Pentatonix - When The Party's Over: A Pro DJ Reacts!

[@Phlippan87]

Matt and Kevin harmonizes so well in this, and Matt's basslines gives me goosebumps. It saddens me how many people I see commenting around KZbin how he can never replace Avi, without actually recognizing how damn good he is, in his own way

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I totally agree! Avi's an incredible talent, but music isn't always a contest. Matt's presence is a perfect fit for the group, and I think some folks on the internet need to be more considerate of his talent as well. Then again, it's the internet, sooo ...

[@Phlippan87]

@@DJSwitchPDX Avi's voice is gorgeous, velvety and smooth with an incredible low range but Matt's bass blends really well with the band and has other qualities that seem to be forgotten about. Recently watched a live performance of Hallelujah with Matt instead of Avi, different but amazing still

[@ksl-diy7243]

I really loved Avi and was so sad he left. I appreciated how the whole band supported his need to step back, especially since they clearly love him. When Matt came onboard, I was prepared to be disappointed but I was SO pleasantly surprised at how much he adds to the group. Nobody can replace Avi, but Matt brings enormous talent and great energy. His velvety voice really rocks me. For a full on Matt experience, see their “You’re a Mean One Mr Grinch” on their latest Christmas album and PTX OFFICIAL KZbin channel.

[@ChristopherTate]

Matt's just *different* as a singer! It might have taken the group a little while to really find the arranging-and-repartee groove with Matt that they'd evolved with Avi, but they are 100% there now. His place in tracks like "Havana" or "New Rules x Are You That Somebody" is just *chefkiss*

[@Maerahn]

If anyone is ever in any doubt about what Matt brings to Pentatonix, they need only listen to their cover of 'You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch.' Matt completely, utterly OWNED that. Yes, I miss Avi too, and he is and always will be a super-talented singer, but he could not have brought what Matt brought to that 'Grinch' cover. Matt's contribution to Pentatonix is different to Avi's, but the quality and the talent is not diminished in any way. Plus, he always looks like he's having SO. MUCH. FUN! doing what he's doing. How could anyone not love him for that?

[@mecfstraveler]

Ben Bram has been with them since he and Scott first set out to find a bass and beatboxer to add to The Trio in order to audition for the Sing-Off at Pentatonix's inception. He won a Grammy with them for "Daft Punk Medley" (that one was shot in one member's kitchen and a closet at another member's home). He said in the interview on recording A Capella music that you have to know the right kind of mics to use for each person's voice and that it's different for acapella music then it is for other types of music. What you said made sense to me because of having heard his interview. He is their main vocal producer from way back. They were recently interviewed about their recent EP "At Home" and talked about making these videos from home while they're in quarantine. Scott said each of them had to learn how to use recording software and then purchase the right microphones and set up lighting in order to record their own part by themselves, which the did on their iPhones. Each person then sent their recorded part to Ben Bram for production. I knew what Scott was talking about when he said that because of Ben Bram's interview. You're the first person I've ever heard refer to this sort of thing besides Ben's interview. That was really interesting to hear somebody else understood this. A lot of credit goes to production for this because they could not even hear each other when they recorded their parts. Also, Kevin Olusola (the beatboxer) said it was really exciting to see and hear how well their individual recordings came together even though they couldn't hear or see each other at all during the time each person did their recording. He said it showed how well they know each other as musicians after being together for so many years and he found it really rewarding. Great, informative reaction! Hello from SW Washington 👋🏻

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Hey neighbor! Glad you liked it! If you make it to Rose City Comic Con or Portland Retro Gaming Expo, make sure you stop by the arcade and say hi! I'll be the only guy there with turntables 😁

[@rmac1042]

Maschelle, well stated! One clarification... Avi and Kevin were sharing a house at the time of Daft Punk. PTX recorded the audio in a closet and the video in their kitchen. The total cost to produce this masterpiece was $400! I’m pretty sure the largest percentage of the budget was for video editing, but it was money well spent; it led to their 1st Grammy! Despite the importance of production, the primary reason for PTX’s success, of course, is the extraordinary musicianship of each and every member of Pentatonix! It doesn’t hurt that The Trio has a history going back to when each member was 10 years old! It’s fun to go to KZbin and listen to what they did preceding their senior choral concert. As the choir is filing to their seats, Scott, Mitch and Kirstie are out front singing an a cappella version they arranged of Lady Gaga’s “Telephone”! For high school, it’s astonishingly good! It is evident that The Trio is head and shoulders above anyone their age in talent and artistry! The Trio has become so intuitive with each other, they have always just had a feel where a piece should go and how the harmony should fall! Sure, I’m a Pentaholic, but I’m also a jazz pianist and a composer, so I bring some experience to the table. It is without a doubt that-in my mind at least-Pentatonix is one of the most gifted groups of artists in the world!

[@williamhallam2449]

Ben Bram was actually a music producer for “The Sing-Off”,

[@williamhallam2449]

He knew Scott from before the show, and was so impressed with the group and their performances that he left the show to become their personal music producer.

