Bass Singer Reaction (& Analysis) - GEOFF CASTELLUCCI | I See Fire

[@PeterBarber]

Back in the saddle with the man, the myth, the bass LEGEND -- really hope y'all enjoy this one! Any other bass bangers by Geoff I still need to analyze?

[@iamsquatty]

I THINK you still haven't done his cover of high and dry yet, it's beautiful. I think you'd love it. 💜

[@sarawlindgreen3115]

You still haven't done his cover of "Till Then". It's so beautiful and I would love to hear your thoughts about it 💙

[@tinaferguson4965]

Glad to have you back!!

[@aydinprineapple4966]

So its not geoff but there is absolutely SO MUCH BASS IN "in the air tonight" cover by voiceplay. I beg you please do that ;o;

[@shelleeroe]

I know this isn't answer to your question about that, but I saw you just started your podcast up again. It'd be so awesome to have Geoff on it, or even Voiceplay. That would be so awesome.

[@bjspeck4337]

I'm hoping you and Geoff are going to doing something together. If not that then talking about the joy of the sounds that you both can make. But one can hope.

[@embran8486]

Geoff featured in The Bass Gang. Enough said. Besides, if Tim Foust could be invited, surely Geoff can?

[@BlueZebra1955]

I love the psychological tease at the end. We all expect him to sing the last note and word, "me." Instead he lets our brains fill in the last word, while he just spotlights the last dwarf. Brilliant.

[@AndieO]

I actually prefer this to the original. It feels even more emotional. ❤

[@janetdw]

Ed Sheeran’s voice is more suitable for an elf😊. Beautiful but dwarves are generally portrayed as having deeper basses.

[@dominique2812]

I’m convinced that Ed Sheeran wrote the song so that Geoff could sing it better 😊 Thanks for the analysis! I always enjoy listening to you talk and explain all about the amazing things Geoff has incorporated into his songs. It makes me appreciate both of you so much more. Congrats on your success as well. Keep on keeping on 🥰

[@amymbeauty8765]

Sing it better? No. Sing a cool version of it? Sure.

[@dominique2812]

@@amymbeauty8765 In my opinion yes! But I appreciate a different opinion, so thank you for your reply

[@amymbeauty8765]

@@dominique2812 Different tastes for different people. That's what's great about art, there's something for everyone!

[@johndeeregreen4592]

Love the way how on the tenor-like side of Geoff, he rides that cusp of chest and mixed voice. As you said, he is in that part of his range where he can do pure chest, but ops to fall in and out of chest voice to make it more airy in nature. He definitely shows his versatility with different larynx placements on the bass side, too. Interesting and phenomenal approach.

[@rhov-anion]

This is one of my favorite songs from Geoff, right up with "Sound of Silence" and "Till Then" which hold personal emotional places in my heart. I can't wait to see the interview with Geoff... and maybe a feature with the Bass Gang soon? I just want to say, as someone whose focus in college was instrumental (trombone) not vocal, I really appreciate your lessons about vocal techniques. Over the past 3 years, I've been trying to improve my voice, although it's rough being a contralto who only took one voice class (mandatory for music majors). I remember singing along to Cher and Annie Lennox as a kid, and my mom being upset for "trying to sound like those manly-women!" It wasn't easy. The legendary Marian Anderson is a great inspiration, and I recently discovered Amadea on KZbin. Her "Time in a Bottle" cover is a lovely dramatic contralto. She gets really low, female Pit Viper worthy!

[@jankates1274]

Great R&A of Geoff’s version of this. Huge appreciation too for the costumes and make up that he would have worn for untold takes and tracks. Brilliant!

[@Kieronshaw]

Absolutely love this version! Pit vipers throughout I think 😎 One of the best vocalists of our time

[@Filiz_E]

Great reaction and analysis Peter! So hyped for what's coming later!😊 Geoff is the legend❤

[@tari6085]

Congrats on the 100K! I think this is one of Geoff's best solo songs and I learned so much from your in-depth analysis.

[@christinestromberg4057]

Most feel that he brings emotion to this, the sorrow it deserves. And yes, I've noticed your absence. Nice to see you back.

[@heinz57channel39]

As someone who can’t carry a tube in a basket I’ve learned a lot from you. Thank you Peter .

[@nerdywordyprincess8499]

Congrats on the KZbin milestone! I always enjoy your Geoff reactions. Also shout out to Eli for the lighting. ✌️❤️🎶

[@CharronMcLeod]

I have been waiting for your reaction to this. 😊 Fabulous as always. Have also been silently hoping Geoff might make an appearance on your podcast and it sounds like that's on its way!! So looking forward to that!! Congrats on reaching 100K! Well deserved!!

