“If they add effects, isn’t that cheating?” Sure, if you’re looking for strictly vocal work. I think of it the same as when they add in a violin, or when Layne records a drum loop and uses that as backing so that he can also do a bunch of other crazy beatboxing stuff on top of it. It’s still using their talents - just with the addition of technology to make it even cooler. Check out any of their “Aca Top 10” videos for live (not prerecorded) performances; they’re a little less fancy but no less impressive!
VoicePlay is very open about the fact that they use various post-processing effects in their recorded music, "because we can", and there are numerous interviews scattered around RU-vid wherein they talk about it, in some detail, including one where Layne showed off all the dozens of layers or channels or whatever they're called in audio editing, that he used for the vocal percussion in Classical Chaos. They also do live performances, so it's not like they can't sing without Melodyne or whatever. But they're perfectionists and want the stuff they produce to be as good as it can be, so if they can enhance it with post-processing, they do that.
I watched one of Layne's videos last night actually. Super interesting. I'll definitely be touching upon this in future videos and it's opened my mind a little bit more in what to listen out for.
Comment for the algorithm. I am always up for Voiceplay. If you are interested in another rabbit hole, Geoff has his own channel where all his vocal goodness show thru.
@@melvinthinksGeoff has multiple Halloween videos you could react to before that one, like Monster Mash, Headless Horseman, and Jack's Lament goes well with the other four songs from Nightmare Before Christmas that VoicePlay has done: What's This, This is Halloween, Kidnap the Sandy Claws, and Oogie Boogie's Song.
They don't use synthesizers or other instruments unless you actually see them on-screen (and that's rare.) But yeah, they may layer recordings of their vocals or percussion, or distort them with filters, and I'm pretty sure that's what they did here. I couldn't swear to it, but the sound effect you were wondering about was most likely Layne. He can make all sorts of bizarre sounds. They will also occasionally add a non-musical sound effect like a scream or, as you noticed, the gun reloading sound. Looking forward to your Thriller reaction!
Since you asked ‘who’ made the synth sounds - I’m going to suggest you check out one of their minis where they were working out how to do such sounds. Not really something for a reaction, just something enlightening. You’ll see that the sound is probably a combo of several singers together. Check m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F67DDKMmrtw.html
Melvin, Layne stacks his sound sometimes, so explained in an interview with the Charismatic Voice, Elizabeth Zarkov, she made the Ghost sounds in "Hide and Seek" for them. I recommend this interview. Elmar from Germany
Geoff has a 5+ octave range, so he sang much higher than you heard on this video, both with Voiceplay and on his solo channel. ( i.e LOTR/Hobbit covers, Jack's Lament, Sound of Silence, etc.)
Nice reaction! "Warriors" is the other Apocalyptic song, from an earlier iteration of VoicePlay, when Earl Elkins, was their high tenor, no Cesar, and J. None was an "official" group member. And there's a couple little surprises in it.💙
I really enjoy your Voice Play reactions- thanks! Don't worry about your pausing and what you say as this is your channel and we subscribe because you are genuine and we really like that. Yes, Voice Play is very different from the other acapella groups as they are theatrical and they are completely independent by choice doing all their own production (no record label or contract) and are not afraid to take risks and try new things with their production. They are patron based and do many covers that are suggested by patrons that you would not think could be done acapella. Aside from their arrangements and singing they are so talented and creative in the production side of what they create. I appreciate and look forward to your "THRILLER" reaction soon. Geoff does have his own solo channel and if you can squeeze in a reaction to "Jack's Lament" you would be giving yourself a real treat and would see more of Geoff's five octave vocal range. "Sexy Geoff" is sweet and reminds me of a recent gentleman that reacted and stated that Geoff made him feel "scared and aroused". The third song in this apocalyptic trio is "Warriors" and the surprises in that one will blow your mind. Glad I subscribed to you channel and I look forward to more of your reactions.😄
Thank you Annette 🙏😊 That's really kind of you to say. Some viewers get a bit agitated when reactors... god forbid... PAUSE! Or... TALK! How dare they?!? 😆 And I just spat my morning coffee out reading the "scared and aroused" part! 🤣😆😁
The effects are proff that Layne swallowed an alien mother ship saving the planet from destruction 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Don't worry about pausing and rewinding, we're here for it, and that's what reactors do. As for not having enough time for all the reactions. Just do what you can when you can and don't over stress yourself.
