks later Kevin messaged them again: "Good news! I just graduated. If the gig's still open I can fly out." He arrived the day before their audition. Mitch had to skip his graduation ceremony to attend the audition. But even with just a day of rehearsal they still passed the audition; they were in. Oh, yes, the name. Pentatonix is named for the pentatonic scale, which has five (penta) tones just as Pentatonix has five (Penta) singers. In other words, it's a fancier way of saying they're now "The Quintet." 😂 Pentatonix appeared throughout season three of _The Sing-Off,_ and eventually won. All those performances are available on KZbin and are well worth watching, preferably in order so you can see how they grew throughout the season. Some of them are as good as anything they've done since (which is saying a lot) and are only available in those old videos. (Note: If you decide to react to these, be sure and watch the versions that contain the show's introduction of Pentatonix just before the performance, and the judges' critiques of the performance, and any comments Pentatonix made backstage.) So, they'd won _The Sing-Off,_ complete with recording contract. Time to move to California permanently and begin recording. And a week later Epic reneged on the contract, saying that they didn't know how to market a cappella. But at this point Pentatonix weren't willing to give up; they *wanted* that career they'd been working toward. So they pooled their winnings and lived frugally. The four men shared two apartments, to cut down on expenses. They arranged music and rehearsed every day, and when they had a song ready they used their iPhones to record themselves anywhere they could find good acoustics, and sometimes in places with acoustics that were just okay. And they posted to KZbin. Their fans from _The Sing-Off_ quickly found them there, and subscribed, and they began to get more views and more subscribers, and to pick up a few patrons. In fact, they were going viral. And Sony noticed, and approached them with an offer: Perhaps Pentatonix would like a recording contract with Madison Gate, another minor subsidiary? Hmmm. 🤔 Would they like a recording contract? Might have to think about that, for a second or two. Darn right they'd like a recording contract! And then came "Daft Punk Medley," and Pentatonix won their first Grammy. And again, Sony took notice, and approached Pentatonix: "We've been thinking about it and we believe you might find a better fit with our flagship label, RCA. Are you interested?" They've been with RCA ever since. They go on tours world wide and perform to sold-out venues. They put out at *least* one album a year, frequently more. One has gone Gold and one has gone Platinum twice. They have three Grammys and recently received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. And they are the only a cappella band to have won so much as *one* Grammy, or to be represented on the Walk of Fame. The most important part of this story is the fact that Pentatonix began with The Trio, three best friends so close to one another that they might as well be family. And from the very beginning, everyone who has joined with them to form Pentatonix has been incorporated into that family-of-choice. As a family, Pentatonix takes care of all its members. One of the things this means is that everyone gets time in the spotlight. Pentatonix has no lead singer. Yes, some songs call for a lead, and when that happens Pentatonix chooses the member whose voice best suits the song. This is one way that everyone gets time in the spotlight, and it means that no one is burdened with having to always be the lead. And when songs don't require a lead, Pentatonix frequently has each member solo on one or more verses. The members of Pentatonix are able to set their egos aside because each of them is already receiving as much acclaim as any healthy ego could need. And that leaves them free to concentrate on taking care of both the people they love and the music they love. This focus on doing whatever is best for the music is, in my opinion, *the* thing that makes Pentatonix greater than the sum of its parts. And their focus on caring for one another is the reason we like them as people, not just as singers.

[@saragates2255]

Everyone in this group has amazing voices, but you should check them out live... They're ridiculously impressive. Mitch has an instrument that is out of this world 🫶

[@hollykinslow5193]

You are NOT ready for Pentaholics!!!! We are a FORCE! 😊

[@luminaorchis4376]

Y’all should check out their music videos for Hallelujah and The Sound of Silence

[@debrawalkermeyer9109]

Hollywood Bowl 2022 has a great version of this live! They love to perform so in many ways they are better live! I already subscribe, Excited for you to do more Pentatonix. Their Daft Pink Medley won their first Grammy. The video is awesome and important to see , but they also perform it live ( Hollywood Bowl, 2022) Also check out Can’t Hold Us, Kiss From A Rose ( live VEVO version) and to be truly amazed a mashup of New Rules x Are You That Somebody. Their Catalog is huge and it is all amazing ❤❤❤❤❤

[@natb5187]

For a nice representation of what they can do live, check out their Popspring performance (i think from 2016?). They sing multiple songs in that performance.