[@mandyconway9692]

Congratulations on reaching 100k. Love watching your reactions and the analysis. Love Geoff. He always does an amazing job, including playing the piano. 🥰🥰

[@ilonadever8249]

Congrats on the 100K, that's wonderful and well deserved! You could indeed have worn the pit vipers for the entirety of far right Geoff's solos. Another reactor once said that it's a shame that you get used to Geoff's incredible lows because you almost forget how amazing they are. Tenor Goeff has only had a solo verse twice that I can think of, this one and Sound of Silence. My favorite moment in this cover was at 1:51 and it is not singing. He stops at that point, appears to be overcome by emotion, takes a brief stop to swallow in order to regain composure. There is absolutely no reason for that to be in the song, except to convey the fear, despair and resolution in the lyrics. You have not reacted to High and Dry or Take Me Home Country Roads from Geoff. Although you did the side by side with Mortius....

[@kmdugger]

I am just now finding these videos, and wish I had found them earlier. I do like the camera set up on the video. It does feel more personal. I honestly get tears listening to you analyze and listening to Geoff because you both are stunning.

[@glenlubowicz6685]

I hope you’re having an amazing day today Peter

[@reallollabunny]

ok, so watched the rest of the video. you definitely interviewed him ;) good on you, mate, Geoff is a blast to talk to, I am sure! cannot wait to see your interview - I am sure it will be terrifically educational and bassy

[@valeriebottles1584]

Enjoyment is the experience of your reaction videos, very glad you are back. ❤

[@Badger77722]

I've been waiting anxiously for this analysis! I was curious to know if a reactor was going to point out the differences in sound between super-low-Geoff on the right, and naturally-low-Geoff on the left, and finally had Peter not only point it out, but even explain how Geoff was making them sound so different. The bari-tenor Geoff didn't really surprise me that much, but tenor-Geoff was kind of a shock to my system - I've heard him go up that high before, but not really as a solo or stay up there for so long. Overall, I think this is the best thing Geoff's done to date, and really showing how he's growing not only as a performer but also as an arranger - this video was a long climb to the top of the mountain, but it was beautiful when we got there!

[@Cpperk95]

Welcome back. Missed your reactions - I learn so much which increases my appreciation of music.

[@Overlord_Arlas]

Vocal arts with Peter Barber is gonna be popping I am ready

[@stpatty3310]

Geoff had mentioned (in the behind the scenes I believe) that the brushed drum sounds in this are actually from a shovel being stuck into gravel.

[@veronicathunander4579]

Congrats to the 100000 subs! Can’t wait for what you’ve got going with Geoff, and would love to see the two of you collaborate at some point! I totally agree about the ending, love it! Love Geoff’s whole version of this!

[@kingscrub3386]

I see cheeky sneaks of the glorious Peter Hollens and hilarious Jennifer Glatzhofer in the patreon recognition section. I appreciate them. 😊

[@Broomrider1492]

WOW! Santa Barbara is only an hour south of where I live in the small town of Nipomo it's just above Santa Maria California. Geoff was so funny when he told us he had gotten the same Dwarfs back together because they happen to be available. Good thing they had saved the costumes and Rick Underwood had saved the hair and beard pieces.

[@GryphonDes]

Thank you Peter, you always make these analysis videos such a treat! You are a superb vocalist in your own right and your insights are just fantastic!

[@CindySmith0718]

I never saw The Hobbit, never paid much attention to the original version of the song, but this one really gets to me. "Shenandoah" has so far been my very favorite of his, but I think this is up there with it. For a song sung by warriors, it mostly seems to have a very tender quality, which not only sounds beautiful, but also makes the places of intensity really pop. Like the "story arc" concept you mentioned, I guess. Great R&A! This is the first time I've heard someone talk about subs not necessarily coming from activation of the false folds--always love learn new voice stuff! And I do think I also heard that quick F1 you were talking about. Looking forward to that next Geoff thing you're alluding to. 😁

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

It's very reflective. It's warriors who know that they might not make it back.

[@CindySmith0718]

@parkerbrown-nesbit1747 Absolutely. I was mostly struck by the contrast between the stereotype of a "warrior" song, something like Valhalla Calling, where they are also very well aware they aren't coming back, and the quieter nature of this one. (Particularly as I'm not familiar with the original version of this song.) One is leaping into battle with gusto, the other is a prayer for one's brothers, and asking to be remembered.

