The Dragonborne Comes by VoicePlay -- THEY STILL GOT IT!! -- 307 Reacts -- Episode 349

[@Grandmasterintraining]

LARP gang

[@jaakkousaar7383]

Ll

[@vulcanivy]

Ed Boyer is their mixer. He also does the mixing for Pentatonix and Home Free. Also, I would love to see what you think of Geoff Castellucci’s newest song, Big Bad John.

[@christinestromberg4057]

I am not a player but I found out that here you have an Imperial barbarian, a Dunmer battlemage, a Bosmer archer, a Breton necromancer, and a Nord Jarl hanging out in the Palace of Kings ready to belt out a classic Geoff Castellucci is an Imperial Barbarian, Cesar de la Rosa a Dunmer (dark elf) Battlemage, Omar Cardona a Bosmer (wood elf) Archer, Eli Jacobson a Breton Necromancer, and Layne Stein a Nord Jarl. The language of the song is called Dovahzul and was created for the game. Fus Ro Dah is the dragon shout of power. That isn't the lowest Geoff can go but it does the job here. Info: outside of you vocal chords there is a second set of vocal folds, which vibrate at exactly one octave below so with practise you can use them to create subharmonic notes. Geoff talks about his methods, etc in videos. Check them out. They do a lot of the mixing themselves but the final mix is sent to someone else. And yes they give you goosebumps a lot. Oh and in Geoff's solo low bass covers he even interacts with himself!

[@tararocksong5085]

Spot on.

[@par500dragon7]

So glad to see you get back to Home Free and Voice Play! VP just released a killer version of We Don't Talk About Bruno!

[@DaisyGray74]

Truth right here! In their typical fashion, they sure didn’t mess around. Lol. Epic as always!

[@LunatheSliverMadien]

You should also check out their cover on Phantom of the Opera

[@creationsbychancecan]

Geoff has such control of his sub-harmonics. He has actually made it to a F#1 and his rumble will shake your bones. Love the whole group. Eli could be a rock singer for sure. Lance is a drum kit on his own with many other sounds coming out of his mouth too. Cesar has such sweetness in his voice and he can it a high D5.

[@dianehodge7252]

They usually do all the back end stuff themselves. They do send out some to a mixer, but everything else is either done by Layne, Geoff or Eli. Loved your review. Thank you.

[@rhov-anion]

I saw one bass singer explain that subharmonics are what vocal fry is meant to become. In other words, Geoff is an EVOLVED bass. Or an alien.

[@ChrisHaar]

The "key change" you asked about early on is called tonicization. Sometimes called a temporary modulation. Also, the odd language was Dragon Speak from the Skyrim games.

[@glennjanot8128]

You claim to not know Voiceplay but you have reacted to their Oogie Boogie song a few months ago ^^ The "foreign" language they sing the second part in is the Dragon Language from the game Skyrim. The translation of the song is Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honour is sworn, To keep evil forever at bay! And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout, Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray! Hearken now, sons of snow, to an age, long ago, And the tale, boldly told, of the one! Who was kin to both wyrm, and the races of man, With a power to rival the sun! And the voice, he did wield, on that glorious field, When great Tamriel shuddered with war! Mighty Thu’um, like a blade, cut through enemies all, As the Dragonborn issued his roar! And the Scrolls have foretold, of black wings in the cold, That when brothers wage war come unfurled! Alduin7, Bane of Kings, ancient shadow unbound, With a hunger to swallow the world! But a day, shall arise, when the dark dragon’s lies, Will be silenced forever and then! Fair Skyrim8 will be free from foul Alduin’s maw! Dragonborn be the saviour of men! Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honour is sworn, To keep evil forever at bay! And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout, Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

[@Maerahn]

The song is based on one that's sung in taverns in the Skyrim game, which is itself part of The Elder Scrolls series of games. The choral part they sing is pretty much the 'theme tune' of the Elder Scrolls series (it's used in 'Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind' and the MMO 'Elder Scrolls Online'.) The 'foreign' language is Dovahzul, also known as 'The Dragon Language,' and was created especially for the games. And the shout of "Fus Ro Dah!" midway through is a kind of Dragon-power spell that pushes things/people back. So yeah, a LOT of careful and respectful research done to create this masterpiece - hardly surprising, since Voiceplay are avid gamers themselves.