[@shilohauraable]

That performance NEVER gets old! I love it! 😍 😊

[@theresarigio5627]

I subbed for more PTX. And yes, Kevin, the beat boxer does all of that by himself. He is amazing as they all are. Please keep them coming.💕💕

[@christianleatherman7532]

Love PTX! They have such a large catalog of songs, originals and covers. I can't wait to see if you go down this rabbit hole! Also others will tell you this but it's even better when you are wearing headphones!

[@alan-freeman]

Pentatonix a "brief" background. They won The Sing Off in 2011. They made a guest starring appearance on America′s Got Talent as non−competitors a couple of years after that. The founding members are:- Scott Hoying (tall blond guy, natural baritone but has an impressive five−to−six octave range, can go all the way up to high tenor and down to bass, sings the bass lines when the usual bass singer takes the lead); Kirstin "Kirstie" (Rhymes with "Thirsty") Maldonado (the only female member, natural mezzo soprano, but can go down to low alto and as high as upper soprano, also can sing in whistle notes that are off the scale); For a time in 2018 between the group’s tours, had the female lead on Broadway in the production of “Kinky Boots”. Mitch Grassi (a true contra−tenor, can hit high notes in his chest voice with ease and go WAY higher in his falsetto, also with ease); Avriel "Avi" Kaplan (dark beard and long hair), true basso profundo, trained as an opera singer, also can go up into the tenor range; and Kevin "KO" Olusola (beatboxer extraordinaire, also is a world−class cellist who plays cello on some of their songs, has a beautiful high tenor voice and gets occasional lead vocal solos as well, graduated pre−med from Yale and speaks several languages including Mandarin Chinese). Kirstie, Scott & Mitch grew up together in Arlington, Texas, and began performing together as children in local youth musical theater. They ended up in high school together and performed in the choir. While there, they formed an a cappella group called The Trio which had several performance videos go viral on KZbin, most notably a cover of Lady Gaga′s "Telephone". The three of them are best friends and consider themselves to be almost siblings. Scott & Kirstie (who were a class year ahead of Mitch) both graduated high school in 2010 and went their separate ways to different colleges, Scott at USC and Kirstie at Oklahoma. While at USC, Scott joined a USC−based a cappella group called the SoCal VoCals, where he met alumnus Ben Bram, who was now an arranger and vocal coach for the NBC TV show The Sing Off, an a cappella competition show. Ben convinced Scott to get The Trio to audition for the show. The three reunited (Mitch had to skip high school graduation ceremonies to go) in Los Angeles for the audition. They found out that the rules had changed, so they needed at least five members to audition. Ben put them together with Avi (a native of Visalia, California), who he knew from Avi′s performing days at Mount San Antonio College in California. They found Kevin (from Kentucky) through one of his KZbin videos that had gone viral featuring him playing the cello and beatboxing at the same time, a talent that Kevin coined as "Cello−Boxing". Kevin arrived in Los Angeles literally the day before the audition! Scott came up with the name "Pentatonix" after the pentatonic scale. They performed a re−arrangement of "The Telephone" for the audition and passed, despite having been together as a five−piece group for less that 24 hours! They won The Sing Off that season (all of the performances are available on KZbin), in which they received a substantial cash prize AND a record contract with Epic Records. They pooled their prize winnings together and all moved to Los Angeles, and all got apartments right next door to each other in the same building. But just a week later, Epic dropped them because the marketing people didn′t think an a cappella group could sell records. Instead of giving up, they were determined and began recording their own songs on KZbin, hiring Ben Bram as their producer and arranger. These usually consisted of the five of them sitting on a couch and performing cover songs live. Several of the videos went viral, and Sony (the parent company of Epic) decided to give them another chance by placing them on one of their smaller labels, Madison Gate. They released two secular EPs and one Christmas EP on Madison Gate, all of which were strong sellers. But when their cover of a medley of songs by Daft Punk not only went super−viral, but also won them their