VOCES8: Backstage Pass 'Episode 1: Pilot - On the Road in the USA'

VOCES8 is thrilled to share the pilot episode of a new documentary series, 'Backstage Pass.' Filmed in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and New Jersey from VOCES8’s February 2023 US tour, this exclusive view captures the heart of who VOCES8 is as a group and its mission to change the world through music. Created by filmmaker, Andrew Staples for VOCES8 Studios, this is an up-close take on both the challenges VOCES8 members face, and the magic they make as they sing alongside each other for you.
Experience the life-changing force of music as the group teaches, transforms and seeks to inspire new audiences and future generations; it’s a fascinating view of what it takes to tour and teach the world to sing. So whether you like music, or simply enjoy travel, please watch and share this joyous journey.
This is a pilot episode and we’d love to have the chance to evolve a series with you, adventuring together - the Arts and society are facing unprecedented challenges so please consider helping VOCES8 make a difference. Please leave your feedback in the comments and also share the episode.
Many thanks to the fan whose letter we read out at the beginning of this episode; our thoughts are still very much with you.

[@juvenalsdad4175]

It seems to me to be a certainty that the world is a better place for having Voces8 in it. I think the work they do for musical education is amazing, and their performances are of the highest quality. Not things to be taken for granted.

[@twitchly]

Fun piece, nice to hear everyone’s thoughts. I really feel for Barney being torn between his young family and the work he loves. Much as we all love to hear Voces8 live, I think most of us would gladly support you all if you decide to tour less and stay closer to home as you grow older and start families. I sincerely hope you all find a way to balance doing what you love with being there for the people you love.

[@RoSario-vb8ge]

Well said❤

[@chipgribble6797]

I think Blake said the blend is second to none. To my ears, that is absolutely true. So marvelous!

[@davionhambrick8627]

I love you all so much. Thanks for letting us into your hearts and minds a bit.

[@MichaelFitch]

Hearing Voces8 live in concert was one of the highlight experiences of my life. I wish them all the best.

[@user-tf1sg1ri2k]

I celebrated a recent birthday by attending your concert in Worcester, Massachusetts. I listen to Voces8 most days as I work from home and was delighted to hear you in person. It surpassed all my expectations and will remain with me for years to come.

[@nyc88s]

Voces8 is a constant source of joy in my life. I love them.

[@garyhinkle5736]

Thank You, Voces8 For The Continuing Gift Of Your Music 💙

[@richardfitzgerald537]

Thank you for providing this insightful 'Backstage Pass' , the Voces8 sound and the work you do with young students is awe-inspiring !

[@user-zq6xi2mw5l]

I heard you singing in Nürnberg in december last year for the first time. I was absolutely impressed by every single voice in your choir. You create an absolutely perfect sound of harmony. Thank you for so much pleasure ❤👏👏!

[@awakening4210]

Because you're connected to your souls (said Barnaby Smith) we can connect to yours through music in a very transcendental way. Thank you for this amazing experience.

[@defel1]

I love Voces8.

[@paulmcgrath552]

Just what I needed to see and hear on a dull February afternoon. I love the music of Voces8, the peek behind the curtain gave me joy.

[@cynthiat6505]

I absolutely adore your music! I’m a musician and you all are the phenomenal best!!!

[@richardbreitling6537]

This was a wonderful video of the family aspects of Voces8. I feel invisibly connected to the group and what you do and your outreach to the community. The sheer work for some of your pieces is enormous and I understand that being the best in what you do requires high intensity that can be very trying and tiring. Your mission becomes your burden but also a precious gift of inspiration to people. You are supported by those who know! Forget the politics, the desperate world, and all the distractions - sing and the world becomes a happy place.

[@achenarmyst2156]

„The world“ getting happy while you get depressive is not quite a win-win-constellation.