[@candilunsford2878]

VoicePlay +Medieval=EPIC! This is Geoff’s best work to date. If you’re interested in the technical aspects of how they put things together The Charismatic Voice did a really long and detailed interview with Layne Stein, the beatboxer. As for going all in, Cesar is wearing 20 pounds of REAL chain mail.

[@bjspeck4337]

Twas excellent - definitely on par with The Charismatic Voice interview with Geoff.

[@Xenokiin]

Ahh! Another of my favorites...two days in a row...is it Christmas? I'm a little sad that you guys aren't Skyrim nerds, but trust me, it is over the top for us. xD Your face at 10 mins, Matt...yes, exactly! The language is called Dovahzul, or dragon language, and was created for the game. ♥

[@misscasta8494]

Thx for your reaction. It's always fun! Layne (the beatboxer) explained his stuff in an interview. I think in charismatic voices. Another reaction channel. He also talks about studio recordings. If you want to see more beatboxing from Layne, check out the Disney stuff. I love all of these acapella groups, but voiceplay is a special one! By the way! Layne also has a beautiful voice and raps like a Champion 😉

[@aaroncoffman88]

I love that your return to Voiceplay features Omar who was featured in your first Voiceplay reaction, Carry on Wayward Son. Great reaction. Loved it. You need to catch Geoff Castellucci's cover of Big Bad John

[@billparrish4385]

The language is Dovahzul, Language of the Dragons, invented for the game. The lyrics they're singing are as follows. In Dovahzul: Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin, Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal! Ahrk fin norok paal graan fod nust hon zindro zaan, Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal! Translated into English: Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn, To keep evil forever at bay! And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph's shout, Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray! The shouted lyric 'FUS RO DAH!' is a 'dragon shout', meaning words of power you earn during game play. This one is the very first shout learned by the Dragonborn (note the little vapor effect coming out of their mouths).

[@SalymSkyeSpellwyck]

Thank you so much for that information!! Makes me want to do a fifth playthrough of Skyrim again lol!

[@bobharp3492]

Voice play has a new one we don't talk about Bruno and Geoff has a new work big bad john

[@seekerjf747]

Bass Gang - The Emperor's New Clothes

[@kratosGOW]

The song “The Dragonborn comes” is an in-game tavern song sung by bards (who are put to shame by VoicePlay, BTW) but the Dovahzul part that starts with Nordic throat singing is the theme song of the game. No shame not knowing what is Dovahzul if you’re not familiar with the game, my dudes. 😂 It’s the Dragon language which can learned by mortals but they have to study for YEARS to actually shout like a dragon. Very few people can do it but as the Dragonborn in the game, it’s in your nature to be able to speak as dragons do. You just learn the word, absorb the soul of a defeated dragon to obtain its knowledge and understanding of the word and boom! You can just shout and breathe fire, ice, curses… This is game is SO awesome!

[@letheardaw]

Layne Stein (beatbox) and Tony Watkins own PattyCake Productions, where a lot of Voiceplay's videos are done. Geoff Castellucci (bass) just released Big Bad John, which was shot in PattyCake's storage unit due to lack of any other studio space. PattyCake is pretty Disney oriented and they have a series called the Villain's Lair. What might be worth your time checking out is "Tough Love", it has the Evil Queen, Evil Stepmother, and Mother Gothel singing about the trials of raising a child correctly. (All original songs by Layne and Tony.)

[@bjspeck4337]

I loved watching VoicePlay on stage last month with Chicago.