first Grammy, they were promoted all the way up to RCA Records, Sony′s top label. They began writing and producing their own songs in addition to their covers, began putting out a Christmas album just about annually (which has become their best−selling genre), and have had multi−platinum album sales, sold−out world tours, and have won two additional Grammys. Avi began getting burned out with all of the touring and heavy recording schedule, was suffering from anxiety and personal problems, and learned that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017. He announced he was departing from the group and taking some time away from the music industry. Matt Sallee (from Baltimore) joined them in September 2017. He did only become official when they renewed their RCA contract in February 2018, but he recorded with them in September as a featured artist and went on their Christmas tour as a featured artist, as well. When he attended the audition for the group, he had already mastered the Bass part for most if not all their past catalogue. He was successful and has proved that he fits in well with the group. If you think there have been other changes to the line up - look again. This is the ONLY change. Kirstie and Mitch are like chameleons and change looks frequently. It is an often debated subject among the Pentaholics as to just how soon we introduce the "Beginners Guide" as we don't want to overdo the introduction. This is a compilation of snips of a whole load of songs which PTX have released. It highlights each member with some of their solos and then a brief history in video. It is quite long - 14+ minutes and is a little dated now (Feb 2020) but is a good watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/onXbepmtm6igh6c&pp=ygUdYmVnaW5uZXJzIGd1aWRlIHRvIHBlbnRhdG9uaXg%3D. After a year away from music, Avi has now returned as a phenomenal solo artist in the Folk/Americana/Roots genre. Ben Bram has been in charge of their production, including arranging and directing from the beginning. He is often referred to as the sixth member. Scott and Kevin are major players in the arrangements, but every member contributes. A good watch is "The Recording of Evergreen" where a camera was invited into the studio for the second week of recording/ Also, all members are songwriters for both Pentatonix and their own solo work. Ed Boyer who mixes everything of theirs (even the HWB Livestream) is the one who pulled Ben Bram into the sing off in the first place. They have Grammy wins for Daft Punk Medley, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Jolene featuring Dolly Parton. They were nominated for a 4th Grammy for their album Evergreen, but didn't win. Another nomination for Holidays Around the World album in the 2024 list! Kirstie became a new mum which caused a pause in touring after their Evergreen Christmas tour 2021. Mid March 2023 Kirstie has announced that she is engaged to Ben Hausdorff, their videographer. They married 22/04/24! They have a star on the Hollywood walk of fame installed in February 2023. They are the only a capella group with a star! They came 3rd in the 2023 Masked Singer performing as "California Rolls" being unmasked in May 23. Things you need to know because if you get these wrong Pentaholics will come after you with pitch forks and torches! Ha Ha!! 1- There is NO Auto-Tune; what you hear is actually what they sing. They really are that good. One exception is the 90's Dance Medley where Cher used autotune as an effect - so they had to. 2- What produces everything that you hear in the video, you see in the official video. If there is an instrument used in the music, you see it on screen. In the 2022 Christmas album, there are some instruments not featured throughout the album. 3- They never release something on video they can’t reproduce with the exact same quality live on-stage. 4. It is "Pentatonix" there is no "The".

[@davidoconnell1680]

By the way, Brian May loved this tribute.

[@orcagirl07]

You should definitely do more Pentatonix reactions! Some good songs would be Radioactive, Say Something, Hallelujah, and Daft Punk.

[@melanie00005]

I love Pentatonix. I hope you will do more. Their live is also so good. I actually like it more. ❤

[@wyattshoulders1794]

You definitely need to check out some live performances and you'll be surprised at how the lives match the studio videos

[@nancyfrolich3448]

Please watch Pentatonix singing the Sound of Silence and Imagine, the wall of sound that they create is so phenomenal

[@bobs6503]

Welcome to the Pentatonix rabbit hole!

