Vocal Coach REACTS - Nathan Evans 'The Wellerman' 

Both basses I’m the one with the beard at the beginning 😁

This is one of those rare moments when the internet gets its sh*t together and produces something absolutley awsome!

Gen Z singing 1800’s sea shanties is one of the weirdest things to come out of tiktok. But I love it.

So for anyone who doesn't know how big this blew up. The lead singer was a MAILMAN!! He is now a recording artist! You never know what just trying can do

That is EXACTLY how sea shanties should be sung, as a group, everyone throwing their voice in and just singing. This is amazing.

Nathan recorded himself singing the shanty then tiktok started to add their harmonies to it. Nathan didn’t know about it until someone told him. All of this is added later one by one. As a vocal coach how cool is that

History fact; sea shanties were used not only to pass the time at sea and raise morale, they also helped sailors synchronize and coordinate with each other while doing their various duties on the ship🤯🤯🤯

"Son of a rum puncher" well, I'm definitely using this in my daily vernacular from now on.

For those interested in the history of this shanty... "The Wellerman" refers to a supply ship owned by the Weller Brothers Whaling Company, registered as a company in Sydney, Australia but operating out of Otago Harbour, New Zealand. Company employees were also referred to as "Wellermen", and there is still a Weller Street in the old quarter of the harbour, on the road to Portobello. In this context "the Wellerman" refers to the company supply ship. The shanty was first sung in the 1830s when my home city of Dunedin, Otago was not yet important enough to have a name, and consisted of a whaling/sealing station and a collection of rough-hewn huts built by whalers and sealers living among the native Maori. It was first recorded in a written record in the 1860s. "Tounging" refers to the process of using pole-axes and lances to cut the skin and blubber into long strips called "tongues" for rendering to extract oil and tallow. It can also refer to the removal of the oil-rich tongue from the mouth of a whale lashed to the side of a ship, but as there was a land based whaling/sealing station in Otago Harbour, the shanty likely refers to the landborne version, a job for lubbers, children, the old, and infirm, those unfit for duties at sea. The full version of the shanty tells the tale of a Southern Right Whale bull which destroys one boat before they've even been lowered fully from the ship. The captain, bound by a code of honour, orders the men to proceed, despite the inauspicious start to the hunt. The whale is harpooned, and tows the linked boats far from the whaler, eventually sinking all but one boat of four men. According to the shanty, they are never seen again, and are still being towed to this day, still locked in their timeless struggle of man, leviathan, and sea. Company supply ships like the Wellerman were notorious for setting the prices of essentials like tea, sugar, rum and tobacco so high as to keep employees in permanent indentured servitude. The whalers foresee no end to the slaughter of whales, the oil industry of the day, and they see no end, ever, to the need of tonguing. Therefore, "One day when the tounging is done, we'll take our leave and go" is dark humour, an insider's joke acknowledging the men are stranded here at the bottom of the world in a harsh, cold landscape for the foreseeable future. Shanties were sung by harsh men in harsh conditions to lift morale and prevent infighting. They required no instruments, although simple tunes on simple instruments could and would accompany them, and the more people who joined in, the better they sounded and the more effective they were as a collaborative tool to lift spirits. It shouldn't really come as any surprise then, that a Covid-ravaged world under lockdown, filled with housebound people with broadband and simple recording devices, has rediscovered the power of the shanty, if only for a brief moment. It gladdens my heart, because I was born on the shores of Otago Harbour. I sang shanties poorly to the waves and the gulls, as I sat on a pier with my back against one of the original stone Victorian buildings, the occasional whale cruising past. All those years, and I had never heard the shanty tale of The Wellerman, while sitting in the place it was born, until an Irishman on TikTok went viral, a round voyage of 40,000kms and 190 years.

if i went to a bar and all of a sudden people just started singing sea shanties, my life would be complete. i could die happy.

Things 2021 and 1700s have in common: shanties & sailing around Africa to get to India

"SON OF A RUM-PUNCHER, THIS IS SO GOOD!" Is the best quote I've heard today.

Amazing, just 3 weeks after uploading this on Tic Toc he quit his job as a postman and signed a contract...

There’s now a new genre of music. Electro-Shanty😎😂

When the one girl breaks in with the violin, 2nd verse, on one of the other mash ups it brings me to tears. Phenomenal what this sort of connectivity can do.