[@veronicathunander4579]

VoicePlay is great! They usually do almost everything themselves - arranging, lighting, video, set design etc. They’re really creative!! Geoff’s (the bass) wife Kathy is production manager. The only things they don’t do themselves are makeup, camera and the final mixing.

[@janetdw]

They usually have Rick Underwood from PattyCake Productions do their make up for something like this, but for their standard non-character pieces they do their own make up. When it’s just Geoff going solo Kathy is usually the camera person.

[@eriklind8489]

both of those first notes are subharmonics

[@TokenElezen]

So here I am, watching Voiceplay reactions, and I come across you guys. 307…y’all, never did I expect to come across, let alone enjoy watching, a channel from here. Casper, I mean. I’m impressed. I never thought anything good could come from here LOL

[@daventunes3822]

Layne, the beatboxer, does a lot of the post production. He also co-owns a studio with Voiceplay's former baritone. Layne did an interview with the reactor "The "Charismatic Voice" where he discusses a lot of the technical aspects of the arranging and production, and he goes into the equipment they use.

[@geoffreyfagan1798]

Glad to see Voiceplay here again

[@Xonslaught1]

Where they are doing the shouts between the lyrics and the high part is the theme song to the game. In the game the vocals are done by an npc. The other comments explain the lore if the game itself. This was a fun one

[@307Reacts]

Thanks, Charlie! We had a fun time with it!

[@travisdutton5336]

Jeoff hits those low notes due to his ability to activate both sets of vocal cords at the same time creating an extremely low bass voice. Sub harmonics are cool

[@CrimFerret]

They can and do perform these live. They do occasionally stack voices and add reverb, but mostly it's just volume balancing. Geoff has said that for some of those really low notes, he has to really be up close to the mic. Eli is the bald one and he's got that incredible higher range with the cool vocal fry (that he goes in and out of completely smoothly). Layne is their beat boxer and even he has a really good voice when he gets to use it. They like doing theatrical videos like this. It's often Eli doing the set and lighting design. Geoff does a lot of the arranging. They also bring in guest singers for various songs when needed so there's a group of singers that aren't technically in the group that show up semi regularly in their videos.

[@janetdw]

Regarding your comment about the microphones and all the equipment, these guys each record in their own homes and then whoever did the arrangement also does the initial sound edit and the video edit. Then they send it on to Ed Boyer who is apparently THE a cappella mixer since he also does the mixing for Pentatonix and Home Free . They do spend money on their equipment but it’s all just in their houses. There is an interview with the beatboxer out there where he shows some of the editing that they do in case you’re interested. I believe it was his interview with Elizabeth zharoff from the charismatic voice.

[@bjspeck4337]

Geoff (bass) has a range of nearly 6 octaves (B0 to A5). If you enjoy the theatrical - Hoist the Colours, Friends on the Other Side, Queen in 5 Minutes, Oogie Boogie Song, My Mother Told Me, We Don't Talk About Bruno. MJ's Man in the Mirror, Geoff (solo) The Monster Mash and more

[@lkayh]

I could hear this song a thousand times and still get goosebumps in places. They’re so, sooo good! I love this reaction. Not just “wow, this is good,” but why it’s good from the perspective of people who actually understand what they’re doing.. I’d be interested in seeing you react to The Wellermen’s version of Far Over The Misty Mountains Cold (they brought in a whole lot of basses and it’ll loosen your fillings, not to mention the arrangement is amazing), or maybe Colm McGuinness’s version of If I Had a Heart.

[@caitlinkavanagh3298]

So glad to see another VoicePlay reaction!! The Warriors of VoicePlay just killed this. Absolutely amazing. Can't wait to hear more!!

[@dylanwyont9095]

I would highly recommend reaching to VoicePlays Hoist the Colors

[@bjspeck4337]

Layne the beatboxer has an interview with The Charismatic Voice and showed her how he does that.

[@ad9aggie]

Geoff *is* Dragonborn. Keep on keepin' on, guys!

