VOCAL COACH REACTS | EPICA ft. Floor Jansen... Sancta Terra... their chemistry is so wholesome.

[@mattphillips2530]

The thing that's immediately apparent when Floor and Simone are in stage together is how much they love each other.

[@w00tklumpWn]

The thing that's immediately apparent when Floor and Simone are in stage together is what an absolute unit Floor is

[@fredverkerk838]

the are long times friends , al dutch

[@WakefieldTolbert]

@@w00tklumpWn Yeah, she's a big sexy strong loud woman for certain.

[@ChrisPage68]

@@WakefieldTolbert With a gentle disposition and a big heart. ❤️

[@ChrisPage68]

@@w00tklumpWn She's built like a competitive swimmer, with lungs to match.

[@GAIS414]

As a sound engineer, I can pretty much promise you there are three front of house sound guys working this gig. One on choir and one on orchestra each making a stereo sub-mix for Epica's engineer to incorporate into the main mix via two stereo channels. Apart from that there are probably a couple of monitor engineers working hard to have all the musicians performing at their best. So congrats to the audience who got to experience this gig. I'm willing to bet Epica didn't make a cent on it, in fact they probably lost quite a bit of money. The cost of rehearsing, and performing with this setup is huge. I love it when bands have the balls to do these extravagant productions. It is artistic generosity at it's absolute peak. Thanks for a great vid.

[@MrKeserian]

Former tech here. The other thing you realize after watching a lot of Floor singing is that when he starts playing with her hair is her cue that her in ear needs to get turned up.

[@FedericoDownescobar]

Indeed. A lot of the presentation of a performance involving so many elements really comes down to the engineers. And live performances are so DYNAMIC. Who knows where they're going to go? And sound engineers deal with it on the fly making it seem effortless. So, yes, well deserved kudos!

[@strogaa]

I'm still curious, how the german metal band Rage managed it back in the 90s to make a whole tour with an orchestra. Ok, at least they only had the orchestra and no choir, but still. The live sound on the concert was amazing. The live video they released from it was crap. And the studio cd... was not that bad, but let's say, it showed, that they still had to learn a few things.

[@GAIS414]

@@strogaa In the 90's bands made a hell of a lot more money than now. People bought actual records which gave decent profit to the bands. I just look at how I consume music now compared to the nineties. Each month I used to buy records for about the same amount as I now spend on my Spotify subscription yearly. Count in inflation, which would mean I spend about 20 times less on buying music now than I used to do. And I think it's about the same for most people. The ones that were mildly interested in music didn't spend much back then, but today they probably have free accounts with commercials between songs and so forth. That's why we generally see less impressive productions today, with regards to the amount of people involved.

[@hiran4935]

Idk anything about sound mixing but I loveee Captain Haddock!

[@cyberjarl]

The man who shouts "Floor Jansen" at the end with a growling voice is Mark Jansen (no family relation). Both he and Floor were together in a band called After Forever in the 90s/early 2000s until Mark quit the band due to creative differences. He went on to found Epica with his girlfriend at the time - Simone. Simone and Floor are close friends and have been for years - this is why they have such good chemistry on stage. Mark and Simone are no longer a couple, but they still work very well together. Simone is married with Oliver Polotai, the keyboards player of another metal band : Kamelot (in fact she was pregnant during this show which is why she didn't headbang as violently as Floor xD ) . Very early Epica (then named Sahara Dust) was in fact Kamelot's support band during their Epica tour (from their namesake album), and it is from Kamelot's Epica album title that the name of band comes from. Kamelot was the support band during Nightwish's 2012 Imaginaerum US tour, during which then-Nightwish-vocalist Anette Olzon fell ill minutes before their Denver show. Kamelot's session vocalists Elize Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz covered for Anette and the show went on while she was hospitalized. Nightwish's decision to go forward with the show upset Anette and she publicly criticized the band on her blog. This was the last straw in Anette's and Nightwish's already troubled relationship and days later, the band fired her, with Floor acting as her replacement for the remainder of the tour. We know the rest of the story. Elize Ryd was also considered by Nightwish as a vocalist - way back in 2005 when they fired their first vocalist, Tarja Turunen. They thought Elize was too young and inexperienced at the time and went with Anette instead. Elize went on to found her own band, Amaranthe. Unrelated to this, on their first album with Anette, Nightwish released a song titled Amaranth. Is your head spinning yet? XD

[@Bartschinator]

you forgot to mention floors husband to draw the complete picture of that giant cyclejerk those bands are ;)

[@cyberjarl]

@@Bartschinator Good point! I will add it next time I post this ;)

[@gencoserpen1260]

@@cyberjarl Lets not sugar coat it Mark Jansen did not quit After Forever he got fired. He said in an interview over a decade ago that the moment he learned Floor and (other guitarist) Sander Gommans were dating he had this feeling that he might get fired. Not exactly sure why he felt that way, were Floor and Mark dating before so the situation became awkward ? Mark didn't say anything related to that but he is on good terms with both Floor and Sander these days. Apparently Sander apologized for the way they fired him - they were childhood friends.

[@alfaDude156]

The metal scene is one big, happy family ;)

[@HvV8446]

@@Bartschinator for people wondering: floors husband is hannes van dahl, the drummer from sabaton

[@lonelywind3511]

If you notice when Floor windmills she puts her hands on her hips. Simone did too but she was not quite as energetic at this point. 2 hours into the show and about 3 months pregnant

[@talonnlp9478]

"Put your Hands on the hips....." Thank you, now i want to see the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" again.... :D :D

[@MazeMouse]

Simone, in my experience from seeing Epica live a bunch of times, also is more of a "side to side" headbanger instead of doing full on windmills. Which is also less straining.