[@carolcraig9008]

Love love Pentatonix ❤️ They perform this song live and Mitch does not use the megaphone (prop).

[@ConnorSinclairCavin]

Welcome to being Pentaholics •hug• we love new friends

[@darlenenickerson1713]

You should check out their Daft Punk Medley. It won them their first of three Grammy awards. Great reaction.

[@catpro70]

Kevin Olusola is an amazing artist. He is the beatboxer, a singer, and plays cello and saxophone. He has combined the cello and beatboxing into celloboxing. I highly recommend you watch his cover of Down on his channel, you’ll get an idea of how truly gifted he is.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

He also speaks fluent Mandarin (Chinese)…and now he and his wife have two kids…one is 3-years-old, and the other is 3 months old….

[@thechomiji]

Regarding what Kevin Olusola the beatboxer can do just with his voice, check out their 2022 live performance of their 90s Dance Medley at the Hollywood Bowl (easy to find here on YT). It's catchy as all get-out. fun, and a tour-de-force of Mitch Grassi (the high tenor who sings most of the lead here) doing effects, and Kevin and Matt Sallee (who replaced Avi Kaplan in 2017 when Avi left for a solo career) being one of the tightest rhythm sections ever. Remaining members: Kirstin Maldonado (alto-soprano) and Scott Hoying (baritone and all-around "glue" to most of the arrangements - he does the rock lead toward the end). GREAT catch on the Brian May tribute - almost no one evert catches that. Looking forward to more Pentatonix. ETA: There's a "Behind the Scenes" video for how this was made. The couch was even more hilarious than you might think!

[@megcperez]

Avi (base with the beard) went solo a few years back. Check out his work: I’d start with Change on the Rise by Avi Kaplan. His voice is immaculate.

[@JayeEllis]

I needed a cigarette after that song.

[@megcperez]

@@JayeEllis 😂 agreed

[@acorrado5529]

I really enjoyed your reaction- thanks! This was a very difficult video for them to make as it was filmed on a bitter cold night, overnight when there was no road traffic on a moving couch that tipped over easily. There is a video on You Tube: 'Pentatonix- The Making Of Bohemian Rhapsody' that details all the mishaps- I highly recommend your checking it out! Amazing what these acapella groups can do with their voices- love them all! The other two top acapella groups (we call Pentatonix, Home Free, and Voice Play the trifecta of acapella groups) are different styles and approaches: Home Free is Country/Folk style and Voice Play are the musical theater kids of acapella. I would love to see you check out Home Free "Man Of Constant Sorrow" and Voice Play "Valhalla Calling" for your professional analysis as well.

[@NilZed1]

Love you caught the Brian May stars tribute!!!!!😊

[@Meydoosa]

Check out some of their live stuff. I’m so excited. I’m going to get to see them live soon! It’s been a bucket list item ever since I first heard them. I recommend a triple play reaction. Do hallelujah the original video, then the live from their Christmas special when Avi was still there, and finally the new one the released a couple of weeks ago. You can see the evolution of them in that very well. Another you might like is their upgrade to The Sound of Silence.

[@perrystevenson6364]

Pentatonix songs suggestions: **List may contain some songs you may have reacted to** Some Covers are: Hallelujah, The Sound of Silence, Daft Punk, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Cheerleader (OMI Cover), 12 Days Of Christmas, Cruisin For a Bruisin, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, O Come All Ye Faithful, 90’s Dance Medley, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mad World, Wizard of Ahhhs (a montage of several modern songs made to tell the classic story of wizard of oz), Radioactive, Problem, Say Something, Kiss From a Rose (live vevo), Jolene, Royals, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, the Prayer, You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch….. Some Originals are: Love Again, Sing, Be My Eyes, Coffee in Bed, Happy Now, Run to You, A Little Space, Never Gonna Cry Again, The Lucky Ones…. During the pandemic they released an album called “At Home”. It was recorded entirely at their own homes separately on Zoom then sent to the studio to be put together….songs include… Blinding Lights, Home, When the Party’s Over, Break My Heart, Dreams. SO MANY MORE…. TOO MANY TO LIST, BUT THIS IS A GOOD START. ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY TO THE RABBIT HOLE KNOWN AS… PENTATONIX.