[@r.d.stratford106]

I always learn so much when I watch your reactions. Great episode!

[@janetdw]

This piece is a mash up from the elder scrolls. Skyrim and Dragonborn Comes is a part of this series.. I don’t game but the music is epic and the album is now on my playlist. One of my favorite parts, which I believe is overlooked, is that short duet between Cesar and Geoff . I love the juxtaposition of Geoff’s uncharacteristic rough tones and Cesar’s beautiful clear baritone. They are singing in Dragonspeak which was invented for the game by the composer. The shouts and FUS RO DAH are how the dragons speak. ( Not a gamer - I have this on good authority from What It Do Dave. He really knows the game and explains really well the significance of the shouts and switch to Dovazhul.). When they shout Fus Ro Dah, you can see a video effect coming out of their mouths and that represents that dragon spell which is basically a percussive wave that flattens the enemy. You mentioned how they like to go all out with the costumes. Cesar is wearing a 20 pound chain mail shirt in addition to the gorget and the gauntlets. In between takes he had to lie down on the floor because the weight of the shirt and all the rest of it was starting to hurt his shoulders. The bass just released a new production. It is Big Bad John. It is a cover of the song by Jimmy Dean of the sausage fame back in the 1950s. It’s sort of goes along with his 16 tons production as it’s about the coal mining industry. As originally released it’s more of a spoken piece with the only real singing done during the big bad John portion but of course that’s never good enough for this guy.

[@mindyquinby2079]

"Go Rupp, go!!!" -- BTW the beat boxer here is Layne Stein

[@goinsouth051]

Dovahzul is Dragon speech and that’s what they were speaking. It’s like in the same realm as Klingon .

[@nikkibanning176]

These guys always do their best to entertain and are spot on with the vocals and beatboxing

[@Ydnic7481]

The behind the scenes of this video is so funny. The chainmail vest on Caesar was really heavy, and he'd lay down in between takes

[@SuperStarwars24]

The "language" is actually from Skyrim the language of the dragons that was created for the series

[@georgemegaw2925]

So your thumbnail drew me in - even with two new fellows…..WHERE THE EFF IS YOUR BALL CAP? I have so many questions.

[@danielcummins5092]

Basses have several "passages" where they transition to different registers. The highest notes a bass can sing are likely in falsetto (light airy voice, "boy-like"), then there is a chest/head mix (think the high notes of Oogy Boogy). Going down further is Chest Voice, their talking range. Below that is vocal fry (that froggy sound you can have in the morning). Lastly, you have Sub-harmonics -- which I don't fully understand (I'm not a bass). Those lowest notes that are so impressive are sub-harmonics.

[@bobr4987]

Not sure if you know this history but back around 2014 there was a TV Competition show for Acapella groups called "Sing Off". Pentatonix and Home Free both won the show on different seasons. VoicePlay was also in the competition, so they all know each other and collab once in a while. Geoff sometimes helps Home Free with arrangements and video production. Another group worth a listen is "Walk Off The Earth". As you are musicians yourselves, check out their cover of "Somebody That I Used to Know" where all 5 people play one guitar as they sing their parts. So they aren't Acapella, but are different, interesting and funny. Thanks!

[@bjspeck4337]

Geoff does an interview with the Charismatic Voice and they compare equipment. Layne the beatboxer, has an interview with her as well with processing being covered.

[@natebaker3672]

Loved the reaction. You all have great insights.

[@NicholasAHart]

Voiceplay "We Don't Talk About Bruno" cover from the Movie "Encanto". If you have not seen it, you should checkout the original song from the movie, then Voiceplay's cover...

[@Tryst46]

Most of Geoff's low range is pure chest voice. That's how he can sing so low with such clarity. It's lower than his speaking voice, but not by very much. I can sing along because I also have a naturally low voice. It's his high range that speaks volumes about practice. He has a 5 octave range compared to most bass singers 3 octaves, mine is around 2.5 octaves. Layne is the beatboxer and also co-owns the studio that their sets are filmed. In the latest vid from them, the cover of Aerosmith's Dream On, he makes a sound that shouldn't be possible with a human voice.