[@richardbreitling6537]

@@achenarmyst2156 : I believe you’re taking my statement too literally. Barnaby has taken ownership for his own times of depression, “I wouldn’t change a thing…” . I don’t judge it, and it seems he doesn’t either. So as much as I feel for his dilemma, it’s his problem and he can change it when he wants if he wants.

[@newmonikermusic]

This group brings me so much joy. Seeing them perform live in 2023 (from the front row!) was one of the most magnificent musical moments I've ever experienced. I really enjoyed speaking with Katie, Molly, and Euan afterward. Much love from Texas. Please come again and often.

[@timothymalone7067]

Really enjoyed this! I follow you on KZbin and had the opportunity to see you in concert the last two years!! As an aspiring tenor in a small church choir, your music has the ability to touch the souls of those you hear you. Thanks for work and thanks for the glimpse of behind the curtain

[@trick5832]

I’m seeing you tonight! I’m (hopefully) going to college this year to become a choir teacher and you all are some of my biggest inspirations.

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Beautiful sounds Great Work. I hope you enjoyed your tour of America.

[@owlley]

must be tough being away from Blighty but so glad you do it for us! I'm coming to listen to you in Vermont and I'm very excited for the live experience! I know its going to be amazing..

[@christinecollins9634]

I can't wait to see this series come to life. As a musician myself, I'm always intrigued to get insights to what inspires and motivates other performers, plus it's just such a joy to be able to spend any time at all with such a stellar group as yourselves, whose recordings and Live from London events have become such fixtures in my own life.

[@didisinclair3605]

I saw you glorious people a few years ago in West Hartford Connecticut. Pure, pure heaven.

[@dkod19]

This was wonderful. It's great getting to know them even better. Hang in there, Barney. Get whatever help you need. An added bonus was seeing myself waiting to speak with Andrea after their most recent concert at Merkin Hall in Kaufman Music Center in NYC last October. I can't wait to see more episodes.

[@richardseewald4739]

For many of us, this will be a dream come true! Thank you for the impactful and generous work that you do - from London, Ontario, Canada.

[@PaulaTerryLancaster]

And Barrie, Ontario, Canada!

[@nathoconnor9637]

You guys are soooOo amazing ❤ and what a work!!!

[@chorpraxis1533]

Dear Barney, my feeling is with you. I know how it is, my parents left several years ago. I am grateful to you for every minute of music.

[@FG-ie7cu]

Yes, Barnaby. Thank you for your very open and sensitive sharing of your heart. Could say more, but . . . just, may God bless, protect, and guide you and your precious family.

[@ruthjohnson3587]

You are such an inspiration! The first time I was introduced to you was when our choir sang Finlandia. I fell in love with the arrangement and have been following you ever since. Then to learn how you educate all ages to sing made my respect for you even greater! I’m beyond excited to come hear you live in Atlanta soon!

[@ruthjohnson3587]

This is my Song

[@jonnsmusich]

Mr. Mann, the Music teacher at my primary school turned me on to music. (Choral) Music has been my best and closest companion for decades. Thanks Mr. Mann. Thanks VOCES8

[@malc121]

Hope all goes well,have fun and safe travels ❤️

[@herbertwackerlin6174]

Thank you so much for this backstage tour 🙏 Can’t wait to see (and hear 😍) you guys live again (probably in May 2024 at the Lake Constance Festival 😃)

[@lindabogardus4183]

This is fabulous! Gets to the beauty and the truth of your sound and personalities.The passion for education comes through strongly as well. This video will keep sustaining me til the next concert. Thank you!

[@Lisa-fj7uq]

It's a great film, so very interesting. I have seen you quite a few times in the UK but it's great to see you backstage and hearing the story from you all. Please keep doing what you're doing - Voces8 are the very best!

[@plast117]

My wife and I can't wait to hear you twice in Houston this weekend! Safe travels!