[@amiemariecreative163]

🤣🤣 "if you find 5 Freddy Mercurys and put them in a group together this is what you get" I love that description! 😁❤

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thanks! Haha

[@davidwiger6024]

@@DJSwitchPDX That is what makes these a cappella groups so good with only 5 people. Most professional singers work in a 1~2 octave vocal range, these singers are working in a 3~5+ octave range and are able to cover for one another as needed. When Avi or Matt go to there head voice, Scott is covering the bass. In Home Free Tim and Chance cover for each other. The shocker to me is in VoicePlay's group when Geoff goes high and you still here the bass line being covered it's Eli taking care of it.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

@@davidwiger6024 Yeah, I'd already heard a little of Home Free, and I'm just discovering VoicePlay. I wanna do their Moana soon, along with Constant Sorrow and Ring of Fire from Home Free. It's probably just gonna take a few weeks to get to all of them, but I'm not in a hurry 😉

[@lauraa4294]

Time flies by quickly. Pentaholics had a really hard time accepting Matt when he first started, but he has truly proven himself. Plus I think his young enthusiastic energy somewhat rejuvenated Petnatonix a bit. Just my opinion. Looking forward to more of your reactions.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you for watching!

[@jewels1296]

I feel the same! Granted they are all young but Matt gave them a more youthful energetic vibe. Especially with Matt and Kevin do their thing.

[@summerarmstrong2841]

Definitely agree about Matt’s more youthful, lighthearted personality.

[@louellamoyer5578]

@@summerarmstrong2841 yeah I saw them at a concert and Kevin and Matte were running across stage just enjoying the crowd and just happy to be there...You don't see that everyday!

[@jenniferkamigaki-sander5981]

Speaking of Freddie Mercury. Have you reacted to their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody!?!? It’s beautiful!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

This is my second reaction ever! I LOVE their cover, though, especially the couch and the rotating sets. They were doing some crazy fun visual stuff before this stupid virus sent everybody home. :-/

[@daisybrianna77]

The speaker thing in the middle was my favorite part.

[@rmac1042]

Just to clarify... Mitch is a counter-tenor; Avi is a basso profundo with operatic training! He can hit those low tones in his chest voice! He has blown PA speakers with his power in live performances. Listen to “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. They do it in 4 instead of 6/8 adding poignancy to the song; the last chord is an A9. The overtones are grounded with Avi’s anchoring 3rd ledger-line bass clef A! The last chord sounds like an organ!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Wow! Thank you! I like learning more about the technical side of singing! I know there's way more nuance to what's happening sonically than what I got into here, but learning stuff like this is a big part of why I wanted to have this conversation with KZbin, and now that I'm not trying to pay my bills as a DJ every week, I can finally dive back into that side of music that I just didn't have enough time for in the past ♥️

[@whitneyhlavac3870]

Avi is no longer in the group, he went on to do more solo work. Matt took his spot, so that's him you hear in this.

[@greenqueenjp]

You: "If you took five Freddie Mercurys and put them in a band together without instruments, you get this..." Me: I'm going to like this channel.

[@philipem1000]

Yeah I think it's hard to realize how rare this group is for that very reason: most groups have a lead singer, they have five. The other keys to their success are their tight ability to sing together as noted and the fact that they truly like each other, and it shows through in their music. Oh and I guess they have a fantastic work ethinc and just demand perfection of themselves.

[@LeskeyC001]

Your characterization of PTX is very apt. I consider it a minor miracle that these 5 got together somehow and the world is a better place for it. Great reaction and thanks for posting. And, Matt. Wow! He’s really come in a found a niche while making PTX complete.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you!

[@jewels1296]

I’m consistently amazed how Mitch, Scott, and Kirstie grew up friends and how so much talent came from one school. Add in Todrick too. 🤯

[@YtprophetWZ]

this is one video that's kinda educational that i actually enjoy

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you liked it!

[@susanb4213]

I don't know much about being a sound engineer, but I agree with you that they have a great one (might be Ben Bram, but I'm not sure). I've seen them live on some other shows where NO attention was paid to balancing mikes and such. Sometimes Kirstie would be really loud and you couldn't even hear Avi, and other such travesties. :) When you hear them live at their concerts, they have their own people who are paying meticulous attention to the sound and microphones, and it's just perfection. Also I've heard them off mike live, and all of it, all of their live performances sound very VERY close to the recorded versions. They are just that talented. I enjoyed your reaction-first time I've watched your channel.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Welcome! Thank you for watching!! Yeah, late night shows and live stuff like SNL can be REALLY unforgiving for music artists. I've notice that for years. The fact that PTX got where they are on pure talent AND had to win a recording contract against other peers really shows how much they deserve their success. I've been working in hip-hop a long time and I can think of a few folks with 7+ figure contracts that I couldn't say the same. I've got nothin' but love for PTX :)

[@rmac1042]

Ben Bram is often referred to As the “6th member of Pentatonix” he is an arranger and composer. From what I understand, PTX members sit around a table and jam on a tune to get the basic arrangement under their belts. They then get together with Ben to refine and notate the arrangement! This process enables Pentatonix to perform the arrangements live!

[@hstppt]

Here's an article on their sound engineer! www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-pentatonix

[@423catherine]

@@DJSwitchPDX And they were dropped by the record label just a couple weeks after winning the recording contract! I love that they truly made a name for themselves on youtube!

