 I come in contact with many different a cappella groups, and as a result have become a tad, shall we say, jaded? Sometimes I feel like I've heard it all. And then a few moments with a group or recording will restore my faith in a cappella.
My latest favorites are Duwende. Why?
1) They're performing all original music. This alone is enough to launch them to the top of my list, as original music is an essential part of the future of contemporary a cappella. We need to be more than cover bands. And Duwende is much, much more having released yet another album of all-original pop music. Sure, they might get more gigs performing cover tunes, but instead they stay true to themselves and make their own music. And it's great.
2) They're giving their album away! That's right, it's 100% free. Superbly conceived, recorded and mixed, these guys are more interested in sharing their music than making music on it, so they've gone one step further than Radiohead. And bless them for it! (if you'd like to hear it, visit http://www.duwende.com)
3) They're not full-timers. What? Why is this a good thing? Well, I'm a realist, and know that a full-time a cappella career is not for everyone, and yet singing is. Piling in a van and doing 250 shows a year is a blast... when you're 22. As you grow older, other priorities arise, and a cappella groups often fold, without a major label deal and radio play to help line their pockets. Duwende are artists, and realize you can have a career as nationally recognized a cappella pioneers and not spend all of your time in hotel rooms. It's something I wish other groups would consider before retiring (some groups like the Blenders and Five O'Clock Shadow tried retiring and find themselves gigging together every year by popular demand, which is a very good thing)
These three things alone are reason for them to be my BFF's this month. And that's not all: They're supremely nice people. No attitudes, no pretense.
In short, they're exactly the kind of band that's needed in contemporary a cappella: thoughtful, steady musicians who perform great original music year in, year out. If you're looking for a role model in a cappella, look no further.
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