[@amymbeauty8765]

Highly recommend watching Ed Sheerans original. It's phenomenal. Probably one of his best

[@alanmacvean2053]

So worthwhile and fantastic to hear your analysis and your awesome reactions Mr. Barber , I learn so much and so entertained ...I really thought this version was truly beautiful !

[@charlesbouthillier7216]

Thank you Peter for your reaction I always appreciate what you bring to your reactions

[@dab1810]

I'm very late to commenting on this video, but I am surprised in the lack of comment on the chest F1 that Peter asks about at 21:16. I know Peter says his headphones aren't the best, but my gaming headphones tell me that after holding the Bb1 he actually riffed through Ab1 to hit the F1 in full chest. Absolutely crazy, and I wish I could get anywhere close to this

[@francoistimms]

Great reaction as always Peter. Such deep analysis and great insights that you provide. Geoff is a "black swan" in my opinion. Yes his annunciation is unique to himself, but that's Geoff. I love the high stuff as well, but man, his low notes shine, rumble and are purely insane! His arrangement is off the chats as well. If you can, I would love to hear your take on Voiceplay's Seven Nation Army. Geoff does something truly insane a couple of times during the performance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGXbm6qhpLZri80&ab_channel=VoicePlay Cheers Peter!

[@MelodieRose727]

Glad you’ve returned! Great reaction, as always!

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

Congratulations on 100,000!

[@scottbenda9931]

Thank you for the wonderful analysis 😊

[@thomasfarr7934]

Thank you for another excellent and knowledgeable analysis! You are one of the very best!

[@alyssadaniels7841]

I hope you’ll be catching up on the last two VoicePlay videos that came out, particularly Seven Nation Army! Would love to see reactions to both of them though 😊

[@elvwood]

Thank you for that! Like you, I'm not such a fan of the song itself but I really appreciate what Geoff has done with it, and it's good to follow along on a deep dive like this. Intrigued for what's coming...

[@SimiusAtheus]

Peter, another great analysis! I'm curious about the tease you threw in there regarding something coming up in the future with Geoff.

[@mariefein5544]

I think the mood & voices fit!

[@DBXander00]

I'm glad you appreciated the lack of that final note. Its a 'leave them wanting more' philosophy lol. He hit you with it just before and left you hanging on the edge of your seat. Genius..

[@Traci2000]

Congrats on hitting 100k!!! Loved this analysis and I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do with Geoff!

[@wallen308]

I was looking forward to you analysing this one and you never disappoint! I always learn something (usually lots of things) and I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge. Congratulations on the 100K!! Can't wait to see what the mystery GC and you content is!!

[@susanfulbright4898]

I dontvfeel a song from Geoff is fully analyzed until you do it. Thank you and congratulations!

[@scraverX]

I had switch to my headphones when you pointed out he might have touched the F1. Mine aren't "boring" and I can toggle a little bass boost on my amp so I did. I do think he just brushes it. There's also a wonderful Timpani roll in the final passage.

[@edsartistry]

Thank you, Peter. I love how you give us a very technical assessment of what is going on in the voice and throat as one sings in deep tones and deep notes. It's interesting to watch the Adam's Apple move when someone is singing those low notes and I hate when bass singers have beards. 😝😝 And it seems that bass singers have a more prominent one than most. I have a difficult time deciphering head, chest and mixed sounds and you clarify those very well. Thank you for your expert technical breakdown.

[@HannaGhost]

Love your reactions ❤

[@alisontheis]

Fantstic that you're continuing with your channel on the road..WELL DONE

[@Celebriel82]

Congratulations on the 100k subs! You deserve them and many more!

[@karingreen396]

So happy to hear this reaction and analysis. Thanks

[@angel665b]

I ❤ the sound of the fire!

[@jesswoods8196]

Please tell me there's some kind of collab in the works! Great job analyzing, as always. Glad you're back to making videos and I hope you're enjoying beautiful SoCal. I miss that weather dearly.

[@rafaelfranco7387]

I don't know if Geoff is the one doing the production, but I love the ambience of four companions around a campfire, in a misty forest, preparing for battle. Again, the same costumes, amazing. The arrangement totally reflects this mood, soft and introspective somehow. The "characters" are almost talking to each other.

[@Melisendre]

In the past it was like was focused on expanding his very low range. Now he sings more in his upper range and he's getting better and better. This cover is an amazing. It's like there are different singer.

[@scottplayslowbrass]

It must be so fun to hit low notes like Geoff, as a baritone I can only dream, the few low notes Im able to hit barely go down past D2 its so hard to fathom going lower with such ease like him! Loved the analysis, Peter!