[@annasaussieanimals4678]

I think they quickly realised they had to get their own people when Avi kept blowing speakers. 😆

[@cherylwilliams9360]

This Billie Eilish cover made me really appreciate PTX even more because I'd never heard of Billie Eilish (I'm old..) so I wanted to hear hers... a must to REALLY appreciate their version as well. They are SO respective of the original artist ❤️ I agree Matt (new base) has stepped up to the Avi plate! A good fun one is COME ALONG.

[@chasiegrisaffe5867]

First time I've seen you react, and I really enjoyed it

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you! I started yesterday!

[@rebeccafrost7731]

What's impressive, to me, with their latest drops is that they're all stuck at home and still putting together great music.

[@Karen-Campos]

You hit the nail on the head! Sound production is key! Here it’s impeccable! Each member does have a wide vocal range and Matt’s voice is warm and velvety! Together they produce such a FULL sound. I don’t think we appreciate them enough! You’ve probably heard Sound of Silence but if not, it showcases each of them. Stunning powerful video! They released an EP with 6 tracks, they’re releasing a new video each Wednesday, 4 are out, 2 still coming!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thanks for the heads up! I'll be checking out some more really soon!

[@gsusan11]

Thank you! Thank you for acknowledging that Matt has filled Avi’s shoes! Yes Avi was dearly loved, but so is Matt. And he has done an outstanding job as the base for Pentatonix. He’s no longer the new guy, he is a bona fide member, and a much loved member, of Pentatonix.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

He really is doing a fantastic job. Until this project, I was a passive fan of PTX. I appreciated and enjoyed their music and videos, and I knew a little about Avi leaving and Matt coming in, but that's about it. The Pentaholics have really been a fantastic and welcoming group since I put this video out almost two weeks ago, and it has really made me want to learn more and be more involved as a fan. Thank you so much for watching!

[@gsusan11]

DJ Switch PDX - I hope you will consider listening to other a cappella bands as well. This genre of music is really starting to grow and you have a number of groups to choose from to listen to. Scott Hoying and Ben Bram are behind two other a cappella groups, Citizen Queen, the all female band and AcapopKids, the youth a cappella group. Home Free is a country a cappella band, and they are wonderful. Voctave and VoicePlay are great bands also. Lots of choices in the a cappella field! I hope you’ll check some of them out. Looking forward to more of your reaction videos.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I discovered groups like the Duke Pitchforks, The Brown Derbies and the Academical Village People back in the early 2k's / Napster days. I've been a fan of a capella ever since, and that's how I discovered PTX on The Sing-Off :)

[@jamesensley3906]

Each member of PTX has a little recording area in their individual home that they used to record their part for this video and for all the songs on their new EP. I know Scott said they were using Zoom during the process for working out arrangements. Then some genius edited it all together. I'm sure you know more about how this works than I.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I thought that might be the case! Considering how hard it is to be in a group without being in the same room, it makes all of this so much more impressive!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

OH! And thank you for watching!

[@theresamarion823]

I saw that interview and they said it only took them somewhere between 3 hours to 1 day for each arrangement. Scott said he had a few times learning how to get everything set up right to record that he had to take a few time outs. He said getting the lights set up right was the hardest part. They all said they were glad they had to learn how to do it for themselves instead of always having someone else to do it for them.

[@jewels1296]

Theresa Marion Was that the ET Canada interview? I loved getting a little tour of the houses and the floofs!!!!!

[@EhrineAshbark]

Even if it's something they never have to do again (although it's a nice skill to have), understanding the process more makes it easier to truly appreciate the skill of those who normally do it. Some of the best actors and musicians only got to be that good because they understand what those who contribute to their success do and don't take it for granted.

[@chrisabel1833]

Your face ... expressing all those "wow" and "you gotta be kidding me" moments. Love it!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thanks! My mother is Italian, and my father was a Chuck Jones cartoon hahaha!!! But seriously, thank you so much for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@CourtneyLiz1220]

Really enjoyed your insight! Im already constantly impressed by PTX but hearing what you had to say about sound & production just amplifies it.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you!

[@PtxXtp]

Hey fellow Portlander here too. So glad I watched this. I loved everything you had to say about them. Also your talk about Freddie Mercury, you’re right he was an incredible singer. Wondering about his high range though. It wasn’t until I saw the movie bohemian rhapsody that I realized Freddy didn’t sing the high note in the song and it was actually the drummer from queen that sang it. That’s why I’ve said Mitch was so great in bohemian rhapsody too. He was able to do on his own what it took Queen 3 band members to do. He sang lead, he did the high note and also became a human guitar.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Freddie was incredible, but he was human. I dunno if Mitch could get down as low on the other end as Freddie could, but I would be super interested to see someone take a critical look at both of them to see who had the bigger range, if even in a different register from each other. Also, hi! If you make it out to Rose City Comic Con or the Portland Retro Gaming Expo next year, feel free to come by either arcade and say hello! I'll be the guy in the room with the turntables :)

[@calhoun1968]

The best thing about Pentatonix, what you hear in their video's and at their live shows, you'll hear from them, impromptu on the street, in a coffee shop, a park, a living-room, etc. without mic's and speakers. Their vocal producer is so good, everyone on Earth calls "Him"... God! Matt has only been with them for two years as yet.