[@ConnorSinclairCavin]

Headphones are always reccomeneded for this group if you dont have a full surround booth type system

[@BethVargas-uw6qq]

I believe they mentioned they have very good sound system and could pick up Avi and Kevin quite clearly

[@MulletOp_jay]

if you want to hear an awesome live performance of theirs check out their live version of seal's kiss from a ross while not fully accapella because kevin the vp actually plays cello and still beatboxes on top of it its a pretty sick cover

[@GG-wi4ur]

PTX is amazing in their choreography, arrangement, harmony, and voices!

[@davidoconnell1680]

You nailed it with the tribute to Queen. When they pan to the stars the four shooting stars are for the members of Queen and for Brian May because he got a degree in astrophysics. Great reaction and a great song!

[@JaniceDAgostino]

After a few group songs, check out Kevin’s page. Looping, cello, beatboxing. That man is brilliant. KOvers.

[@ShinyElfriend]

There is a BTS of the making of this video but I don’t remember it focusing much on the vocal aspects, just the video creation for the most part. I’ve seen this live 4 times, it’s incredible! They usually include it as one of their encores. Mitch is uncanny at mimicking sounds, like the electric guitar. The bass and percussion is for real, but even in concert they have brilliant sound engineers balancing the sound. In the last concert I went to, they had Kevin and Matt (who replaced Avi, the bass in this video) cranked, so that the bass and percussion rumbled in my body like a rock concert. That being said, I’ve also heard them just standing around with nothing but themselves (in videos and live at meet & greets), and they are so in sync with each other, and so good at balancing their vocals, it’s mind boggling. It helps that three of them have been singing together since they were young, and the band has been together since 2011. Even Matt, the only new member in all that time, was a fan first and had taught himself every bass part of every song, plus he’s already been in the group for 7 or 8 years. I really enjoyed your knowledgeable reaction, particularly noticing all the Queen tributes they included. Loved it!

[@cincin9509]

Each individual voice is beautiful and their harmonies are out of this world.

[@Rynik05]

Avis bass is just incredible plus Mitch the high singer actually does that guitar solo live with no megaphone and sounds exactly the same! Plus all the beatbox is Kevin he’s just amazing! You have to do the live version of this next!

[@andycofin6983]

I always tell people that if you want to hear Mitch’s range live, check out the “A-ha” live in Singapore rendition. Granted it’s a cellphone capture, but it’s still pretty amazing.

[@elizabethtucker6026]

There is a Behind the scenes for this, the couch was on wheels. While PTX does double track when needed, and add reverb or use Melodyne (though less than many, as Mitch and Kevin have near perfect pitch), they are less produced than you may think. There are not just live performances that show this, there are even live and off mic (without any amplification or production at all) recordings. To get a look at their production, there's a 15 min short on their channel called "the making of Evergreen" that shows their general process.

[@bdickins2190]

With headphones you'd be able to hear each distinct voice and "hear" that there really are just 5, and sometimes just 4, voices.

[@kayecastleman6353]

Thanks so much for this! Always great to listen to reactors who know Freddie, Queen and the original Bohemian Rhapsody. The homage in this cover is stellar, including their allusion to Brian May's doctorate in astrophysics during the second guitar solo. BTW, the beatboxer who so impressed you completed his pre-med studies at Yale before joining PTX, is a concert-level cellist and speaks several languages including Mandarin Chinese. Pentatonix is not your neighbourhood a cappella group!

[@joannwilderman8921]

Brian May loved this he posted it on his social media

[@loriblair4913]

Every sound is for sure coming from them. They are absolutely amazing and even better live

[@junoblade275]

Yes... Keving really does make those beat boxing noises. He also plays cello and can sing too. He is AMAZING. The bass is a basso profundo. Mitch, the first singer is a counter tenor... and once in a generation voice. They are all enormously talented!