[@abceconrad]

Nice analysis! I'm a 14 year old bass who can hit G1 (sometimes) so it's nice to hear an experienced person like yourself explain some vocal terms that I didn't know about before😀

[@ValKnot21]

In case I've not said it...thank you for the explanations and videos that you do. Informative, interesting, and fun.

[@keek0824]

I have my subwoofer set at 80hz for the crossover on my home theater setup. His voice still activates the sub. Hes getting down to at least 70hz and maybe 60hz. Crazy low for the human voice

[@carlossalcedoizarza2785]

Hey Peter, we are still waiting for more So Hyang. Pleaseee, you know you are not going to be regret

[@leechowning8728]

I was waiting to see if you had something like a reverse pit viper, for that section where Geoff decided to remind us that he really does sing tenor, as well as bass.

[@reallollabunny]

people saying that you might be collaborating with Geoff. my initial reaction was "are you interviewing him? 0.o" in any case - we can hardly wait and you know that ;)

[@wallen308]

Forgot to say I like the new angle. We get to see more of your facial reaction now you're front and centre!

[@BCS_guy]

I enjoyed staring into your soul for 34 min 😅

[@CalebBlackhand]

You're not the first to compare Geoff to a giant. On VoicePlays 'Valhalla Calling' video, one commenter stated "We always thought Geoff wasn't human. Now we know: The guy's a Frost Giant!". Which was a fitting description of Geoff in that video :D

[@alisontheis]

love your reaction !!! duh!

[@SlightlySusan]

The covers that ALL of VoicePlay does are better than the originals.

[@gedxfernandez5324]

...Just wanna asked though.Based in his tessitura and passagio he's a combination of dramatic basso profundo and basso lyrical/cantante/cantabile as he can switch with both.Right?

[@cherylsmith3291]

I would love for you to look at Tennessee Whiskey by Voiceplay. Geoffs riffs are nice

[@WxPickman09]

Falling in reverse “last Resort” reimagined next!!!

[@hlrose71]

This might be weird, but I kind of want to hear Geoff and Ed Sheeran sing this song together. I'm not sure how their voices would mesh, but if they could, I imagine it would be something amazing.

[@anjhacutina4550]

please do Katrina Velarde Go the distance at wish bus

[@carolwhite6979]

I heard it the f#1

[@amymbeauty8765]

I don't care what anyone says, Ed Sheeran was brilliant with this song. This is a very cool and interesting take on it though!

[@deathmachinexxlplayz8531]

so it turns out i can pretty much copy the exact same low notes...

[@KaaSerpent]

You're a tease.

[@asmrmarblecraftstation8747]

Ummm dude. Analysis isnt required. We know Geoff. Or we wouldnt be here.

[@eyeofthechandra563]

3.5 min in to hear 2 seconds of music...followed by a bunch of fumbling? No thanks

[@PeterBarber]

Ah, another random person who think their opinion is more important that the hundreds of thousands who enjoy my channel every month. Please reference the comment section for where so many others completely disagree with you.

[@rykehuss3435]

There are vocalists out there who can sing lower than Geoff, and more importantly with way more power. Russian oktavists for example. And Geoff doesnt sing unamplified, unlike the oktavists. Like they say, "anyone" can groan something in a mic (topped off with some post-processing of course). Lets hear him sing that over a choir, unamplified, unprocessed. He cant.

[@MiladyMacabre]

Looking forward to your interview with Geoff. The dwarves (and their "clone" names) are, from left to right: Kili (Geoff), Bofur (Jeff), Fili (Goff), and Thorin Oakenshield (Daryl). Geoff says clone Jeoph took the video off. Rick Underwood did a fantastic job of recreating the looks from Misty Mountains Cold, reusing the actual hair pieces from that video. Kathy pulled the costumes and props together, reusing pieces from MMC, as well as from other videos, such as The Rains of Castamere. Fun fact: The snare drum sound was created using a shovel in dirt and in sand.

[@ElizabethDeHamer]

I had actually looked you up to see if I'd missed your reaction to this song. I really appreciate you taking the time and explaining the differences in his technique. You've earned that 100,000 plaque - congratulations!

[@sophiema631]

Great 🎉 love Geoff's version of this song. I can't wait to see what's coming next 😉

[@katthor7311]

I was waiting for this one from you because you always say you like to hear Geoff when he's just using his natural, relaxed chest voice. Great analysis. I agree on the ending. I really liked that choice. And...um....👀...I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Geoff content. Also, congrats on 100K! Well deserved, sir.

[@edmitchell528]

You’ve done a podcast with Tim and now hopefully Geoff. That is going to be one to watch. Thank you for the way you break it all down. The insight is always enlightening.