[@berlyn3014]

Thanks for your reaction. New subscriber here. I really enjoyed your commentary. I agree with what you said about Matt filling Avi's shoes. I'll always love Avi, but I love the energy that Matt brings to the group. I think this is my new favorite Pentatonix song. There's just something about this one that grabs your soul.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you for watching and for the sub! I'm glad you liked it!

[@kaygirly19]

Very refreshing and educative to hear your comments. I will definitely subscribe.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoyed this, you might like some of my other reacts, including "Dreams" from PTX that just came out this week!

[@EliaKay1]

Along with Ben Bram, Bill Hare is listed as a producer on almost all of their albums and Ed Boyer has always mastered their albums. He’s known for doing a cappella mixing and is considered the best in the world for this style of music

[@JamieTransNyc]

Unquestionably the best "react" videos of any streamer anywhere on KZbin. You continuously set the bar for these videos. Every other streamer should hang their head in shame.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Awww that's so sweet! Thank you! Now if I could just get past the legal stuff so I can safely go back to making react vids ... 😁

[@Bonofox1]

Enjoyed your PTX reaction! I learned a thing or two. And some I already knew! Can't wait for more PENTATONIX reactions!😄👍

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you! I'll do another soon!

[@marablemorgan8292]

They can feel what the others are going to do...

[@adam.4487]

Topnotch a capella, very talented with outstanding vocal skills. Keeps me coming back to hear them again, old and new productions just make a good day for me.

[@RutlandRick]

So, what you are saying is that Pentatonix is a phenomenon unlikely to ever be matched. They are the GOAT.

[@NoizTheDj]

It’s a Billie Eilish song they didn’t write it...

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I was unaware! Thanks Noizy!

[@BrunoAlmeida-yn7ei]

yet they did a better job

[@Spartan_777]

@@BrunoAlmeida-yn7ei Nothing new there

[@FolkFaninMA]

Neither did Billie. This one’s Fin’s.

[@kathrynphelps9771]

Thank you for appreciating Matt, he's an incedible talent. He is tiotally the bass guitar on their New Rules video. AndKevin's percussion is crazy good ontht one too. I'd like to hear what you think.

[@MelaniePoparad]

The sound production tangent was really helpful. I haven’t ever done anything on the production side so it was helpful to get a bit of background on it.

[@alianne92]

The algorithm tossed your channel at me and I’m so glad it did! Your reaction/analysis was such a good mix of enthusiastic and insightful and curious that it was a joy to watch. Can’t wait to see what you do next :)

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel!

[@blockedblock5203]

I'd watch like 100 more Pentatonix reactions from you.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you so much! I've got more on the way!

[@Langley_Ackerman19]

Make this happen please!

[@hstppt]

Thanks for sharing your insights on sound production, I love getting to learn more about the technical aspects that come together to produce the PTX effect

[@DJSwitchPDX]

My pleasure! I'm glad you liked it!

[@joannesmith3029]

I was a member of a multi award winning choir and all this what you are talking about comes from singing in a choir at that high level where you have to hit your end notes perfectly as one. And I really really appreciate how hard it is to sound as good as this.... all the best artists out there have a grounding in choir I bet. Finally, I like to hear reviews with technical appreciation rather than just what they look like in the video. It is tremendously hard to do what they do and even better still they have a distinctive PTX style and shape to their harmonies that is unique to them. Sometimes You just cannot believe they have so much depth of sound coming in and out layering on top of each other and at incredible speed and with unbelievable breath control it simple is mind boggling. There will never be a group that will ever match their perfection no matter how hard they try. PTX are unique and as as important as the great ones that only come around every decade or so. BRAVO.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@sean1849]

Hello bud...Hey PTX fam

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Hey! Thanks for watching!

[@sean1849]

@@DJSwitchPDX it was very informative so Thank you for that.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

@@sean1849 Thanks! I hope people like them :)

[@joeswanson7634]

Hey Sean. guarantee to see you if it's a ptx reaction :)

[@JoSedunary]

Hey Sean 🐨

[@MelaniePoparad]

I would love to see you react to the rest of their newest releases. I really enjoyed your thoughts on this song. They all have insane ranges. So true. And so refined in each range.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

That's the plan! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@ehcimocs2364]

Hello PDX! Great you're from my hometown. I'm also huge PTX fan. Loved hearing your comments. I like when reactors react, not just spout off. You were insightful. Please do more PTX.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I definitely will!! If you make it to Rose City Comic Con or the Portland Retro Gaming Expo next year, come by the arcades and say hi! I'll be the dude behind the turntables! :-)

[@denisehart7104]

This is the Grammy winning song by Billie Eilish, and PTX does a fantastic version. I love this, PTX rocks !

[@tammyhill8409]

If you have time someday would you react to Scott with Rozzi singing 'Lose Us' Or Scott with Mario Jose singing 'Lost on You' Or both if you have a mind to. lol

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Great suggestion! I'll have to start writing down some of these! Thank you for watching :)

[@tammyhill8409]

@@DJSwitchPDX I also subscribed, hoping for more PTX!

[@tammyhill8409]

@@DJSwitchPDX Yay!!!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you! There's lots more coming!