[@cherylpearce2503]

Can’t wait for the next episode. Can’t wait to hear Lyyra. Can’t wait until April when we will see you live in Southend!! Enjoy your USA tour. There’s not a day goes by without me listening to your music it keeps me sane and gives me deep joy, thank you from the bottom of my heart.❤❤❤

[@larrymiller4]

This has to be my favorite "band" now, since all the bands I used to follow have all passed into oblivion. What's so striking is that voces8 are true to the music, all of it timeless, and they are able to mesh their considerable talents together to create that certain..."I don't know what."

[@adriancacciatore9678]

from Argentina...I love your sound...!!!

[@spmoran4703]

A truly amazing group of singers . I love them. I love how those children were so enthusiastic about singing

[@GerbenGroeneveld]

What a lovely episode

[@gracejessen3660]

So grateful to have heard you in person some years ago in little Wisconsin towns, while travel was still possible for me, having 'discovered' you on CD. You really are a special group, and now mostly I learn more about music and voice from the learned comments on your You Tube bits. That your individual spirits or souls are so honest may be part of excellent voice and training..something different is given, for which i am so grateful.

[@debbie3109]

Loved seeing all the behind the scenes and getting to know you all better!

[@kyleethekelt]

You lot are fantastic. Just don't forget there's a southern part to the world, too. I am sure there are heaps of us who'd love to see you here in Aotearoa.

[@grandmajill]

What a great insight! I still get goosebumps about the concert we did with Voces 8 in Bradford in 2022. They are wonderful!

[@barrypaulh]

The first part hurt as my mom passed in January from cancer. Music and my composition feeling an emptiness right now.

[@nicolaasstam1611]

Wonderful!

[@christophgurr9292]

Lovely music, lovely people❤

[@zinny54]

Bravi! Bravo! Nice perspective on the dynamic of the group.

[@mhcarruthers]

I do hope you can make the Canadian West Coast in the future. I was hoping to travel down to Portland but the concert was sold out. Real enjoyed this video.

[@billymeyer99]

I love you guys. Keep up the amazing work as long as you can.

[@achenarmyst2156]

It was moving to hear Barnaby speaking very honestly about the difficulties with separation from loved ones and the bouts of depression this caused for him. In my view we too often place professional aspects and career above our most important personal relations. We could consider to work less to reduce separation. Or we pay more for tickets to enable families to join during longer concert tours abroad. Avoiding depression is worth to invest in a significant amount of our wealth.

[@badwater]

Looking forward to seeing you in Birmingham, Alabama!

[@rosemerryt]

oh what a joy to watch this and hear the individual voices

[@MrMarioman107]

Voces8 you're heaven sent! I love seeing your behind the scenes moments-would love to see how travel influences your voices and how you cope-both short term and long term.

[@alexh4436]

V8 needs to come to Las Vegas one of these days. Despite its image as a over the top cultural distopia, choral music is supported by the community and taught in the schools. They would find a willing audience to attend their concerts and lots of willing students and educators to learn what they have to teach. Seriously. Outside the Strip , LV is a pretty regular American city.

[@user-ss3co1qx9r]

Thanks for the insight, Andrew. So great to spend time with the finest vocal ensemble going.

[@michaelfoster-qw2tw]

All love.

[@RoddyAlt]

Godspeed to all of you in the Voces8 family, all singers, and support staff, and families you are leaving at home to make this US trip a possibility! Your fans and supporters are grateful for the sacrifices you make to share your truly unique gifts in these live concerts. I discovered you in the very early days of amazon music with the original release of eventide. Then around 2018, I took my young family to one of your concerts near Knoxville, TN. I believe my children were 12, 8, & 6 at the time. We’ve wanted to go back ever since and finally this year it is feasible with your concert next Saturday in Atlanta. We’ll be there! With ❤ from your North Carolina fans.

[@user-xe3be7wd1i]

C'est toujours un réel plaisir de suivre votre parcours musical , immense , et une belle qualité vocal . Merci .

[@emgoldsmith55]

Can’t wait to see you all in Portland, OR!! Safe travels!