[@TaSwavo]

Windmills is the thing - when I was young I banged my head all over the in all random directions (made you feel giddy/happy to connect to the music in pace). Do it less now in my 50s. They are swaying hair mostly - like an extreme hairspray advert :) Remember btw that Mr. Floor is Sabaton's drummer - she likes the heavy beat - just has classical/operatic training - see the Phantom of the Opera youtube vid

[@muratgokhangokce4270]

It's been seven years, since she gave birth to her own little windmill. Time flies, like an arrow...

[@embran8486]

@@TaSwavo Mr. Floor lol 😂😂😂

[@metalvideos1961]

I can only say that I am proud to be Dutch. We literally have the best female metal vocalists in the world

[@RolandsSh]

What's even more insane is that Anneke Van Giersbergen, Sharon Den Adel and Charlotte Wessels are also Dutch.

[@metalvideos1961]

@@RolandsSh i know and they are all good singers as well. anneke van giersbergen is seen as the mother of all vocal coaches. she gave all 3 singers singing lessons if i am not mistaken. and Floor and Simone Simons as well ofc.

[@najrenchelf2751]

RolandsSh, don’t forget Zora from Blackbriar! 🥰

[@victorcachat7984]

Different style, but I’ll add Caro Emerald to that list.

[@nagyadam2874]

And DJ's 🤷🏻‍♂️😅

[@flwold]

Notice that everytime Floor is headbanging she is supporting her upper body with her hands on her hips/upper thigh to relieve strain on her neck. She does this on every live video with nightwish too :)

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

If you do it right and have a healthy neck it rather helps you to release some tensions. But caution, you have to support your neck muscles!

[@aryanbianca3189]

@Fredrik I knew there was a "technique" Floor used to do those powerful 'Windmills', now I know. Maybe Floor is Mortal after all, nah!

[@TotalSkillIndex]

Everyone saying that now after Elizabeth from charismatic voice pointed it out😂

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

@@TotalSkillIndex Ahh, no.

[@aryanbianca3189]

@TotalSkillIndex No, not @ all!

[@Keetongu23]

THANKS for speaking about the engineer, we normally don't get recognition because our job is not to get noticed 😉. I'm an audio engineer, and I have worked with orchestras live, although I mainly focus on studio work (if you ever need a mixing engineer hit me up). The main challenge here would be the drums and the strings, because they're so close to each other and the body of a cello or Bass is a resonance chamber (100% acoustic amplifier) just as the body of the drum is, so the drums actually resonate in the string section's instruments. This is why we normally use physical barriers (those acrylic panels) in this setting, to reduce the drum kit's "bleed" at least a little bit, and also to protect the other musicians from the occasional flying drumstick.

[@galadballcrusher8182]

ahem kzbin.info/www/bejne/bneok3mCqKZob68 ;)

[@douglascampbell9809]

Well that explains the plexiglass shroud around the drum kit in Within Temptation's Black Symphony concert.

[@xxwookey]

I'd noticed that whenever drums and orchestra are mixed the acrylic panels come out, but I never knew the exact reason before. I guessed it reduced the drum volume a little so the other could hear themselves, or they just bled into the other channels too much due to being loud, so I was sort-of there, but hadn't appreciated that you get actual undesirable resonance. So thanks for that explanation.

[@Plastikdoom]

Ha, true, but if you guys do good work, then all the people don’t think of you.

[@najrenchelf2751]

"occasional flying drumstick" was not how I thought that last sentence was gonna end! XD

[@billhooks69]

"A big shout out to the sound guy" Thank you so much for recognizing the sound crew. I did it for four years on the road and it's not an easy job. Mine was at a much smaller scale than this and that was hard enough. I can't imagine what it would be like doing something like this or the Within Temptation Black symphony show, little hint there by the way, I would love to give it a go though. Will be watching your next one shortly as I have seen you have posted The Greatest Show On Earth.

[@marielaoquendorodriguez670]

This was a 10 anniversary Epica concert that’s why they had live orchestra and choir, react to Stabat Mater Dolorosa from the same show 💕 Simone was pregnant and sang for three hours straight!

[@cehh5373]

You took the word out of my mouth. Stabat Mater Dolorosa would also have been my recommendation. 😉 Classical music in front of metalheads, and all enjoyed this wunderful piece of music.... silently.

[@mattphillips2530]

This: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6LHp3mGd6yBZsU

[@najrenchelf2751]

Simone is a Madwoman! 😹🤩

[@whiskeymike7364]

All women are very powerful when pregnant, from my experience. It also kicks their butts, but strong is strong. It took campus police arresting my wife to stop her from running track at eight months (1976).

[@bohammar3559]

Headbanging good or bad for your voice? A classical opera singer would probably say No and argue so much against it that you wonder why they don't wear a neck brace every time they are on stage. I have also heard others (Elizabeth Zharkof for one - The Charismatic Voice) saying that maybe it strengthens the neck muscles and make the larynx more flexible and thereby make it possible to change the voice in the way that Floor does it. I think the Jury is still out on wherthere it's good or bad. I fully understand if singers doesn't want to give it a try, there's too much to loose if it goes wrong. Have you noticed the way Floor does the headbanging? She is always bending her legs to 90 degrees in the knee joint, and she is also leaning forward supporting her torso with her arms and hands close to her knees. That may be part of the reason why Floor's headbanging are so formidable. If you start the headbanging when you lean forward and you get the hair going during that forward movement of the torso, once you have the hair swinging around then maybe you don't need to rotate the head quite so vigorously. I think it's like when you have one of those Hula-Hoop rings, to get it going you have to move a bit more than normal, but when that is done you can be more conservative in your movements. The facts remain though, Floor has an extremly flexible voice and she does a lot of headbanging... I wonder if she has headbanging classes for aspiring singers... 🤔 Cheers / B.