Hahahaha! Layne definitely swallowed something in this video! It always amuses me when some viewers say "Stop pausing" or "You pause too much". But hey ho, I kind of explained my thoughts about this in the video so won't regurgitate it. Thanks Jill. I try my best but I know I can't please everyone all of the time 😢 When I'm retried I'll be able to release RU-vid videos every day 😁
The first sound is proof he’s a Transformer. That is dead on the sound of a Transformer changing. There were only two that were into sound - Autobot Jazz and Decepticon Soundwave. Soundwave was the one that was human sized. Note to self: let’s not piss off “Layne”…. 😜
Thanks for your reaction to VoicePlay! VoicePlay makes me enjoy music that normally isn't something that I listen to. Will watch for your reaction to "Thriller." Listen to Geoff's newest, "Song of Durin" from Tolkien's Middle Earth, to hear more of his range. It is wonderful and his tenor solo near the end is beautiful. Since VoicePlay doesn't tour any more, they use effects on their voices when it suits the song. Layne, Geoff, and Eli are all married and fathers of young children and seem to enjoy staying at home and turning to RU-vid to release their music. They haven't toured since the pandemic shut everything down.
And thank you for watching and commenting 🙏😊 It's definitely not something I would normally listen to either, but it's such great fun and completely different to my metal and hard rock reactions. I like to spice it up from time to time on the channel. I like variety 😁
That very high part that you liked near the end - also my favorite. Anthony starts going insanely high and then just casually passes it over to Eli. I'm the wrong generation for this one, but Voiceplay is just the best. I'm looking forward to your reaction to Thriller. You have not heard anything close to Geoff's highest notes. Did we mention that he started a solo channel during the pandemic? They had to stop touring and concentrated on their studio work. He had a little extra time on his hands, so why not? He did three pieces from The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings. The best, in my opinion, is I See Fire. In your spare time, check it out.
They are all great singers, aren't they? I mentioned in either my 1st or 2nd VP reaction that are all superb in their own rights. But Geoff... aside from being dreamy... I'm just fascinated by him! lol Stay tuned because there's definitely gonna be some "Sexy Geoff Solo Time"
Fun fact: Geoff's highest note is an A#5... or one semitone higher than a average mezzo soprano female or 2 semitones lower than an average female soprano.
Layne has an interview where he explains how many tracks they sometimes use to get all the sounds and parts that he arranges into his arrangements of their covers. He is a perfectionist and while the current group has newer members, he and Geoff have been singing together since school, think 1995.
Looking forward to this since your VP "Dream On" reaction. Voiceplay really brought it on this arrangement. What a great feel they created. Listened to this dozens of times and it still gets me energized. Awesome!
Thanks man! Didn't have too long to wait in comparison to a lot of other bands I do on this channel - only a couple of weeks 😁 I've broken some of my own scheduling rules for VoicePlay so I squeeze this track in in time from "Thriller" 🤘🤘🤘
Yeah, you're back for VP 🎉 Now sitting back and watching your reaction 🫶🏻 And now I'm already hyped for your reaction to "Thriller" 😅🫶🏻 Edit 1: and you're drinking good belgian beer... already thumbs up for that 👍🏻 Edit 2: I think the synth sound you couldn't see anyone doing was an effect on Layne's voice, they are not afraid to use effects if it suits the song and they layer voices, par example when Geoff does the lead, as in "Hellfire" or "Be prepared" and some others, he sings the bass part and it gets layered 👍🏻 Thank you for your reaction 🫶🏻
Hahahaha! Cheers Sarah. I don't mind that there are overdubs and layers, but there are probably some anal A Cappella aficionados out there who would scream from the rooftops if it weren't all live and one-take. Thanks for watching and the support again. 7 more sleeps until Thriller 😊
I try to always stick around for the intro. Not always as good about the outro. Warriors is the first of the 3 songs in their apocalypse series. You'll love Thriller for Halloween, and after that, I recommend Trapped and the 2 part Panic in four minutes (both at the same time). They have some fun Christmas ones, like their Jingle Bell and Mission Impossible mash-up.