I love the respect. They let the guy sing alone for his parts and they join in for the chorus. It was amazing.

"No, i will not be playing my bagpipes today, nobody wants that." I do now.

i have a theory on why shanty's suddenly surged in popularity towards the end of 2020, they were tunes of reunion to kill the time since the seas got lonely. and that's exactly what 2020 brought us, boredom and loneliness, and since these shanty's were designed to bring us together, thats exactly what they did, and may we never forget the men that partly pioneered the surge of shanty's, the longest john's. if they hadn't made it big then this may have never started.

This guy was noticed by Brian May of Queen and contacted him and asked his permission to play for him guitar and a sample of his beat box beat and Evans says you don’t need my permission your Brian May lol

Man, that guy in the red shirt is an absolute beast

Fun fact: the bass guy on red shirt is 19 years old

The best thing about this song is how catchy it is, how it infiltrates your brain, and how it sticks in your head for days. Please tell me I’m not the only one...

Oh My God. The HARMONY! I remember in college joining a vocal group for which we sat in a circle and the leader would sing a melody and we were encouraged to freestyle harmony. I was (am) SO SHY, but it was just the best experience ever and this song reminds me of that experience. I can't get enough of it. I especially love when harmony comes to a resolution the way it does in this rendition. They are all singing different notes until the very end of each section (stanza?.. don't remember my music theory) and end up on the same note, even if in different octaves. Especially acapella. Oh my heart. I can't get enough. I love this so much.

This guy feels the same way i did when i first heard it. Had to wipe those tears back a bit. Soul soother.

I swear this EDM Sea Shanty has no business being that much of a bop... But HERE WE FUCKIN ARE 🤩😂

keep in mind this was all done organically it was not one man deciding to get 20 people together and sing each person decided to join in and add to the choir on their own then another decided to edit all of the people in one video on youtube

Listening to Ken laughing in absolute delight and amazement was almost as good as the Nathan Evens Chanty. All of it was good, the bass, the soprano's voice dancing around on top, I can smell the salt air and feel the cold wind cutting through me.

This is truly beautiful. How music can bring so many people and their versions of art together.

The pure joy on this guys face echoes exactly how I feel about this. This ShantyTok movement is amazing. Music is coming from a much more wholesome place than it did when I was young.

Its special cause it breaks all barriers. (Age, gender, looks, they don’t matter cause everyone has worth!)

When that bass voice kicks in it just sends shivers down my spine.

I’m not a very good singer, but the is something enjoyable and primal about a group of people singing together. And nothing beats a good sea shanty!

Can we all take a moment to appreciate Ken's excited childlike wonder every time another addition comes on screen :3

The man dancing with his son at about 6:00 in was Hank Green I think it’s important everybody knows that

This is one of those songs I could just have playing continuously and never get bored by

Your reaction is so genuine and so authentic it is refreshingly delightful to see excitement at a kid at a toy store and it's infectious

Nathan Evans, the guy that posted the original video, actually just quit his job because he signed a record deal with Polydor Records.

You’d meet this guy at the pub. He’d have a pint. He’d go up and sing a sea shanty, and you’d feel like “part of the ship, part of the crew.”

Teacher : Ok class we're having a free period so use it to study. The Entire Class :

It's one of those tunes that you just can't get out of your head... but I love it!!!

I don't know who the first to duet Nathan Evans was, but the first one I saw was the guy in the redshirt. He is named "Luke the Voice" on ticktot. And yes the base chorus around him is also him.

And that they don't know each other, they never met, never talked about it... they all just wanted to sing

You have to be the happiest, most positive vocal coach I've ever encountered! Any student of yours would be able to capture the pure delight of singing and be encouraged to do their very best. So good on ya! Your reaction to this Wellerman shanty is about the same as I had; very upbeat and a real "toe-tapper" with a smile that never left my face for the duration of the song. I especially like Luke Taylor, the 20-year-old deep bass; with him singing the low bass part, he's almost like a bedrock foundation that supports a magnificent mansion. I love to sing, but I could never equal what I just heard. Thanks goes to everybody, all around!

I love sea shanties because they are the great equalizer in singing. No matter how you sound your voice will only add to it. It's delightful.