[@andrecostermans7109]

she can have it, with the support of her hips and ...the strenght of her arms which indirectly supports her neckmuscles, the most surprising to me is the way she stays in the right tonality directly afterwards her headbanging !! for example, try to put a threath through a needle after punching 20times with that hand on a sandbag , no kidding !! but she mades it happen :)

[@whiskeymike7364]

@@andrecostermans7109 She is a big, strong girl. Love her for it. I think big and strong really counts here.

[@damienmaynard8892]

Thank you, Julia! .... Simone's hair!!! ;) :D ,........I did mention that before!.... Kudos for giving the sound techs a shout out!..... This was a special occasion - their retrospective show - hence the orchestra and choir..... Like Nightwish, Epica uses backing tracks for most gigs. As you've probably read, Simone was pregnant here and was taking it easy. She almost died from MRSA not long ago..... Great editing on this video too! Same show "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" next?

[@whiskeymike7364]

Is headbanging hard on Floor. Dayum, ASK HER!

[@chrisvaughn4399]

I've always noticed that whenever Floor starts wildly flopping that amazing hair around.. her hands are firmly planted just above her knees for support. More of a flowing sway than an actual harsh nod. Definitely done with the intent of fully protecting her own amazing vocal instrument.

[@ChrisPhoenixMusic]

Uh oh! Have we inherited another Epica fan shortly after she's just become a Nightwish fan?

[@ChrisPhoenixMusic]

P.S. The drummer is a monster, and I wanted to say that this kind of drumming takes a LOT of stamina and accuracy.

[@sugoruyo]

Nightwish Army always happy to send folks the way of Epica as well. Most people who listen to one listen to the other anyway. If we could get a joint tour the world would explode.

[@thatoneguyagain2252]

"Vocal Goddess?" "Two, please" (MAKE AMERICA NIGHTWISH)

[@random3362]

There is American unlicensed copy of Nightwish. It is called Evanescence... 😉

[@aryanbianca3189]

The "Stage Chemistry" between the 2 Diva's goes all the way back to their Childhoods. As for Simone's vocals I read recently that as Floor is a Vocal Coach herself she has been helping Simone to develop her operatic voice & techniques more! Great Reaction Julia to a great song thanks.

[@Rosannasfriend]

That’s a complete lie. She was a voice coach years ago and helped Simone a bit, she’s not to helping her develop anything now. And even years ago, she was more likely to help her a little bit with her contemporary technique [not her classical technique] which I do hear Simone singing with , in this video. She switches back-and-forth between a contemporary mixed voice here and her classical singing. Simone has more years of classical training than Floor does, so there’s no way in hell she would learn that from Floor. I have a feeling she was helping Simone a little more with her stage presence then vocal technique, since that is what voice coaches tend to focus on - performance tips with a side of voice technique tips. It is voice teachers that focus more on teaching technique.

[@Sarcasticron]

@@Rosannasfriend Simone's vocal teacher was named Amanda Somerville. Floor was working as a vocal coach around 2011/2012, at which point Epica were headlining world tours, so I don't think that Simone would have been looking for vocal lessons at that time. (Floor had to take on students because After Forever had broken up, and she needed the money.) As for stage presence, Floor credits Simone with explaining to her the importance of using clothes and make-up to create a stage persona, you have to be able to put on a performance, not just be a good singer. Simone and Floor were not childhood friends. Simone was a fan of After Forever, she met Mark on a fan site, that was how they got together. I assume she met Floor through Mark. They have been friends since at least 2009, though, because you can find YT clips of them hanging out together. You can get some of this information from a 2015 Canadian documentary "Soaring Highs and Brutal Lows: The Voices of Women in Metal." They interview 8 different female metal vocalists (5 of them are Dutch!) including Simone, Floor, Alyssa White-Gluz, Charlotte Wessels, and more. They talk about how they got started, why they prefer metal to other sorts of musics...it's really interesting. I saw it on Amazon Prime, but it's on other streaming services as well.

[@eljuanchosf]

Absolutely brilliant!! Thank you and keep 'em coming!

[@POOyA244]

hi Julia few thing about this epica is the band Mark jansen (no relation to floor) founded after he left After forever the band that he was in with Floor! Simone in part studied vocals under Floor in some capacity so that's why you hear the same methods of singing here and of chemistry, they are best friends and both dutch so there's that! Simone was around 3 months pregnant here and also as for choir and grand performance this was their anniversary performance so they went all out! keep up the good work!

[@DarkLinknl]

Jansen

[@sugoruyo]

IIRC Simone and Floor were flatmates at some point as well. They are long time close friends.

[@LuvtheJEm]

They both studied under Amanda Somerville. Whatever they picked up from each other was more studying with a friend than actual coaching.

[@tootsie9988]

use good technique to headbang or it will hurt your neck (and voice), Floor never headbangs, but windmills. It is the same as using the right technique to growl, otherwise it will destroy your voice. Floor is a perfectionist and will never do anything to risk her voice, but study the right technique to do it.

[@grzegorzsiwek7209]

This might be the best showed reaction to this song with that chart how their vocal is doing what. Very informative and your expression are the best to their chemistry. I was looking forward to this reaction. I watched other reactions but yours was best so far!