[@galixeesgrotto5805]

The best part of this video... is on how much is getting looped back into the microphone from their own studio speakers. Honestly it sounds so much better with their surround sound lol

[@debbiebarrie9779]

They won a contest ... LIVE ❤❤

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

They sound exactly the same live. 'Hallelujah' & 'Sound of Silence' are also great. They use no instruments.

[@dianeemanuel8541]

Their Hallelujah is legendary

[@kirstbielle]

I saw them see this song in their concert like a month ago. And them performing this song sound just the same as the video... Just a whole lot better

[@PMJonte]

He is straight up one of the best bestboxers out there. You better believe he's making those sounds! The thing you need to understand first about Pentatonix is the standard they set for themselves. They don't record and produce anything they can't replicate live.

[@VivaCohen]

This is the only time a song and/or music video literally made my jaw drop.

[@camerontlll5409]

Please watch hallelujah by them. Chills every time

[@--AllGoNoQuit--]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Pentatonix never misses!

[@ryanje8147]

more Pentatonix please.

[@rachelea9021]

These guys just got the mitch slap. Everyone says they "don't expect that voice" even though all the voices are AMAZING!!!

[@bill.godwin-austen]

The couch is actually motorized/remote control. You can see some of the fun with that in the "Behind the Scenes" video they had the link for at the end.

[@louellamoyer5578]

You just have to hear this LIVE ON VEVO! One take! They keep getting better!

[@Masq1980]

These guys are just flippin amazing alien unicorns! It took them 5 years to feel ready to do this song and to do it the justice that it deserves. They are all massive Queen fans. Brian May, lead guitarist from Queen, heard this song when it came out and posted a link to his socials with the one word comment 'Enjoy!' I feel like that is giving Queen's Seal of Approval right there! They also inserted a lot of references and easter eggs into this video in tribute to the original video - which by the way, if you haven't seen - you should probably check it out! Queen couldn't perform this song live because of all the layering they did in post! And not only can Pentatonix do this Live, but the Mitch Grassi Guitar has no need for a Megaphone. Mitch just saw it lying around the set and decided to use it to draw attention to who was doing the guitar solo part - the megaphone was not on, Mitch can do this live! The couch is in reference to their beginning videos where they recorded themselves on various of theirs couches to post onto KZbin after they were dropped by Sony because they didn't think that Acapella would be popular enough to sell records. It is also a tip of the hat to Wayne's World movie scene with the car and head banging to this song which brought in a whole new generation to Queen's music! The part where Mitch is laying on the couch is in reference to Freddie's death and the members walking alongside are his coffin's Pallbearers. A lot of the visuals in here are in tribute to the original video's trippy graphics; like when they all line up and do the 'oh, oh, oh's' one after the other, and also when they line up behind Kirstie standing on the couch only to fan out behind her with their vocal parts. The shot of the sky is in tribute to Dr. Brian May who is Queen's lead guitarist and also an astrophysicist! Each shooting star represents a member of Queen. When they all collapse onto the couch with the shot from above is a homage to the cover art of Queen's record 'Sheer Heart Attack' Also I am pretty sure, Mitch is a reincarnation of Freddie Mercury - one...he can grow the Freddie Stash and looks so much like Freddie that it is amazing the resemblance - two...he can sing just as high if not higher than Freddie could - and three...Freddie died 8 months before Mitch was born!

[@kogle54]

Avi (bass) is a fully trained Basso Profundo with an incredible range. Check him out, he is solo now, especially Change on the Rise.

[@shortybarnesyanik]

2 yrs ago you listened to Pentatonix Sound of Silence Live and Mad World and Higher Love. It's on your channel.

[@Michele18164]

Check out their live stuff: the entire Popspring 2016 concert, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, and Problem (live) are great examples of what they can do live, with the equipment properly balanced.