No sir ! Be proud of our shared Scottish heritage! The pipes have called our people to gatherings or for battle for countless generations going back thousands of years back to the beginning. Play your pipes loud and proud!!!!! And if people don't want to listen then to hell with them !!!!!!!! 💪👍

I am a music teacher & I have been selecting & teaching traditional music for more than 50 years. I had never heard this 19th century shanty till this was sent to me by one of my students. I am now learning it to teach my group, but they don't need me. They can sing it with Nathan because the words are right there. Fun, huh? And from there, you can get hundreds of other sea shanties done by myriads of artists down the years. It's the stitching together for synchronizing singers that stymies me. Happy Robbie Burns Birthday!

"because it's fun" that brought me to tears. That's why we do these things. To have fun and spread joy

I haven’t seen this in a year or so -still brings me joy when I need it! And your reaction is awesome

I love how he doesn't really "react" while the song is playing, but rather listens and enjoys.

"Son of a rum-puncher" is my new favourite phrase.

Absolutely amazing! Theres nothing like good harmonies!! Makes a person feel so happy!!!

HEY SIR.....The first time I heard this shanty......IT MADE MY DAY TOO!!!!.....I WAS OBSESSED FOR AWHILE AND LISTENED QUITE A LOT, SINGING ALONG WITH MY OWN BASS VOCALS.....not too badly....if I may say so myself....AND CHECKING OUT THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE VERSIONS OF THE TUNE.....THE ADD-ON HARMONY/OPERATIC PERFORMANCES WERE SO GOOSE BUMP INDUCING, I WOULD LITERALLY LISTEN FOR AN HOUR OR TWO......The human voice.....when layered with multiple harmonies and phrasing patterns....is indeed a unique pleasure to behold.... THANK YOU MR.EVANS FOR THE SIMPLE GIFT.....and to everyone out there in SHANTY LAND......AAARRRGGHHHH......AND SING ALONG LUSTILY TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT!!!!!!.....OUR WORLD NEEDS THIS KIND OF UNIVERSAL UNITY RIGHT NOW MORE THAN EVER!!!!!......😁😁😁🥰🥰🥰🥲🥲🥲😛😛😛😛❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

"I will not be playing my bagpipes, nobody wants that." He's right, I don't want it. I NEED IT!!!

This is not the first time I have seen this, but it is so the most delightful thing on the planet. And your reaction is delightful as real.

I’ve heard this so many times but had no idea how it came about. What lovely talented young people. I love it so much! As well as your genuine, brilliant reaction.

The pure joy on you face is exactly how I felt the first time I saw it. This is the purity the internet needed

Hol up Bagpipes? At least one person wants that Always bagpipes

The utter joy and delight when you hear the new harmonies and additions is a delight to see while listening to this lovely song

Your reaction is an absolute delight but the term 'son of a rum puncher' is outstanding! One day I shall write a script where a character will say "Your mother was a rum puncher and your father liked to watch!" And depending on the lawyers you might be acknowledged.

Positive note: no lockdown this would never happen

To see the look in your eyes, the smile on your face and the joy radiating out of you.... is like a child in a candy shop with a shiny nickel. Thank you for pure love of a great music. I just enjoyed watching your reaction.

mate, even if you never comented on anything 'vocal coach' related, your reactions would be great alone. your reactions are hands down the best I have seen. Especially your introduction to Rammstein ! Kepe it up mate, cheers!

Yep that's what sea shanties do they make your day. This is why I love being part Scottish. I could totally feel that bass in my gut and throat it was amazing Lol.

It’s amazing how random people who don’t know each other just decided to make this master piece, bit by bit.

This video (tik tok) spurred an obsession and I've been listening to sea shanties and Irish folk music since yesterday. It makes my soul all warm and fuzzy.

Love the reaction. You look so happy! Internet truly has a life of it's own and the things that comes out of it are sometimes very awesome.

Honestly, one of the best versions of The Wellerman I have EVER heard. The blend of voices and harmonies are unbelievably fantastic. Well done!

This exemplifies what makes music great- bringing people from diverse backgrounds together for the pure joy of making something beautiful. Cheers ✌🏼

Tik Tok works really well with call and response. Each person adds their part and because of a slight delay in the duet feature it works well to have the first sing alone and then have the next person join in on a response or in this case on the chorus.