[@papparocket]

You asked for lyrics? Wish granted Epica A place we tried to search a thousand times To finally feel as if forever wasn't ever long enough I was afraid I feel a passion watching over me To shed this This evolution will empower me Now truth begins And you will not find me (I am safe in here) I'm where I want to be It's a place where your wish will be granted Come, you'll see I'm right It's a force that will live on within you Dark as day is night It's a place where your dreams will be slanted And will always be It's a force that was sent out to win you Just you wait and see Take one step closer to the borderline When night is taken back This mortal coil is gone and left behind On holy soil And you will not find me, (I am safe in here) I'm where I want to be It's a place where your wish will be granted…

[@dubiousj]

I love watching the joy on your face - especially during the chorus! Definitely gained a new fan here!

[@MichalMittermayr]

It doesnt only look cool/ it relaxes the throat for the high notes/// old eoropean vocaltechnice!❤

[@cyberdan42]

Some years ago, long ago enough it was pre-Floor joining Nightwish by a number of years, I was in the Netherlands where at a small gig I watched Epica play a brilliant show. Among other stand out moments was meeting Floor who was at the show as part of the crowd, so two takeaways, she is incredibly sweet and she is a long time friend of the band. This shows in this video.

[@nealturner7348]

Hey, Julia. Greetings from 🇺🇸. Have watched your Nightwish reactions but haven't commented yet. Think you're awesome. Great analysis and emotive response to the music. Many of us are calling you the female Chase Carneson (that's a good thing) You and he have pretty much been annointed the king and queen of reactors. Loved your Poet and the Pendulum reaction a lot. Keep up the good work, lovely lady! Regards to 🇦🇺

[@roheveli]

Ok, let’s say it: the only bad thing about your videos is that they come to an end. I enjoy everyone of them, great, great reaction! Thank you so much for your insights and explanations....I really don’t get them, but it’s nice to see you smile and vibe with the songs. I’m already excited about your next video, as the Nightwish Army have you in their radar it’s only a matter of time seeing you with more of Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation and all that good stuff. Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱 and keep on with your beauty and sympathy. 👋😉

[@xtrmfc]

Roy Khan KAMELOT “The Haunting” w/Simone.. Live Version

[@xtrmfc]

Yes the Live version for sure 👍🏼👍🏼

[@marielaoquendorodriguez670]

Yessss

[@jamestalkington6306]

Khan was def a better frontman, I got to see khan's kamelot years ago.

[@xtrmfc]

No Doubt Roy Khan was Killer as the Lead Vocalist.. Love his singing style .. Tommy Karevik was a good replacement after Khan left .. Khan left some really big shoes to fill ..

[@jamestalkington6306]

@@xtrmfc I can agree that the replacement did them justice, more so than most replacement singers i.e. drowning pool, but Khan was still better.

[@obbekjaer]

That chorus is in my heart and soul as well. It just gives me shivers every time. Simone and Floor coupled with the choir in the background. I could listen to that combination for hours on end.

[@MattieBubbles1887]

I dont normally post comments on videos and I get that this is about you reacting to the singers and such, but god damn you have gorgeous hair.

[@Perktube1]

Her and Simone. Peaches and cream draped with a waterfall of flame. ❤️

[@dallassukerkin6878]

@@Perktube1 :chuckles in agreement: A lovely way to express the gorgeousness :D

[@ChrisPage68]

@@dallassukerkin6878 Julia looks like a redhead Ellie Goulding.

[@johnnyphillips4406]

Ikr she is a beautiful young lady

[@dallassukerkin6878]

@@ChrisPage68 I see what you mean :D

[@sjolson68]

You're spot on that Simone has had classical training. Here's something from earlier in Epica which was much more classically placed (and their arguably most popular song ever). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqrWYpKKqrqgf5Y As Epica became more popular in EU (2008+), her vocals went more in a typical rock direction but still had a lot of situational classical placement/color, as you noted here. Her and Floor have been very close for over 10 years by the time this was shot so their affection is very genuine.

[@ralflukas9695]

Oh yes, "Cry for the moon" great suggestion. It's from the first Epica album and Simone was 19 or 20 years old, I believe. I am not sure though.

[@Arcticun]

As someone who knows fairly little about vocal technique but always had an interest in music, you're very much one of the best reaction/analytical content creators out there. It's always interesting and refreshing to hear you delve a bit deeper into how these sounds are produced. Someone I'd love to see a breakdown of vocally is Joe Duplantier from the band Gojira. He's very much the type of singer where he does one thing and does it well, but his voice and the bands sound is so distinct and unique that it's instantly recognizable and it would be really interesting to see someone analyze it. I'd suggest doing Gojira - Gift of Guilt (live at Brixton Academy, London).

[@dougfalconer973]

Another great reaction and informative commentary.. I love it.

[@MrSh0110]

Great reaction! This song is taken from a concert that is 3 hours of pure epicness. BTW - Simone was 3 months pregnant back then and sang for 2 hours straight before this song.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

Check out Floor doing Phantom of the Opera. It was on her bucket list. The chemistry between her and Poort is insane.

[@mikedown3219]

She was training as a classical singer but was asked to join Epica, by her then boyfriend Mark Jansen (the group leader). I believe she was 17 at the time so has some classical training but little to no classical experience, other than with the band in some orchestration projects, check out the Classical Conspiracy live performance, which I think is the first time they played with a full orchestra.

[@warhammer5690]

A lot of folks dont know but, Mark Jansen the guitarist in Epica was also in Floors first band After Forever. Floor and Simone at one point lived together and ages ago did small youtube videos in their little flat singing, cooking ,playing piano, talking about boys and music. They were soooooo charming.