[@Bonofox1]

YES PLEASE!!🙏 Scott shows such and IMPRESSIVE range, soul AND emotion in the two songs suggested! I'm just CRAZY for Baritone, bass voices! I LOVE all members of PTX but Scott and Avi and now Matt are my ultimate favorites!😍👍

[@NoizTheDj]

I didn’t think anyone but Billie could do this song any justice ... I was wrong but it took five of them to one Billie.

[@katieoberst490]

You got a new sub JUST because you started talking about your love of the production of their videos. I. LOVE. Your. Passion. Just that is worth watching, thank you for it!!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you so much! I'm having a lot of fun doing these react videos!

[@ankhgirl3]

I really enjoyed your reaction and commentary. I hope you react to the other tracks/videos on their recently released HOME EP. All the songs are covers except “Take Me Home” in the Home medley, but you know PTX always puts their flare on them so that track has a fresh sound. They’ll be dropping an original album soon as well. Should be Great!!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thanks for watching! I'll definitely check it out!

[@lemondrizzlecake7766]

I love that you talked about production! I feel so many Pentatonix fans tend to underestimate how important that is, and almost get offended when one brings it up, as if production took something away from the raw talent of these amazing singers (which it doesn't - like you said, you can't invent a sound that isn't there). I have a very rudimental understanding of music production, mostly coming from the fact I sang in a choir for many years and we did live shows and recorded a couple of things. I always love listening to the official releases of PTX for the incredible talent of everyone involved, the singers and the sound production team. So many incredible individuals make this amazing music possible.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Production is important, but the distinction I think many people overlook is that the production can't replace a quality performance, only enhance it.

[@MSKPELLEGRINO]

The trio grew up together so thet have that freakish unison of siblings without the genetic similarity of their voices. It makes their harmony so delicious. And Kevin is super human so having him excel is no surprise. And Matt grew up in church so I think choir is literally in his DNA. The all deserve to give major egos but they are a humble and generous group. Its that humbleness that make their sound blend.

[@JoSedunary]

Thanks so much for your insightful reaction - 'Small guy with incredible range..." is Mitch. They all recorded their parts on their phones and then sent it to their engineer (who is obviously an alien ) to mix/produce. Yes, Matt replaced Avi (with Avi's help !! ) in mid 2017. They had to put their new original album on hold due to the virus...so decided to put out a 6 track EP of covers for their fans (and probably for themselves at this point - they hate being apart for long periods of time) This is the 3rd track (with music vid) to drop... we're getting the 5th track next Wednesday. They've done 'Home' a medley of songs referring to being at home.... Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)...When the Party's over (Billie Eilish)... Break My Heart (Dua Lipa)... next will be Dreams (Cranberries) then finally Cologne (Clean Bandit)...just in case you hadn't heard about it yet !!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I'm 6'4", so "small guy" is a pretty broad descriptor for me haha. Thank you for watching!

[@JoSedunary]

@@DJSwitchPDX Haha .. well compared to Scott I think all the rest are 'small' :)

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Haha that's fair

[@louellamoyer5578]

Hey! How is it going up there? My daughter lives in Sutherlin not far from there. If I make it up to see her I will stop in and say hi! I'm in Tx. I enjoy all the info. you give us on your reactions and it shows how hard an artist has to work and training to do what they do. I am much more appreciative of the art besides the enjoyment of listening. Same with the beatbox reactor Xureck (Reck). He has given me so much. It sure makes the music richer! He was inspired by Kevin to learn the craft and has worked hard for 3 years. He was accepted into the Swissbeatbox community! The music industry is far more than the avg. person realizes...So thank you! will be watching!

[@lavalampdancer]

I hope you will do a whole lot more Pentatonix reviews soon! I love watching your reactions and I watch the others but PTX is really my jam and they have so many songs you haven't done yet!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thanks! Yeah, I had to slow down on them cause Sony are being buttheads with the KZbin copyright system, but my next video is their recent 90s dance medley, so don't worry ... more PTX soon! 🙂

[@thejollyrogers9808]

I am here for reactions to Avi's solo work. His voice is insane and he has incredible range...more than what people realise till they hear him sing solo. Loved this reaction. New sub here.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you!!! I'm really glad you liked it! I saw a video some time ago of Avi in a coffee shop or something, and he was in a whole different range than I was used to, so I had to double-check that it was really him! haha

[@arlogsdon]

I absolutely love your reaction and your analysis of them. I can't wait to hear more. Another acapella group that's worth a listen is Home Free.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you so much! I'll check out Home Free this week!

[@lauriehalverson1680]

Be proud if that. Pentatonix is amazing.

[@artistwintersong7343]

Great response. Nice.

[@chrismorin1318]

Have you checked out their Mad World release yet! Absolutely stunning!

[@elizabethsantersero9597]

Thanks for sharing your reaction! I enjoyed your take and what you had to add :-)

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you liked it!

[@realsheasmith]

Your videos are amazing, warned a new sub here!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thank you! I'm glad you like them!