@ 3:54 when music evokes strong emotion, that's what I love about music.

I just loved the look on your face as this "hit You".. Superb. Every Pub in the World needs (But probably already HAS-but doesn't realize, ) a Nathan...and the "invitation" -to let go and sing..............Nathan, Well done mate.. You dared to do it, and the World's better for you !! xx

3:36 This is just heavenly. The melodic line - besides the singing itself - is awesome! Thanks man

On tiktok you can do things called a stitch. Luke the voice, red shirt, originally stitched nateevanss, the original guy. He then did a bunch more stitches of his own videos and added different layers to it. Luke’s video blew up which in turn made Nate’s video blow up.

Watching you have so much fun is a great time!

I don’t think you deserve any of the love we have for you until you add your voice, sir.

This guy is so happy listening to it that it made my day.

As a vocal coach, you need to get onto TikTok (where all of this happened) and see the duet of this song where Nathan was joined by THE Andrew Lloyd Webber. That was even more fun!

This is an awesome version of The Wellerman. I love it!

Not only that shanty but your comments and your empathetic reactions made MY day! Allthe best from Cologne!

No one: Me sitting here feeling like the only one who actually cares to see him play the bagpipes: “🥺”

I’ve never heard of Ken before this video, and this might be a weird thing to comment on, but can I just say that his reaction to the Wellerman was actually super awesome; his positivity is overflowing and I could feel his enjoyment. Y’all ever meet someone and spend a few minutes listening to them and think “Wow, that person is such a great guy”? That’s exactly how I felt about Ken after watching this video. The video itself was so magical listening to all the harmonies in a sea shanty of all places, but Ken takes the cake for me here because he seems so genuine.

This is so far my favorite reaction of yours to day. You seemed to enjoy this more than any so far, and it really made my day, too!

It is an absolute joy to watch your reactions. I love how happy and excited you get about people and good music

I’m a senior citizen, a retired teacher, and my favourite thing on social media is TikTok. There is so much good on there & you choose what interests you. I’ve learned heaps, laughed a lot and been thoroughly entertained. It’s great to see how much talent is out there and it’s impressive to see so many young people having a go. 🙏🏼✔️

As much as the shanty and its additive voices brings pure joy, so does your happiness at listening!

Heard it uncountible often and everytime it invites you joining in with another twist... it‘s amazing and made my day very often the last weeks

You are a very personable vocal coach! Great! Keep it up!!!

"Son of a rum puncher" did I hear that right? If so I'm stealing that

TikTok let’s you do something called a duet with someone else’s video. It puts your video beside theirs, and overlays your audio on theirs. Basically that’s what this is. There are now thousands of duets of this song. It’s great :) You can also duet a duet, making it a triplet. Then duet that for a quartet! It goes on and on.

Most of them were singing into their earbuds mics. Amazing! Very entertaining! Well done - very well done indeed!

The delight on your face through this was absolutely awesome

06:20 these are the things that make me proud to be part of this species. What a time to be alive.

I have been WAITING for one of my list of music professional subs to react to the Sea Shanty Explosion! Your look of pure delight was wonderful! Like, yeah, as long as someone can stay on pitch, their vocal talent level doesn't matter too much for this song (by design, since "lovely singing voice" wasn't exactly a prioritized skill for sailors) but it's so damn beautiful and powerful bc it boils music down to its fundamental purpose, the reason our species started singing: human connection and togetherness, whether for joy and bonding (as seen here) or for coordination to accomplish a task (as shanties were originally for, along with many other folk music types).

you see the pure joy Ken is having by listening to it. This is the magic of Music

That was so good, so unique, just a real pleasure! The harmonies are incredible!!!

For over a year I have heard this shanty played during our DND sessions due to the feel it gives off. I'm so happy this awesome shanty is getting the recognition it deserves

A shanty group called The Longest John's recently signed with a label did a Mass Choir Community project with the song Leave her Johnny. They also released their own version of The Wellerman in 2018 on their album Between Wind and Water, check them out for more shanty fun including some original shanties

I had the same reaction with the same tears in my eyes. I think it's the feeling that we are all truly connected and there is hope after all. It's AMAZING when we come together ☺️

A moment to appreciate your wonderful speaking voice! You should be on radio or tv :)

“Son of a rum puncher” is probably one of the best lines I have heard hahah