There’s harmony in Pentatonix vocalists’ differences

MEMBERS, from left: Scott Hoying, Avi Kaplan, Kevin Olusola, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado

In today’s pop music scene, where just about every new song is laden with electronic synths and processed beats, does a cappella singing have a place?

Late last year, the American vocal ensemble Pentatonix showed that its style of music could slug it out with the rest of the field, when its eponymous fourth album reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart—a first for an a cappella group.

But it wasn’t easy. And the quintet’s members admit that, despite their recent success, they’re still trying to figure things out. “Many of the stuff today are production-based; the synths and beats make them sound good. But we rely on our vocals, which is a challenge,” baritone lead Scott Hoying said at a press conference a day before the band’s recent concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

He was joined by fellow members Kevin Olusola (vocal percussion), Mitch Grassi (tenor lead) Kirstin Maldonado (mezzosoprano lead) and Avi Kaplan (bass). The five-member group first rose to prominence when it won the third season of the singing competition, “Sing-Off,” in 2011, and has since released hits—originals and covers—that showcase its members’ collective talent in harmonizing and arranging.

If there’s one thing Pentatonix has learned from its experiences thus far, it’s that being faithful to who you are as an artist pays off. “We tried to do what’s perceived to be cool, but it didn’t make much sense for us. We just have to maximize what   we have—and that’s our voices,” Kevin said. “We try to do our best so the audience wouldn’t care that we don’t have instruments [backing us up].”

Excerpts from Pentatonix’s chat with the press:

What was it like having a No. 1 album?

Scott: It was one of our career’s top moments. We didn’t think it was going to happen, until our manager texted us about it. I was in the middle of a movie, and I ran out, cried and freaked out!

Kevin: We worked so hard to get that far. We were ecstatic!

How important is doing covers?

Kirstin: It’s important for emerging artists because that’s what’s going to grab the attention of people who might not know you or your music.

What’s your creative process like?

Scott: We have different tastes in music—which is great, because we can bring a lot of new things into the arrangement. But we’re also respectful of each other’s ideas. Even when we disagree, we always give each other a shot… We’ve created a precedent in our group, which is why some of our arrangements have done well.

PENTATONIX members have different tastes in music. Jude Ng for CCA Entertainment

You recently did “Jolene” with Dolly Parton. Who else would you like to work with in the future?

Mitch: Imogen Heap, because her voice could do really cool things. And I think our style would marry very well.

Kevin: I’ve always wondered what it would be like if we worked with a rapper, such as Kendrick Lamar, who brings such an intensity onstage that is unparalleled. It would be awesome to work with him!

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