If only you'd told me this 8 days ago. Which would have been impossible because you would have had to have seen this video in the future. And then gone back in time. Hmmm. I'm overthinking this again, aren't I?
😂I really like your humor and the way you talk! 👍 You get me in every video more than once. Concerning "a capella": Of course it doesn't mean "live recording". So post production effects are completely normal, as well as multi track recordings and sound mixing. As long as all sounds are made by voice or body, it's "a capella" or "without instruments". Additionally, the videos are (of course) shot after the audio recordings and lip-synced. It's more important to tell a story or deliver a visual performance supporting the song than exactly showing what you hear. One could argue, that presenting an instrument for a solo (like in the Metallica song) is non-conform to pure a capella. But as a singer or group, you want the best result possible for your work/project. And in this case, the violin was the better choice over singing/humming the guitar solo of the original. And in my opinion is, it doesn't matter. Music is no competition, it's art. Art may also have rules, but rules are no laws. BTW: There is a shirt available by VP that says "VIOLAYNE" on the front, and on the back it reads "A CAPELLA. IT'S BETTER WITH INSTRUMENTS." 🤣🥕
"I really like your humor and the way you talk!" - that's good to head because I can't change either of them and I don't have the 5 octave range of Geoff either 😆
The trifecta of a capella (VP, PTX and HF) say if you hear an actual instrument you'll see it in the video. If you don't see an instrument, there isn't one. There are effects though. Home Free uses a looper and they explain how it works during concerts
@HannahSBax completely off topic, but is it "a capella", "acapella" or " A Cappella"? I read that acapella is the American way of spelling it. and "A Cappella" is the traditional Italian term, which we use in Britain. And then sometimes I see the latter but with one "p". Hmmm...
If you wanna hear Layne(beatboxer) show off his "drum" skills, they did Phil Collins in the air tonight. Im not sure anyone can lronounce his name correctly, i cant and neither can other reactors lol. I love the rambling
Some have said that "You look like a young(er) Phil Collins". Dunno how to take that. I'm sure I'll touch upon this fact when I get a chance to react to this one! lol
He's "high" up my list 😉 And do you like my beard and my stash? Or will Geoff blow my mind "like my beard and stash". I've never had my beard and stash blow up before? Hmmm...
Aw, I enjoy your commentary! Tthere are two other videos in the Apocalypse trilogy. Dream On and Warriors lol. Also this is not even close to Geoff's highest xD I'd say try Oogie Boogie by Voiceplay or Hellfire. Or even one of Geoff's solos: Jack's Lament Thanks for an entertaining reaction video :D Looking forward to the next!
In general, Layne has a lot fewer inhibitions about using post-production techniques to make sure that he gets the exact sound he's trying to make than a lot of "strictly a cappella" groups. Personally, I have no problem with what he does, because he always starts out with a sound/noise that someone has made vocally, but there are undoubtedly purists who would find it offensive. And VoicePlay will sometimes layer voices for a short period in a song to get the fullness they want, or to get the exact combination of voices they want. Given that, it was a real surprise to me to find out that this was a Geoff arrangement, which means it was a Geoff decision on what sounds he wanted to include in the studio version and the video. Geoff doesn't usually tend to "push the envelope" on digital or post-production techniques, but apparently decided that this entry into their post-apocalyptic series needed the help.