[@douglascampbell9809]

The final of the big three symphonic metal bands. Two more of the OG Dutch female singers doing a duet. Within Temptation ( Sharon den Adel) and Metropole Orchestra - Somewhere (Black Symphony) With Anneke van Giersbergen *The woman who's singing inspired Floor to sing metal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZTNdn2Ifr96rMk More deep end for the sound team. Within Temptation and Metropole Orchestra - Jillian [I'd Give My Heart] (Black Symphony) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGOxgY2Mdt2Wrbc

[@vrdr4759]

Also known as the 'blonde' singer that Julia wasn't sure of the name in the Valley of the Queens video.

[@ronl8495]

Brilliant reaction video Julia!

[@missrubyphoenix]

Floor is a valkyrie (tall, powerful, imponent) Simone is an angel (fragile looking, delicate, shorter), both together are stunning, amazing, sweet and adorable, all on the same time 💕

[@ChrisPage68]

Floor's the gift that keeps on giving. When she's singing with someone else, she brings out the best in them without getting in their way. When she's windmilling, she holds her waist to support her back and neck. She and Simone have been friends for years - even living together at one point - and it shows.

[@novaasher1185]

Julia, I noticed you mention about breathing. Pretty sure Floor wore leather here. And doesn’t leather constricts breathing? I noticed Floor wore this outfit during Wacken 2013 as well. I love it actually lol.

[@jvoxfox]

Depends how tight the top is. I do know that when artists have to sing in corsets it's a good ides to take the deepest breath they can when it's being tightened so that they can still breathe properly but I'm not sure about leather. Anything can be restrictive, I suppose it depends on how it is made.

[@islamgharib2186]

Heabanging is like getting drunk for a few seconds without actually drinking But if you watch floor alot youll notice she always keeps her hands on her hips when she wind mills for support and usually stops like 3-4 sec before she sings again to gayher her power again That is what makes her such an amazing piece of art

[@RoseForEverafter]

Floor and Simone have so much love for each other and you can just feel it in this performance! Honestly the camaraderie and joy whenever I’ve seen two metal front women share the stage is just one of my favorite things in the world. There’s no rivalry or ego-everyone’s just good friends and super happy to be working and playing together. Floor and Simone in particular have been friends for a long time-Mark Jansen, the lead guitarist, actually founded Epica after leaving After Forever, which he was in with Floor. Simone was even a fan of them, and met Mark through an online After Forever forum. Symphonic metal really is one big family! You’re absolutely right that Simone has classical training! It’s especially prevalent if you listen to their older stuff, because Simone became Epica’s vocalist only two months before they recorded their first album and she was only 17 at the time. The progress from then to this concert, their 10th anniversary show, is amazing to hear! I do hope someday you’ll check out Epica more, because they’re such an incredible band and worth getting to know in their own right, not just because Floor is guesting with them. This performance is already 12 years old, and Simone’s voice has only gotten better and better-she’s truly a master of mixing those classical and contemporary elements, and as you pointed out her clear diction and that kind of “musical theater” sound, it’s one of my favorite things about listening to her! Some fantastic (and more recent) performances of theirs are: Code of Life - Live at AFAS Live Rivers - Live at AFAS Live The Skeleton Key - Omega Alive On some of these you’ll also hear an aspect of Epica that this performance doesn’t feature, which is harsh vocals-one of the more black/death metal-influenced elements that really sets Epica apart from other symphonic metal bands. Nearly all the guys in the band contribute to them, though guitarist Mark Jansen takes the lead.

[@pampymirabuna1453]

I love the friendship between these two. Can't wait to see them together on stage again! Very intimate! ❤️

[@alkaline138]

Floor and Simone actually performed two duets during this concert, not sure why the other song is never reacted to, Stabat Mater Dolorosa is amazing!

[@globalsacrifice5248]

There's actually a right way to headbang lol. If you use all neck, you'll hurt yourself. It's basically whiplash. Lol But tightening up the Sterno...mastoid, chest and ab muscles, will give your neck extra support as well as using your back. If you pay attention carefully, you will see this being done most of the time. Love your vids!!!

[@Beatz-he5xe]

You are the vocal coach that really get into deep in a good way. And it’s a pleasure to see you mixing enthousiasme and knowledge...looking forward to another reaction Headbanging can strain you and take your breath away...so vocally its important to use good technique and knowledge of your (long)capabilities in combination with knowing the song...so you stop and are ale to breath your way into the comfortable singingposition again

[@KreshDraven6]

These two are fantastic and best friends actually, but what really impresses me here is that Simone was 3 month pregnant when this was recorded and she was able to sing like this for almost 3 hours. Also, would be really cool to see your reaction to "Design Your Universe" by Epica at this same show, they have a dynamic like "beauty and the best" between Simone and Mark, and the chorus of this song is incredible

[@najrenchelf2751]

I remember listening to the live album of the Retrospect Tour and laughing when Simone said "you are stuck with us for the next three hours"... and then I looked at the album length! XD

[@nikkiparksy]

Good reaction and great choice :) they both do a choral number earlier on in the concert ,which is also fantastic Stabat Mater doloroso :)

[@davidtestasecca6300]

Talking about chemistry, you should see Romanticide...Floor and Marco smash in that live performance

[@kristianlundsten1217]

I really enjoy your reactions... thank you take care...🌸💜🦄

[@xGoldColossus]

i say this every time i watch this live performance. but those two were made to share a stage together their synergy is just SO good.