[@sean1849]

Hey guys just subscribed for more Pentatonix

[@rachellephipps1361]

The guy with the beard (Avi Kaplan) has a great solo career you should check it out. Would recommend Change on the rise or Full moon

[@kelleyturner6584]

I've seen them 4 times live and it's just as good.

[@johnrodrigues5974]

You can see Pentatonix (The Making of Bohemian Rhapsody) Great video👍👍👍

[@carmengibson]

There is a behind the scenes. Also check out their live version! They will never cease to blow your mind! ❤

[@KatrinaBeasse]

You guys need to follow Pentatonix. They're amazing

[@Caketime2]

Their version of Sound of Silence will forever be probably my favorite piece of music ever done and Hallelujah

[@Anna-xx1lv]

Awe……I’m so happy you caught the tributes to Queen! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This is one of the best (if not the best) cover I’ve heard of this song!!!

[@DrSerendip]

You need to listen to a live performance of this. It is just as good.

[@johnrodrigues5974]

Please watch Pentatonix singing: THE PRAYER. MITCH IS UNBELIEVABLE

[@lucyjones5399]

they do it all with their voices

[@angelalucarelli649]

I've been watching them since they were just putting videos on KZbin before they became famous. They are the real deal. I am a huge fan.

[@joebarnhart4460]

Their main producer is Ed Boyer and he is just fantastic at getting the best out of the studio. There's an article where he describes his process for Pentatonix somewhere. You need to find a way to use headphones for PTX videos -- it REALLY makes a difference. There's a "behind the scenes" video for this one, I highly recommend it.

[@terrycupp6687]

I’ve listented to a LOT of PTX reacitons and appreciate both your perceptions and production knowledge, enjoyed our reaction a lot and hope to see more PTX soon!

[@consider.jennifer]

OMG - this is great. Welcome my friends. Everything they touch is gold

[@icantthinkofagoodname1838]

I have heard this live. It sounds just as good live. PTX are just that good.

[@sherelleware4959]

If you hear them live, this is EXACTLY how they sound. No added production

[@charlenemignacca9861]

Sound of silence, amazing grace and hallelujah all musts

[@Badger77722]

There are several nods to Queen's version of the song just in the first verse of PTX's homage, as well as throughout the rest of the MV. With the lyrics, "easy come, easy go", the music changes to monophonic, and with the following lyrics, "little high, little low", the music pans from left to right. Both of those were done by Queen in the original recording. Later, at the end of the first verse, the "bell tones" by the various members are a replication of the piano part that Freddy Mercury plays in the MV. The couch - there's a BTS for this video, and it may be worth your time to give it a watch, as it's fairly short. The MV was shot outside on an unused road, and took all night to shoot - they were racing the sunrise to finish the filming, and freezing as they did it - there are occasional shots where you can see breath in the air. The couch was motorized with wheels underneath and remotely controlled, but it seemed to have a mind of it's own. There was a ledge attached on the back to help Kirstin climb over it, even though those shots were eventually cut from the final MV, but it didn't help the stability at all - it nearly tipped over several times. The couch almost ran over Kevin (beatboxer), and Scott (tall blonde) joked that they probably needed to wear crash helmets while they were on it!

[@shilohauraable]

They perform this live and it's amazing! Annual Christmas tour starts soon! 💖

[@triciashockley1313]

Hear them live. It’s amazing

[@maysecm]

There is nothing on the backend in them they do live just as strong and crisp

[@VixennMoonshadow]

One of my very favorite groups, so much talent ♥

[@ClaireBarnes-pf6or]

The live Christmas version of hallelujah is a must ❤

[@Jessicakerr-ij7cc]

Everything you hear if from they're mouths. They often use stomping noises as well but all that is done without any instruments. They do not use auto tune at all either. What you hear in their music videos are EXACTLY what you hear when they sing live. They have won 3 Grammys and are considered the best acapella group

[@mikeleenlaurent9691]

They do an amazing job with Sound of Silence!!!

[@txheadshots]

The real Mitch Slap happens on Hallelujah The most impressive Beat Boxing is on Daft Punk Medley