I've seen a short video of Layne last night, but I definitely want to watch some more in-depth BTS stuff. I studied music production and engineering myself for a few years, so am a bit of nerd and love these kinds of documentaries and "making of" videos.
If you really want to see what Geoff can do with his range, I have to recommend his solo cover of I See Fire from The Hobbit. He plays all four parts in the video, doing his own harmonies, and I cannot overstate how much I love what he did with it.
"Life of a reactor..." believing that if you waffle on a bit, people will skip ahead and not listen to you - rubbish! I listened to every word. 😊 Now let's get on with the song 😁 Gargiula -- You got his name right on the second try -- That second g is pronounced like a j. Well done! I love how so many people have the same reaction to Layne's first bit of beatboxing there. I don't even know what to call it! Just straight up giggling and running it back to listen again and again again! For the record, I watch reaction videos specifically to hear your reactions. When I want to hear the song, I listen to the original VP recordings. You don't have to apologize for pausing - we're here to hear you talk! :: rewinding video right now to see if I can see anyone's armpit making a sound 😂:: " I'm not hiding behind anything." Except that mustache. That mustache could hide a multitude of sins. 😉 (Hey, I can be real and just say whatever's in my face too.) About the overdubbing- you should take a look at the video that Layne made talking to Elizabeth from The Charismatic Voice, where he showed her the many, many, many tracks that were involved in making one of their videos. They do a lot of overdubbing. People have probably said this already but I'm going to say it anyway, the moment when you thought it was a cash register- that was the sound of the shell casing hitting the floor after coming out of Geoff's finger pistol, and that sound was made by Layne! "He's so good!" Yes, he is. Looking forward to your reactions to Thriller and Warriors!
Yeah - Layne can make some very surprising sounds! There’s a Christmas song from Christmas before last (Chipmunk song) where Layne actually does jingle bells that are extremely realistic sounding with just his vocal percussion.
Hahahaha! Thanks Lori. Hope you're well since the last time we spoke 😉 Another viewer mentioned about the Elizabeth interview so it's definitely going on my watchlist. I think the extent of my waffling, how far I am willing to go with it, and how it translates depends heavily on the song, video and fanbase. I think I knew from the very first VP reaction, that the "Voiceplayaz" were going to be a good laugh and open to my weird sense of humour. I'm also certain a lot of people have watched this and thought "What is this guy on?" and run a mile! lol But hey ho. Those that stick along for the ride and get me are the ones I'm trying to reach out there amongst the millions of viewers on RU-vid every day.
@@melvinthinks yay! I'm glad you read through my comment, and got MY weird sense of humor 😂 Oh and yes, you've got to react to the Chipmunk song, Christmas Don't Be Late. So funny, and Layne's sound effects are insane.
If I didn’t want to hear your talking I’d (like you said) just watch the original video and not reactions…. So talk all you want that’s the point. Also if you want to hear another amazing beatboxed and a cappella group Adam Rupp from Home Free is amazing as is Home Free (they also have a mega bass Tim Foust who is also beautiful ) they are more a Country Style group but they do all too. Thanks for the reaction.
Sometimes I get a little bit self conscious when making these videos. Like "Oh you've paused way too much" or "What the hell are you talking about" 🤣 But I'd rather be like that than sit in silence for the whole song, turn to the camera and say "Yep. That was dope. Like, subscribe, and donate to my blah blah blah." I see so many people doing that. It's not a reaction. It's like watching a mannequin. Each to their own, I guess. I know I'm like Marmite.
Geoff goes significantly higher than that. The live performance of Elvira has a very nice example of a solid high note, or if you want something fancier, check out the slide in Little Mermaid. Not being a sports fan, I was entirely unaware of the existence of this song until VoicePlay covered it; I still have yet to encounter anyone else's version of it.