[@cherylwilliams9360]

The first thing I did was listen to Billie Elish's original first so I could fully appreciate this cover.. so glad I did. It's VERY respectful of her song (as they always are). This is off their latest EP - AT HOME which they recorded most cuts from their own homes while in quarantine except one which had already been recorded previously but not video yet..COLOGNE, a Clean Bandit cover.. You especially would appreciate COLOGNE which is one of the very best they've done.. Kevin sounds like an 808. Many have been reacting to it without a video but would really LOVE to hear your more experienced reaction!

[@johnwakefield9378]

Great insightful reaction. I loved your comment that this is like having 5 Freddie mercury's in one group.

[@lorimclachlan308]

Avi's solo stuff is amazing, but matt is doing a great job with Pentatonix! Change is on the Rise by Avi si a great listen, if you decide to react to his solo releases.

[@kathyryan2565]

Run to you an original by them is so beautiful if you liked this then please watch Run To You

[@sedouright7796]

You should react to a Bass Battle (Avi x Tim x Geoff) or the Vocal Range Videos of Avi x Mitch x Scott x Kirstie x Kevin

[@kathyryan2565]

please watch and react to more Pentatonix Aha Singapore is insane the highs and lows

[@tayostalnaker5138]

Hey, I didn't know this was a Billie Eilish song either, I'm not into heavy metal. Anyway, another great vid Switch! Looking forward to the next.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Thanks man! I've got plenty more on the way :)

[@Russ_Keith]

Hello again. First off, to you or anybody else who is horrified at the length of this comment, I completely understand if you just want to scroll right past it. No hard feelings. I won't be offended. Your comments about production, particularly on vocals sent me listening again to Macy Gray's 2016 Stripped album. It was my first Hi-Res album and the first notes of the first track , Annabelle, sold me. The production is amazing. This album is particularly suited to Hi-Res because I've found the simpler the arrangement and the more organic the sounds are, the more noticeable the improvement is. I don't care what anybody says, I can hear the difference on this album between 24/96 and 24/192 even at my age (70) when my ears not supposed to be able to. It's when you turn up the volume and it doesn't sound louder, it feels nearer. I do have a nice, well-balanced Hi-Fi system put together as separates in the 90s so that helps. I started transferring my vinyl albums to digital when I realised they sounded better in every case where I had a vinyl and CD version of the same album. I decided to capture them before the years and repeated plays took their toll on the vinyl. This was decades ago when I hadn't heard of Hi-Res music but for some reason I can't even remember, I decided to record at 24/48. Before I noticed the superiority of my digitised version, I had been replacing the vinyl versions with CDs at that time because I believed the red book story and giving away the vinyl version coz I had 1200 albums and not enough space to store them before I realised the reality but some I had to record because there weren't CD versions of them, mainly the jazz albums, so I'm glad I decided to use the settings I did. By the time I got into Hi-Res I had 300 albums left so I dug my record deck out of storage and began to digitise them at HI-Res myself and the results are glorious, most noticeably, Ute Lemper's "Crimes of the Heart" album. I've had to put it on hold for the moment because my stylus is getting old and I have an SME Series IIIs arm and am finding it impossible to replace the stylus or cartridge, which is no longer made, that can work with that arm at a price that is worthwhile just for the job of digitising my remaining albums. But I'll keep looking. I hope this wasn't too tedious for you. I just thought it might interest you. If not, I refer you back to the first line of my comment.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

No need to apologize. As you can see from my videos, I can also be a bit long-winded :)

[@WizardPandora]

Mitch now has 6 octaves and 1 note as a counter tenor

[@DJSwitchPDX]

6 octaves is crazy!

[@kiaradrake541]

Have you listened to their cover of Bohemian Rhapsody yet? It’s brilliant! Speaking of Crazy Baritones... Scott is insane! He covers the Bass whenever Avi or Matt take Lead so he can hit the Bass but still get up there in his range!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I love the couch thing they did in that video. I really wanna "drive" the motorized couch! Haha

[@dewosurei]

I know you’ve probably already seen the video so you can’t do a true first reaction to it, but I would really look forward to a commentary/breakdown video on Pentatonix Daft Punk. I really enjoyed your commentary and the technical knowledge you shared in this video. I think it would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on the production, vocal mixing, and arrangement of Daft Punk, especially as it is one of their earliest professional works and arguably the one that got them recognized as mainstream artists instead of just a niche group.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Well, guess what I recorded yesterday ... Should be up by the end of the week!

[@thomasarussellsr]

I dont think there is as much production as you're making it out to be, in general, with this group. They sound virtually the same in concert and in cellphone shot videos of concert songs. They're just that good.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I know they're talented and I know their live performances are pretty tight, but this most recent album they all did from their homes pulled back the curtain quite a bit on how much production goes into their multitracking. That's not a bad thing! It takes a really talented producer like Ben to know how to use production to support the performances of the singers without overpowering it. It really works for them in their videos, and then whatever effects/compression/etc they use on the road is likely just a reproduction of what they use when they record, since most of that can fit in a laptop these days.