[@timothybuell3314]

Layne is the beatboxer, and does most of the arrangements.

[@aaronunsfe]

Its the dragon language. That language was specifically created for that game. Its power with the use of voice.

[@patriciawilson591]

Ed Boyer is the mixer. He has also mixed for Home Free and PTX.

[@mikkifullerton]

Would love to see your reaction to Queen in 5 minutes.

[@jennifersmith8923]

Yes

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

if you haven’t seen them I recommend hoist the colours and my mother told me ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Aurora-cv5to]

Great reaction, thanks! VoicePlay (and Geoff's channel) are just amazing, obsessive listens for me. BUT - you mentioned listening to/for drums and bass and I don't see any reactions to Dirty Loops from you. They're from another planet - 3 guys, Henrick on bass, Aron on drums and Jonah on keys and vocals. From Sweden, started the group just to play the music they want to play, on the side. Went seriously viral. Picked up by Quincy Jones. Listen to Work Shit Out for spectacular drum and keys solos, and to Follow the Light (Dirty Loops with Cory Wong) for an insane bass solo. They're another compelling group that just sucks you in.

[@VeronicaLittlefield]

Here are the members. Eli Jacobson: tener/rock style to his voice Saesar de la Rosa: Tenner Layne Stein: beat boxer Geoff: bass Fun Fact: Layne held his microphone against his throat to make those thumping sounds.

[@satyabhargav1145]

enjoyed ur reaction also love to see ur reaction to -- geoff castellucci "Shenandoah" & "Big bad john" -- avi kaplan "First place i go" & "Hey ya"

[@joywright8794]

Thank you!

[@Iansco1]

This is from Skyrim. The language is from the game.

[@therealivydawg]

It's three different songs. First was dragon born comes, a song sung by the bards in town bars, then it went into the elder scrolls theme for all the games, then it transitioned to the main theme song for Skyrim that's sung in the language of dragons that is arranged from the elder scrolls theme, and finished with the bard song.

[@tracyz9155]

This is a mashup of a “tavern type” song from inside the game and the theme song/start up of the game plus a shout or two that’s part of the game play. The language is made up for the game. I enjoyed the reaction. Thanks

[@kazzMarie]

A fantastic reaction. Glad to see you back on VoicePlay 😊 can you react to more by them please xx

[@galadballcrusher8182]

Of course it is genetics DragonBORN you know:)

[@mikaelarosling5622]

The language they use in this video is used in Skyrim. Fus roh dah is a spell used in the game

[@lkreinmiller-author]

The language was created just for the game.

[@jackyfriedman1963]

On their patreon they do behind the scenes videos of most of their videos at the $5 and up tiers. There's Alot of other perks too.

[@SFWUxSavage]

The language they say in the second verse is the language of the dragons from the game

[@ASLLover666]

they're singing in dovahzul or dragon language from the game and fus ro dah is a dragon shout you learn in the game

[@amandawade4484]

Layne is the beatboxer

[@TheTomster777]

In the game skyrim you play as the dragonborn which is where this song comes from. Also the other language that came in is the dragon language from skyrim. Dovakin is dragon....kin because the dragonborn is like kinda related to the dragons.

[@tinasturgeon4730]

Awesome song. Great reaction! Thanks for your hard work! Have a Wonderful Weekend! #Hangovergang! #Acal! #Creeksquad! #Thanks Ronnie! #Notification Gang!

[@waynebrower5558]

The one singer with the arrows is the son of a Voctave tenor.

[@ilonadever8249]

Brother of E J Cardona of Voctave :)

[@shawnfaith17]

the language is Ancient Draconian

[@mountainman5173]

You should show them the Oogie Boogie Song... I think they'd get a kick out of Geoff's ending note.... :P

[@theloneranger8725]

I think they would also be floored by Geoff's voice range. He runs the gamut in that one.