[@goldenguti]

Well, I guess it's time now for You'rs is an empty hope from Wembley so You can hear her growl :D (it's also a beggining of a concert)

[@h06anbjo]

I love the fact that you post your thoughts on the video through text without talking over the video you're watching... That's nice as a viewer!

[@dmaximae2985]

nicely done as always! thanks for this. This pairs rendition of "stabat mater dolorosa" from the same concert are glorious too, way too short though =)

[@ralflukas9695]

yes, I agree. Julia, please react to "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". It is just amazing how quiet a bunch of metalheads can get when two fantastic vocalists like Floor and Simone sing a 13th century Christian hymn acompanied by a symphony orchestra without any metal at all. Great reaction btw., I really enjoyed this.

[@evilphemt]

@@ralflukas9695 is not 13th but 18th century. The composer was Pergolesi :)

[@ralflukas9695]

@@evilphemt Well, I checked Wikipedia and it says that "The Stabat Mater is a 13th-century Christian hymn to Mary, which portrays her suffering as Jesus Christ's mother during his crucifixion. Its author may be either the Franciscan friar Jacopone da Todi or Pope Innocent III." But then I checked on Pergolesi and it says: "It is his Stabat Mater (1736), however, for soprano, alto, string orchestra and basso continuo, which is his best-known sacred work." So, it seems that the hymn itself has its origin in the 13th century and was then composed as an orchestestral piece in the 18th century? Would make sense, because in the 13th century things like orchestras did not exist already I believe. So it seems you are right regarding the music. One never stops learning, I guess.

[@evilphemt]

@@ralflukas9695 My mistake, I thought you said that the stabat mater sung by floor and simone was of the 13th century. By the way, there are many "stabat mater" in italian classical music. Based on a hymn of the 13th century by jacopone da todi as text. This particular "stabat mater" is the one composed by pergolesi in 1736

[@jamescurfman3284]

The sound guy was probably an entire team for this. They had a full choir and an orchestra, seventy-plus people on stage, I think. It's huge so I doubt a single person could do all of it alone.

[@LowendNate]

These two ladies are great friends and trained together. i love both Simone and floor together is such a good combo and will never get old! again amazing reaction the nightwish army is sneaky with adding floor into things :p. hope you and everyone reading this has a amazing day see you in the next reaction!!

[@richsz24]

Drum kits are most of the time mic'd up unless the room is extremely small. It comes down to how many mics. Metal has every drum mic'd and the the snare and kick drum are going to have two mics one each one. The drums could also have electronic triggers on top of that. Mixing a combination of metal with an orchestra isn't that complicated but it is different than mixing each one of them independantly. It always helps to have singers that are perfect at dynamic control and have the vocal quality to cut through the mix. Floor and Simone are definately one of those vocalists.

[@jvoxfox]

Thanks for the insight!

[@Vertigo312]

Sound guy here. Thanks for shout out. They probably used multiple mixing guys and desks, one for orchestra, maybe one for chores and one main guy who mixes band and the master signals from the other desks together. Also monitor guy. Pretty sure that big team was behind it

[@sylverfeathers]

love this performance and your reaction to it. Looking for more Nightwish from you as always stay well and be blessed

[@RS4862]

love how you get straight into it, I just love watching people react to Epica and floor, my hobby is watching people react to crazy singers i already know r fucking awesome !!!

[@similartracks]

of all the reactions i seen.. you are the only 1 that mentioned that vocal squeak.. ive yet to see other vocal coaches or any reactor mention that.. was always wondering why that obvious detail has never been mentioned

[@robertthebard]

@12:12 "I struggle to hold still"... Now you're getting it... :D

[@elisenooter1439]

Oh love your videos! Try epica- consign to oblivion live at zenith Within temptation and delain are also solid bands you should try!

[@aramcartozian6084]

Thanks for the shout out to the sound engineers, we love it when someone recognizes us and our work. I hope the sound crew got paid very well because they did one hell of a job.

[@HellcatM]

You do great reactions giving us a lot of knowledge about the song that's being played and I really appreciate that. There are only a couple other reactors that don't just comment on range, but give insight on the songs either instrumentally or what's happening vocally. I would really love to see you react to Jinjer - Pisces the live session. I think you'll really be surprised at this womans (Tatiana) vocal range. I'll just leave it at that. Keep up the good work.

[@sonofthesea3298]

Thoose smiling eyes,that charm,that long fiery hair,that accent,that voice.....t-t-t-t-that beauty! *points at Simone* I was talking about her! I swear! *starts coughing* 😳Floor allways gets me into trouble,i swear.

[@AudriusZu]

Floor Jansen singing - Puccini: O mio babbino caro Enjoy :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5a3qnSQqbtoras

[@fritsyt2090]

Floor is the most versatile female vocalist on earth! I love that she can sing also classic/opera! :)

[@jamescurfman3284]

Okay, well, just remember what Simone can do. When she was only nineteen years old, a set of videos were recorded in the studio for Epica's album We Will Take You With Us. Simone did some awesome vocals there including some straight opera pieces. Her vocal coach at the time was also there as a backup singer, Amanda Somerville. :)

[@GothicNight21]

Your work is fantastic.. You really transmit what you want to say, and you do it on a really really clear way.. Btw, I had the fortune to presence a live from Epica on Spain, a couple of summers ago. I loved Simone before, but I need to admit that tje first impression on stage was even better. Se has a really clear and clean voice, and she was never under the sound of the instruments. She is really a good singer. And also, se he is still young, so she can improve even more

[@mad6457]

Just stumbled over this and read some of the comments. There are a few mentions that Floor 's husband is Hannes Van Dahl, Sabaton drummer. Not sure if in the comments it also was said that Simone is married to Oliver Palotai, Kamelot's keyboard player.