[@christopheracall3530]

Thank you Peter. There is this midpoint in the song where he goes from more Tenor to Bass to a shockingly resonant and pleasant Baritone. You've always contended that Geoff is a Bass singer, but in this song it's the Baritone that I'm in love with. Also, honestly, the main reason I like your videos (great content! great personality! great everything!) is because you CAN sing along with Geoff. He just sounds so good that I try to sing along... (shakes head). But you can actually sing with him, and I appreciate your vocal talent so much.

[@codytutor567]

"Pianos are not plucked." Top-tier musical edu-muh-kayshun from Mr. Barber. 🤣 Kidding aside, I appreciate what you do! I've been looking forward to your analysis of this one, and definitely agree that we kind of go numb to a lot of the super-lows. Listening to / watching the Oktavism channel reminds you how incredibly impressive a simple D2 can sound when it's projected well, and makes one appreciate those first octave notes even more. Congrats on surpassing 100k, well-deserved!

[@sarawlindgreen3115]

Thank you, Peter, for your insight on this cover from Geoff and the techniques ❤ I'm very much looking forward to what's coming 😃

[@melissastruxness512]

I adore this song have watched it hundreds of times. Love love love Geoff’s version. Love the costumes makeup everything. And that teaser. Omg cannot wait to see what you have in store with Geoff. He is such a great down to earth guy with AMAZING talent. But wait. It picks up. It really picks up

[@Charity322]

Yeah, with Geoff you should just put the Vipers on at the start and keep them on. XD

[@maeco7]

Great analysis, thanks! Looking forward to the very special podcast episode that you're hinting at 👀 By the way, you mentioned the light percussion earlier. Geoff shared in the premiere chat that that wasn't a snare drum, but rather sound samples he found of one shovel hitting sand and another hitting dirt, layered over top of each other. He's got a few unusual sounds buried in the background. One of my favourite things he does in his productions is experiment with unique sounds - picking them out is like finding easter eggs. He gets very excited talking about them in his Patreon chats 😁

[@sallaisosaari4652]

Didn't end with a low note? I think it was pretty low 😎

[@frankster1477]

Congrats on reaching 100,000 subs. 🎊 I have been really looking forward to you analyzing this one because you tell us what is happening vocally and how Geoff chooses what he does. I love how all the dwarves sound like different singers, and all have that tonal quality of someone skating on ice--no friction.

[@gonzalodecata136]

Was waiting for your reaction and analysis! Great job, lots of insight and info!

[@rodconner9079]

Thanks for the con't R&As !!! For me, my ear --- This one, so far, is the most brilliant, well arranged performance from Geoff. It FITS & STICKS!!! Tastefully done! Highs where they fit and lows where they fit -- crazy harmonies and blends. His solos are just damn impressive, near impossible to argue about. His textures are just, just - so varied; doesn't even sound like the same voice!!! He's really come into his own... and it's so damn good!!! Be Safe

[@anymous1485]

I love your reactions my man; they're always so detailed and fun to watch. Hope we will see Geoff on Vocal Arts with you at some point!

[@jennifersmith8923]

Omg did you just hint at a collab with Geoff!! That would be 😍

[@red5250]

I don’t think that was an F1 chest, I think it was F#1. However he does have one F1 chest that is incredibly exposed in a voiceplay cover Either way really good video, there aren’t many new Geoff covers so I’m expecting the new voiceplay covers coming soon :) And 31:30 + 33:18 excuse me WHAT This is like the most subtle thing and it’s at the end of the video but are you hinting to a Bass Gang cover with Geoff?? On second thought it might just be a VA podcast bust still I’m on the edge of my seat haha.

[@annoyingthing6238]

Are you referring to the “In the Air Tonight” F1 or the “Friends on the Other Side” one?

[@annoyingthing6238]

To specify, the exposed F1

[@hugobasilio1303]

The F1 sub at the beginning was definitely subharmonic. The beginning of the note was a little bit cracky. I raised the pitch by an octave, and there's a clear crack, when he is trying to produce the F1. It sounds like he starts on a D1 with no purpose, and then, he raises up to an F1.

[@red5250]

@@hugobasilio1303 i want talking about the sub, that was a clear F1 sub, i was talking about when Geoff said “blood in the breeze” and scooped down to the F#1 briefly, Peter said it was an F1

[@red5250]

@@annoyingthing6238 yes that one

[@erinromary2796]

Yay. I have been waiting for this for so long. Loved it. I hope your summer is great.

[@bjspeck4337]

Geoff did another Lord of the Rings/Hobbit, Song of Durin (with Gimli). I love I See Fire but just consider his new one!