[@mountainman5173]

@@theloneranger8725 right? That guy's got SICK range... I think someone mentioned his range as 6 octaves.

[@b.buster.]

Geoff has a 5 octave range for a bass singer.

[@jimmygammon2352]

A slightly unknown artist, but one of the upcoming powerhouses Tomi P does some absolutely amazing acapella work. The layering is phenomenal and his range is INSANE! if yall could check him out it would be awesome, he won't let you down.

[@katieaiken3000]

It’s actually been proven that Layne swallowed an entire drum kit, percussion set and a few other instruments known only to him. I think there are X-rays somewhere…😜😂

[@michellemoreland3783]

Geoff has a 4 octave range and he hits the subharmonics all the time.

[@Guest.7289]

5* A0-A#5.

[@Drkknight14]

Aaron has a majestic beard

[@307Reacts]

Yes. Yea he does. Haha

[@aaronunsfe]

Its a bard song in the game. The dovikin part is the title screen music for elder scrolls skyrim.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

Nope nope nope! As of July 29 Home Free are the a cappella kings of LARPing. Brother is unbeatable!

[@bjspeck4337]

Check out VoicePlay's Halo. Be sure to watch the outre for some history of VoicePlay and its members.

[@katiecowan8211]

You should check out some of Geoff's songs a few of my favorites are: Big Bad John House of the Rising Son Sixteen Tons Take Me Home Country Roads

[@wimpywolf3789]

I'll give you my best translation of some of the dragon tongue: 'Dragonborn, Dragonborn by his honour is sworn To keep evil forever at bay! And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph's shout, Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray! Hearken now, sons of snow, to an age, long ago, And the tale, boldly told, of the one! But a day, shall arise, when the dark dragon's lies, will be silenced forever and then! Fair Skyrim will be free from foul Alduin's maw! Dragonborn, Dragonborn by his honor is sworn, To keep evil forever at bay! And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout. Dragonborn, for your blessings we pray!'

[@patriciaschuman4205]

One of Geoff's first comments on his video about singing low, "If you sound like Ariana Grande and you want to sound like James Earl Jones it might not be in the cards." Search on Misheard Lyrics, Dragonborn Comes to see a tongue-in-cheek explanation of what they're singing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWGvZH5topWCn9E

[@fallxnangxl8639]

10:07 It's the language of the Dovah (dragons) in the Skyrim game.

[@johnbeck7254]

The language was designed for the game.

[@Mike_1947]

You should check out Tim Storms Lonesome Road 😎

[@noncompulsoryl]

"OK...Bass guy" lmao

[@davidsotier1546]

Vocal fry and sub harmonics.

[@MusclesandMusic]

Apologizes if this has already been stated but the language they speak is the language from the game Skyrim

[@kazzMarie]

Fantastic reaction. Can you react to VoicePlays song. Warrior (imagine Dragons) please its amazing. Layne beatboxes while playing a violin at the same time xx

[@philbertlawrence1233]

It means calling dragon born comes to battle

[@melodiemalone2317]

Great reaction Please react to voiceplay queen in 5 min please

[@katrinakhalatians2776]

Geoff has a new cover Big Bad John you guys should check it out, Also Voiceplay We Don't Talk About Bruno from Encanto please

[@b.buster.]

If you really want to hear the bass singers range listen to his covers of Blackbird, House of the rising sun, 16 tons, and his recent one, Big Bad John.

[@Iansco1]

It is all all all all all all all training. And there is a limit. You have to have the bass to begin with.

[@marshayoung9387]

Great reaction, love you guys. Please I beg you. Would you please do a reaction video of Voice Plays version of Once Upon a Dream. It is absolutely amazing. Be prepared to knock your socks off.

[@rforden1976]

Lane does the beatboxing Jeff the base Caesar And Ellie

[@jeanneplace6871]

Whoa Dragon Language!