[@nonewinformation8632]

I loved how there was no ego between the vocalists, neither - even slightly - trying to outdo the other, but focused on balance and performance. The mix must have been a real beast to nail, and I agree wholeheartedly about singing amidst that. Having had bad experiences on a smaller scale with not enough coming through the floor amp, and busting my voice, again props to the sound team. Really enjoyed the graphic towards the end of the video showing just what each of the ladies were doing within their voices. Very cool! But .. Poor Bazza. Just trying to join in! #StayStrong4Bazza (^_^) - [CJ]

[@jvoxfox]

Bazza really likes to join in. Super opinionated crow. Dang, you aren't the first and perhaps not the last whose done some damage because the foldback wasn't sufficient. A good in ear monitor can be priceless if you regularly have to perform and venues can't cater to a wedge.

[@ChrisPage68]

@@jvoxfox All hail Bazza (my middle name is Barry!)! 🤘🦅

[@nonewinformation8632]

@@jvoxfox Much of the time I think it was viewed as 'not being professional' and 'not getting on with it', as opposed to those in charge/behind the mixing desk disrespecting one's instrument & health. Furthermore I only knew the extent of that as the gig went on, knowing I had to reach further than I should to be heard. Plus it would have impact over a string of gigs/tour too. Really tough to be excited to perform, but have that barrier in place, and to deal with the consequences.

[@dmacpher]

Think back to SM Metallica concert and album. The engineers effed up so bad they had to remaster and re synch in post. You can see some learnings here with the panels isolating the drums.

[@zenszufi]

Dear Julia! There are very few really quality videos to see in this genre ... but you are among them but very Respect Good luck with everything

[@dolfvink7416]

Great reaction again, Julia. You have seen Epica in their 10th anniversaryshow, the Retrospectshow in Eindhoven (Netherlands) For this special occasion they had the full orchestra and choir on stage, that usually records the orchestral parts on their albums and the prerecordings for their live performances. Simone and Floor are very close friends, Floor coached Simone in her singing, on the other hand Simone coached Floor in stageperformance and choosing/making outfits for the live shows. This song was almost at the end of a 2 hr. show and Simone was 3 months pregnant at the time this show was recorded. At the end of this song, you hear guitarist Mark Jansen (no relatives, Jansen is a very common name in the Netherlands) scream Floor's name. Mark and Floor started their musical career in the same band, After Forever. After Mark left the band he formed Epica and Simone became the leadvocalist. You gave a big shout out to the sound engineer(s) and I learned a lot from your explination, thank you for that. I think also the drummer deserves a shoutout. Ariën van Weesenbeek is fenomenal in this piece. When an orchestra and band play together, the drummer is usually the musician that takes the role of the soloist in an orchestra, to guide the conductor. Simone kept her headbanging a bit more quiet that usual, because she was pregnant. You can see both singers put their hands on their hips, or top of their thigh, to support the neck, so the neckmuscles won't strain, during the headbanging. I'm just looking forward to see more of your reactions in this. lovely symphonic metal.

[@papaverweg]

The Floor Jansen - Head up High Facebook page 2014 conducted interview with Dutch singer Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH, REVAMP). You can now watch the chat in two parts below. Asked if she had any tips for headbanging in a way that doesn't result in any neck pain or long-term physical damage, Jansen said: "I think every physiotherapist will tell you that it's not a very good idea, and there are many musicians in the metal scene who have suffered severe damage - like the guitar player from ICED EARTH, Jon Schaffer, had severe neck problems due to headbanging. So neck pain, of course, is heavy metal and cool, but, of course, it's [also] dangerous. I personally don't suffer from it all that much anymore. Usually when we do the first show after a break, then I feel it again, but other than that, I usually don't feel bothered." She continued: "If you spin it more [makes finger motion of head going in a circle] [instead of] making the whiplash move [of moving the head up and down], that really helps. So that's all I can say. Be careful with it. Maybe even warm up. And don't do this [move the head up and down] too much; really turn [makes circular motion with the head], so you don't make the whiplash move." More recently Floor stated that she always leans slightly forward and with her hands on the knees when she is 'Windmilling'. According to The Daily Beast, a new case study published in the medical journal Lancet has revealed that headbanging - described as violently shaking the head in time with the music, most commonly in the rock, punk and heavy metal music genres - can cause damage as the brain bumps up against the skull.

[@Methras]

Floor and Simone has been friends for many, many years and that really shows in their chemistry! As many others has stated, Floor spoke about her headbanging in a live session she had from home, and said that she always supports her body with her hands while headbanging and that it can cause problems unless done right, and that it took a lot of practice to do it "right". Also, they did another song during this concert, called "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". Even though you don't react to this, as there is no contemporary singing in this video, you must listen to it! Only in symphonic metal can they add a purely classical song with no metal what so ever, and the crowd LOVES it! And as always, my dear, a fantastic reaction video! Keep it up and thank you from Norway ^_^

[@masibabatosim9463]

Beautiful song, beautiful reaction.... very well done! Thanks...

[@Brandon066362]

Simone and Floor were once roommates (or flatmates) when they were younger, so they are close friends in their personal lives, which can explain their chemistry.

[@whiskeymike7364]

Dayum. Watching this AGAIN. Same day. Good job Julia.