[@user-nt2gw5nb6y]

I want they come to korea

[@frankorusso]

Che persone amabili!!

[@LenaCabana]

Thank you for your wonderful music. It's healing. Hope to see you one day in Kraków , Poland.

[@hankdearden7202]

See you soon in Rockport! =)

[@Mark-dm2mb]

Voces8 simply the best

[@alandoran9891]

Love it - more please☝️😊

[@planet5259]

Wish there were more people in the US so dedicated to music education. TY, Voces8

[@nethervoicevideos]

See you in Middlebury, Vermont!

[@flossietea]

Awwww, this is so lovely, guys - and Andy has an amazing eye for a beautiful little moment to match up with the words. That bit where Euan talks about dynamics and being able to take the envelope right down and then you cut to a mum comforting her baby...

[@carolnora8860]

BRAVO!!!!! Can't wait to see you all again LIVE - one of my best experiences ever! Thank you 💜

[@cathcort1]

Thank you for your soul-connected singing and the sacrifices you make to improve the world with beauty.

[@grocdaurat]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jools1623]

Brilliant

[@shawardara]

Fascinating. They’re set apart by tone, blend and tuning. Gorgeous.

[@brittanyhall6048]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: VOCES8 is the best vocal group in the world. Thank you all for sharing your gifts.

[@kimmysophiabrown4807]

omg when are you coming back. just incredible beauty. xxxooo

[@ejtakach]

Can't wait!🎉🎉🎉

[@peterdyson49]

Fantastic..... looking forward to the next and the next and the next........

[@user-pp7my5ee3i]

See you in Bridgewater next Tuesday.

[@applemac100100]

Please Please Please come to Northern Ireland.

[@dabeamer42]

Simply the best there is nowadays.

[@robinhalmhofer]

MORE PLEASE. Love this bts style video!

[@cht2162]

At 84 yrs., I'm just jealous....of not being able to soar vocally as I did 60+ years ago. If only.....⌛⏳

[@yukigrace4553]

Please come to Japan!

[@wacawlubinski5218]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏PL

[@davidalbro2009]

Was this premiered in the UK 4 days before the US?! How are there comments from 4 days ago about the content of the video when this just premiered?

[@MrDodadi]

Great stuff, There only remains the central question in life: ;-) Why did. you go to Pat’s and not to Gino‘s. Hope this Philadelphia experience was better than the recording in former YT video in that Duell sounding ‚club‘. Merry continuation, Had a great time with Essen…

[@MrDodadi]

Had a great time with YOU IN Essen (makes more sense), and by the way: my American brother also took me to Pat‘s and not to Gino‘s

[@beaflint5162]

Very interesting. But the narrative was hard to understand. Lots of fun anyway.

[@user-ub4xb2eg7t]

🌼😇🏞️

[@a1ar127]

Let’s give credit to the people who produced this video…. Sure, the voices are incredible, but without the creative techs that can bring this into a story / narrative, so much might be overlooked, or lost.

[@humanedane]

Sorry for your loss Barney. My father passed in Dec 29th You’re not alone. Best in all your music making

[@VOCES8]

Thanks so much for your comment. I’m sorry it’s not clear, but I am actually reading out a very moving letter that we received. We are very sorry for your loss and hope you are ok. Best wishes and thanks for reaching out, Barney

[@mgeuleinstsear]

How I stumbled upon Voces8 was preparing the song “Goodnight my angel” by Billy Joel for my mother-in-law’s funeral back in September 2022. After listening to Billy Joel’s music video, it jumped to Voces8’s version with the King’s Singers and I instantly fell in love with their sound. Their music has been so comforting dealing with loss of people, leaving a cultish religion behind that I was born into, and just everyday grind. I listen to their songs on every car ride, every time I’m alone at home (my toddler only wants to listen to baby shark right now 😂). Their music is so therapeutic, peaceful and comforting ❤️