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@DJSwitchPDX yeah, tech is pretty much on the fly these days, but they were pretty tight even on "The Sing Off" where they debued to the world as a group of five. Scott, Kirsten, and Mitch started out together in High school and added Kevin and Avi just before going to the television competition show. And they were tight as heck even then. I believe in an interview Ben even said they make his job extremely easy as he doesn't have much tweeking to do at all, most of the time, other than to adjust microphone volume levels. Of course bass doesn't typically carry as well as treble, so cutting the trebble back and increaseing the bass volume for balance is typically needed in most group dynamics. Also, a lot of beat-boxing sounds need some volume boost or it can get drowned out by powerful vocals as well, so, yeah, there has to be some production during and post, but not as much as most peiple would think with groups like Pentatonix, Home Free, and a few others in modern acappella groups. Skills levels have increased. Home Free's beat-boxer has won first place in some beat-boxing award for the last couple of years. If you haven't checked them out yet, you should. (Mostly a country music sound, but with some pop and gospel songs thrown in too). Check out their "Man of Constant Sorrow" video and their beat-boxer's "drum solo" video/s, they rock it in their own genre. P.S. PTX's Avi guest's in Home Free's Ring of Fire video, (killer bass from Avi and Tim (HF's bass)).

[@Dave19491]

Talking about crazy range, react to the bass in the group Voice Play. The song Oogle Boogle is a great example of his range.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Would be glad to check it out! Thank you for watching!

[@canolij5323]

Please reaction to Vocal Range Mitch Grassi.It really crazy!!Pleaseeee😫 And is not Avi is Matt.Matt this is new bass

[@stevenmurphy2445]

One of my voice Coaches (who was a fairly famous opera singer) used to always say singing low is determined by biology, singing high is determined by practice. If you have an interest in this subject I'd be glad to relate his insight as I understand it.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

Of course! I never actually studied vocal performance, just hung out with choirs and took some college theory/composition (didn't finish, though).

[@stevenmurphy2445]

@@DJSwitchPDX Singing low relies on two things 1. the length of your vocal muscles ( the longer the lower) and 2. how relaxed those muscles are. One can learn to relax the muscles letting you sing lower but you will always be bound by the muscle length. Singing high of the other hand is a very different process. The vocal muscles are flexed and thinned to sing higher. This process can be learned and becomes usable with practice. There are also some other tricks to singing high using Head voice, whistle tones or falsetto. These techniques actually reduce the amount of vocal muscle engaged. There are a couple of singers that I can think of that really good examples of a low voices singing quite high. Geoff Castilucci with Voice Play is a good example. The that really demonstrates this is "the oogy boogy song. Tim Foust is another one his sings with home free I would listen to Ring of Fire featuring Avi Kaplan then listen to their cover of Mayday. Both these guys are leally low basses that have learned to sing high. Another is Dimash There is a lot of debate about Dimash being a baritone or a tenor. I my opinion it doesn't matter he has mastered some of the techniques mentioned here. The song I would listen too is SOS. Obviously there is a lot more to this discussion than I have touched on. My vocal coach that turnrd me on to this idea was Nicolai Gedda. He has some you tube videos out there his voice is amazing you should listen to one of his also. I would also suggest one of my videos but alas I don't have any. Throat cancer took my voice in 2001 before your tube was even a gleam it its papas eyes.

[@AngelsWips]

They have said, they will never ever put an album out unless they can reproduce the sound on stage

[@michaelengel2077]

there is an old joke that has been going around for years with PTX is...PTX doesn't need auto-tune...but auto-tune needs PTX...

[@joebarnhart4460]

You'd probably appreciate this article, written by someone who has done some production for PTX: www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-pentatonix

[@BiggChiefSA]

I don't know if anyone here Has heard the youtube version of pentatonix played next to billie ellish's version she could easily be a 6th member its just perfect

[@elizabethchetwood1916]

Mitch is a counter tenor, meaning he can hit soprano notes!

[@cherylwilliams9360]

You really MUST listen to COLOGNE on this same EP or better yet, react to it please! It is audio only, but SO worth listening to...ABSOLUTE PERFECTION and reeeeally shows how absolutely incredible Kevin is!!! Thank you for this really good reaction!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I'll check it out! Thank you for watching!

[@daisybrianna77]

Pentatonix is one of my favourites and I alternate wildly between Mitch and Kevin as my all time favorite. In saying that I love Billie Eilish too much to have a deep love for this particular cover but *Break My Heart* was just perfection.

[@timmeah1]

This is like all the vulnerability and pain shared among 5 adults. Billie Eilish's version contains the same amount of that but shouldered all by herself. Both versions are wonderful, but hers really hits me.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

They’re just referred to as “Pentatonix”. Not “The Pentatonix”!

[@SilverFlame819]

I had to laugh at the intro. "Production's so good." When they're all singing in their living rooms or whatever. :D Whoever took all their recordings and blended them is fantastic, for sure. But if they sound this good in their own little home studio areas, imagine how they sound in the shower. Haha!! You should check out "Home", it's a mash-up of a bunch of songs, but also recorded in their houses. This plague is turning some musicians into magicians! :D

[@lexymich3647]

The production....mixer is Ed Boyer. He worked on the ising off and they have you used him ever sense.