[@42nazgul]

Hi Julia, thank you so much for reacting to this song, greetings from Denmark

[@akos127]

Hi Julia, thank you for taking your time to listen this symphonic metal song, these two wonderful, incredibly talented ladies are my favorit. One think if I may suggest, could you leave your written text notes on the screen longer please, I can't read that fast. Well appreciated! Keep up the good work.

[@villainouschrisk]

awesome lyrics on this one. "Design Your Universe" the finale of the show is another excellent one. Floor is almost as legendary for her headbanging / windmilling as she is for her singing. you'll notice she puts her hands on her hips for support, which allows her neck muscles to relax. she does it throughout much of her singing. practically every song in an hour and a half to two hour set. does not appear to have any negative affects on her technique. could be because she's been doing it for so long that her neck is strong enough that it doesn't. it's a question that's been raised by other vocal coaches. to my knowledge, there's never been a definitive answer given by another headbanging singer.

[@bicyclemanNL]

Love the talking at 20 to the dozen, the accent and the additional info on screen. Fabulous hair btw - gr8 channel.

[@Plastikdoom]

And well, everything you said about them, their voices is spot on, seems like it, for what I don’t know….gotta say, you talking is amazing Julia 🥰🤤have almost ever heard anything better. Just lovely

[@generalderoma]

Hi I'm from brazil and I love the "labels" that you put with technical analysis.

[@jenscrowdsurf9260]

Ha, and then everyone wonders why im so into Metal !!! Love your React to my 2 Fav. Singers \m/ love from germany ^^

[@jmannUSMC]

This may be the kindest and most informative comment section I've ever read 🍿🍿🍿

[@tedball8677]

Amen on the person on the board. 70-piece orchestra including choir, metal band, two lead vocalists -- yeah EQ that! Great reaction, thank you for your attention to detail.

[@MisterJ56]

As always, great reaction Julia. Don't know if you're interested in more (Dutch collaborating with foreign) artists, try "The Source", which is the 9th studio album from AYREON, a progressive metal/rock opera project by Dutch musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen, released on April 28, 2017. ‘The Day That The World Breaks Down’ is a song that features all 11 (well known) main guest singers [James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder), Tommy Rogers (Between the Buried and Me) , Simone Simons (Epica), Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind), Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), Mike Mills (Toehider), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Michael Eriksen (Circus Maximus), Floor Jansen (Nightwish)] and is taken from that album. Arjen himself is telling (in Eng. subtitles) who the singers are and which instrument are used and by what standards. Btw. The clip is 13 min. long and I think you won’t regret it !! Official (Arjen’s) clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXfYfn6ap9-Dp7c Or ........ give Marco Hietala (bass player/vocalist Nightwish) a chance 😉, with the song "The Islander", live at Tampere (Finland): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKCbn5aBlJqesMU

[@Marieketoetsenist]

Yes to both of those songs! I'd love for more vocal coaches to react to Ayreon :)

[@sugoruyo]

If we're talking about a collab of awesome Dutch vocalists you can't leave out Somewhere with Sharon and Anneke.

[@dac2007]

I say 'yes' to all 3

[@Marieketoetsenist]

I’d love to see a reaction to Somewhere as well! That concert feels like a lifetime ago, but it was awesome to be there :)

[@MisterJ56]

@@Marieketoetsenist Somewhere? Sharon & Anneke?

[@FolkM1]

I love to see your happy expressions while watching something I love!! =D Keep going Julia thanks for sharing your reactions!

[@10animallover10]

Yes the chemistry between Floor and Simone is fantastic :3 They've been real life friends for a long time and it shows. Beautiful to look at such a sweet friendship/bond, connecting over both their passion for music

[@FilPol-yu1es]

Floor...is my Favorite Female Singer. I also Love Simone. But, objectively..this is a Brilliant DUET/musical performance. Two DIVAS.👸👸💫🔥💫⚡💥

[@joseffmusa4326]

As always, you're the best. Greetings from Mexico.

[@ericlenouy8756]

Nice reaction one more time, thank you !!

[@timclark1324]

Love your reactions! Keep them coming!!👍🙏❤

[@gyqz]

A good way to hear how well matched Simone's and Floor's voices are is watching Epica's Stabat Mater Dolorosa. You will see and hear two powerhouses harmonizing so beautifully. Thank you for this video!

[@MarcioNSantos]

Julia, I feel like I'm getting to know you more through your videos... What I got is that you like "epic performances"... So, I would say, "Epica" is very appropriate. hahaha

[@tarmotyyri6733]

About the windmilling, at least Floor has said in some interviews that it's so easy for her & her neck doesn't hurt or anything. Probably because she has a good technique in doing that. Simone's microphone got an extra boost for this duet because she was not only pregnant, but had already been singing over 2 hours. In doing so, they compensated for her fatigue & diminished lung capacity. Her pregnancy also explains why she was a bit more cautious with her windmilling than Floor.

[@monarchistdesade6989]

For a production like this on sound you need about 4 to 5 guys. 1 FOH (head engineer), 1 monitor guy, 1 on wireless and 2 on audio patch (or 1 depending on budget mostly). Plus you can add 2 other from the band itself that bring their own FOH and Monitor guy. But yeah usually big shows like this is about the right ratio for such setup. One day you might witness Devin Townsend - Deadhead. Also I wanna add live amplication isnt all about eq'in although you touch different aspect but the most important aspect is those parallel compression busses IMO. To get everything well balanced parallel compression is the key.

[@salamanteri_]

Props for knowing the term "windmill" :'D

[@alfaDude156]

Epica is kind of used to record with an orchestra, their second live album is The Classical Conspiracy recorded during the Miskolc Opera Festival. They had a 40-piece orchestra and a 30-piece choir.