CASA - The Contemporary A Capella Society

While these young groups may be struggling a bit to catch up to their more established counterparts, it doesn't mean that they don't have something to offer, and the technology of recording offers them a more equal playing field than going into a live competition. So if Johnny sings flat all the time, well, we can tune him up and he'll sound just fine - maybe a little robotic, but it will still be Johnny, and he'll be in tune for once! Maybe the altos don't have the attitude to carry off that guitar part, but running them through a guitar amp simulator can give them the extra grunge that they need!

Let's say the group doesn't have an accomplished vocal percussionist, but someone who is willing to try. Maybe she can't string a cohesive measure together out of her mouth but she can at least make the sounds and place them where they belong. Maybe the sops don't sing the lines at measure 62 that well... "Hey look! A puppy - isn't it cute?!" A cool sound effect to distract the listener for that moment might be in order. Suddenly, by the end of production, the album is chock full of AutoTune, distortion, and whiz-bang effects! But, this album that would be weak in its "natural" state is now at least in tune, rockin', and interesting to listen to. And regardless of what anyone says, it IS the product of the group itself - their vision of themselves, their toil, tears, their pride and joy. Whether they can stand up to it in performance is irrelevant - that they created something enjoyable to listen to is all that counts.

As this group gets better over the years they will be able to stop having to cover their flaws, and then even CHOOSE to use effects because yes, some of the best groups also love to use them! Until then, appreciate their hard work, and if the tracks make you smile, they did their job no matter what they sound like on stage!

To read the whole discussion that took place, which is interesting from a sociopella aspect as well, go to http://forum.rarb.org:8080/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2393

This week I'll be headed to Denmark for the Aarhus Vocal Festival (http://www.aavf.dk)! I'll try to send reports from the festival, and if any of you readers are planning on attending, find me and say hello!