[@scottsaunder702]

I agree about Freddie Ann Wilson was one of the best female rockers

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I see what you did there

[@bethvargas8841]

Hey i wonder if you've heard of Ed Boyer? He was their mixer during Avi era, not sure though if he still is now. He described in an article I read the technicalities of mixing, the equipment that he used, the softwares that he applied. The guy with the high notes is Mitch. Hahaha five Freddie Mercuries 👌 Yup Matt Sallee took the bass responsibility since their 2017 Christmas tour (proby) and officially in Jan 2018. I've heard Avi helped out in choosing Matt

[@bethvargas8841]

New sub here. I love your insights coming from someone who has experience with technical part of recordings. Ed Boyer was the PTX sound mixer during the Avi era, nit sure if that's until now. Found this interesting article - somewhat a long read but I am thinking you might find interesting also www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-pentatonix Matt Sallee is the current bass officially started in 2018 but sort of a "proby" during the 2017 Christmas tour. Avi helped in selecting him. I fully agree 💯 re Freddie Mercury - he's got one powerful voice. Looking forward for more PTX 👌

[@craptos6938]

When you get around to it I think you’ll enjoy Superfruit’s (Mitch and Scott’s channel) hip hop goes broadway. It’s great and there are bloopers after the Subscribe banner. It’d be fun to see your reaction but it may be something you want to see on your own.

[@Trapper50cal]

I think they actually push forward vocals based on the video production...like when you see a particular solo member in frame, that person's levels get bumped a bit...I swear that's what I'm hearing...in addition to the potential to just be hearing their part more, simply from visual recognition. If it's true, it's next level.

[@belinda61]

If you haven't yet, you should check out "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" with Avi Kaplan and Peter Hollens.

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I will! I like Peter Hollins' work

[@johnelvisclark451]

I ca'nt brlieve you are a professional Dj and did not know this was a Billie Ellish cover they are amazing and you should do therir version of Bohemian Rhaspody you will be shook

[@DJSwitchPDX]

It's not exactly a club banger haha But I'm familiar with their BR cover and I definitely wanna do it soon. Thank you for watching!

[@sandicave9637]

Mitch has a 6 octave range!!! He, Mitch is a Counter-tenor.

[@stevek7699]

I really like PTX and Billy Eilish and I've been thinking about what they have in common, since their presentations, on the surface, are so different. I've really come to believe that it comes down to the quality of their producers. I can't imagine a PTX song without Ben producing, and the same goes for Billie with Finneas. They're not just great producers, but producers who know their performers...almost instinctively.

[@williamurbschat6592]

Check out Dimash Kudaibergen for THE most incredible range and power! Seven octaves! Consistently. Start with SOS and behold the wonder! You will get chills guaranteed

[@dawnpatterson8708]

Please do a reaction to their cover of bohemian rhapsody

[@kristagerry8505]

I love your comparison of this group to Freddie Mercury! Interestingly enough Mitch Grassi has a wider vocal range than Freddie Mercury did! Freddie had a 4 octave range and Mitch has a 6 +1 octave range! Also I'm glad you mentioned how Matt Saliee belongs with the group! He isn't just some random guy/singer just thrown in to fill a hole! He was heavily vetted by Avi Kaplan himself! Avi helped search and find his replacement and he respected and cared about the rest of the group enough to find them the absolute best person to take his place! The others in the group also respected Avi enough to trust his recommendations and advice knowing he wouldn't recomend someone who wasn't worthy of the role and lastly I truly believe he's a perfect fit for the group especially personality wise and they all seem to get along so well and have so much fun and they sound so amazing together! They truly seem to be "Happy Now" pun intended! I think some of the fans are just being unfair to Matt because it's not his fault!

[@janethoffman4197]

This is great! I enjoy PTX, but am really a Home Free fan. You should check them out! They are so talented, have very talented production, and their bass, Tim actually taught Avi to go lower!

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I've heard a couple things from them. I'm definitely gonna have to check them out some more! Thanks for watching!

[@travisrussell9166]

Hello, have you ever taken a listen to Home Free? They are an all male accapella group. They won the sing off, i am pretty sure the year after PTX. I recomened their cover of MY CHURCH,great harmonies

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I've heard them a little bit, definitely a talented group, and I'm not one to shy away from any genre. I'll have to check them out for sure!

[@creyes879]

Hey bro! can you comment a bit on the equipment they are using and what stuff you recommend?

[@pattis2641]

I just found your reactions and were very impressed!! Can you please check out their new original album "THE LUCKY ONES", including their singles Coffee in Bed and Never Gonna Smile".

[@DJSwitchPDX]

I'd love to! Unfortunately, the label and management for PTX is taking advantage of KZbin reactors, so it may be some time before I'm reacting to PTX again. They're very talented and I enjoy their music, but unlike many other reactors on KZbin, I have to protect my career or I don't get to do this anymore.

[@pattis2641]

@@DJSwitchPDX And rightfully so!! Please consider it later down the road!!

[@amyjones2490]

Have you heard their live Aha! Singapore? Not professional but wow!

[@SilverFlame819]

(And you're talking about Avi sounding great in production, but have you seen the live videos of him blowing the speakers?? If you'd check out the Aha! live in Singapore video, that's got some fun speaker damage going on from Avi...) :)

[@christiestewart2674]

Since You were taking about Freddie Mercury, You should react to Bohemian Rhapsody Covered by Pentatonix!!!! And Mitch Grassi is the guy that you couldn't remember his name!!!!