I don't think anyone else is brave to cover this song! lol The White Stripes blew up after this song, but being a fan of a lot of their earlier and post records, I still don't think this was their best song. It just has a riff that it's instantly memorable and chant along. Which meant it was always going to be a hit.
Layne doing snsos dnd drums? Next VoicePlay must be their cover of Phil Collins In The Air Tonight. Another overdone song that get 'rescued' by VoicePlay treatment. You stay you!
I'll be watching your reactions. Anthony's last name is Gar - jewl' - la. Yep - Warriors, Dream On, and this one. You'd probably enjoy In the Air Tonight for Layne's beatboxing (Phil Collins). VoicePlay did that with Halo, they have photos of them playing. The Halo theme is really cool - just watch it all.
It's super hard to pick when they have over 200 songs! lol But I'm gonna follow was jumps out to me, as well a bunch of songs whereby I am a huge fan of the original artist. The White Stripes was a prime example.
Near the beginning in the bass line, you mentioned there being a nice gravel to the sound at one point. That little section of the bass was actually Layne, not Geoff. No, none of our boys stay in their designated lanes. 😁
All sounds are created using the human mouth and vocal chords (minus the bat drag). However, especially on this song, there is a lot of post production manipulation on the tracks. Some of it is ran through filters, I think some may have reverse tech, and then some frequency distortion. Is it "cheating"? No? It is different than pure a capella, but no different than producing on another instrument. If we distort a guitar, we don't say it wasn't really played on the guitar. It's just production. Regarding the shelves, you had me laughing so hard! I was thinking, the adhd be adhd-ing. Same same. And I appreciate your lack of masking in your reviews. Also, EXACTLY on those people who complain about a reactor reacting. Why are they even watching a reaction video? The whole point is to watch someone else's take on it. Great reaction. Will definitely tune in for your Thriller reaction. Also, Post Modern Jukebox also does a cover of this song as well. It is really sexy.
All extremely valid points, Rachel 👍 I suppose the purists might argue they are adding gloss, effects and post production to manipulate the human voice. But like yourself, I see it as enhancing. There's no rules in music. Well, I don't think there is, personally speaking. And I still haven't found the right shelves/bookcase yet. I might just pause a future VP reaction video and browse the web with you all instead. Would be compelling viewing.
If you want to hear Sexy Geoff's range, check out Oogie Boogie's song (from Nightmare Before Christmas.) It's a few years old but perfect to listen to for Halloween, also check out Geoff's solo Jack's Lament (also from Nightmare...)
Since you asked who was doing the synth sounds, I’m going to suggest a mini of theirs where they were working out those kind of sounds. Not really something you’ll want for a reaction - just for your own enlightenment. You’ll see that it is probably multiple singers together to get that sound. Check: m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F67DDKMmrtw.html
One of the sounds I really love in this one was the way Geoff added a bit of nasal to his bass to give us more of an electric bass guitar sound. In other videos where he doesn’t add that nasal sound, we get more of the sound of a stand-up bass. He did a great version of that in “Dream On” when he’s standing alone in the hall.
Well I was trying to think of one you had already heard (for that stand-up sound). In the future, listen for that sound in their cover of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel”. They did the song with a jazzier feel and that sound really helped there.
In some intrviews with outher reactors the boys have showed some of the work that goes into a single track. Easily over 100 tracks in the Digital Audio Workstation. Is that cheating? The video is just that a video to the tune they created in the DAW. Still lovely songs to listen to anyway.
I watched a bit of Layne last night actually. Only a short video - but he was showing how he builds up the drum sound in Pro Tools. So frigging cool. Especially the way he layers the kick drum.
You should react to their cover of oogie boogies song from the nightmare before Christmas geoff does most of it and it's a good song to hear geoffs higher range in
Layne doing snsos dnd drums? Next VoicePlay must be their cover of Phil Collins In The Air Tonight. Another overdone song that get 'rescued' by VoicePlay treatment. You stay you!
