6 Times EDM Went A Cappella

Singing a cappella can be one of the most challenging tasks a vocalist can take on. A cappella music relies entirely on vocals. With no instrumental support, the vocalists can take the more classical route and master harmonizing or practice the modern-day version of imitating the instruments with their own voices. The interest in a cappella music has spiked since Glee featured a fictional a cappella group, “Dalton Academy Warblers,” and the second highest grossing music comedy, Pitch Perfect, introduced the “The Barden Bellas.” I have found that many a cappella versions succeed the originals produced with instruments. The voice is a powerful instrument, so I tracked down some a cappella renditions of popular electronic tracks.

1. “Clarity” (Zedd feat. Foxes) No Comment A Cappella

If this rendition of chart topper “Clarity” doesn’t leave you with goosebumps…..I don’t know what will! Recorded during the ICCA’s Quarter Finals last year, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s No Comment A Cappella brings the track alive. Kristin Morrill does a phenomenal job as their featured vocalist and adds some clarity to the track with amazing harmony and pitch. The drop was slightly disappointing but the accompaniment did an exceptional job maintaining the high energy and pace throughout the entire song.

2. “Save The World/Don’t You Worry Child Mashup” Pentatonix  (Swedish House Mafia Cover)

Do we have any fans of The Sing-Off? You may recognize the third season winners Pentatonix. This group consisting of vocalists, Scott Hoying, Kirstie Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola, originated from Arlington, Texas and competed on NBC’s singing competition in 2011. They left the competition with $200,000 and a recording contract with Sony. Pentatonix’s success skyrocketed after the competition and that comes at no surprise. This mashup pays the perfect homage to EDM legends Swedish House Mafia.

3. “Wake Me Up” (Avicii) Mikey Busto

While many a cappella pieces are performed in a group, Mikey Busto tackled Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” all on his own. This video truly displays all the different sounds vocalists must recreate when performing. As if hitting the proper keys wasn’t challenging enough, you gotta mimic guitar 1, 2, and 3! Every Thursday, fans can tune into  Magic 8.9 FM’s “Good Times With Mo, Sam Oh, and Mikey Bustos” 6-9AM (Manila time) to hear even more a cappella covers.

4. “Lights” (Ellie Goulding) (Bassnectar Remix) AaronicStuff

Mastering an original can take hours, can you imagine how long it would take to learn a remix produced by Bassnectar? According to AaronicStuff’s YouTube description, it took him hours just to accomplish the first 10 seconds of the song! Featuring his sister Astrid as the vocalist, Aaron tackles the challenging recreation of the original bass lines, kicks, and synths. This is more than impressive.

5. “Without You (David Guetta ft. Usher)/I Will Wait (Mumford & Sons)/With Or Without You (U2) Mashup” Noteworthy 

I never would’ve imagined mixing David Guetta with folk-rock band Mumford Sons. Then they threw some classic U2 into the mix?! The ladies of Noteworthy do it so effortlessly. Based in Provo, Utah, this group has appeared on The Sing-Off and are ICCA’s Champions. You can catch these nine gifted ladies perform live in April, check out the dates and locations!

6. “Daft Punk” Pentatonix

I am a huge fan of Pentatonix and felt this a cappella medley needed to be noted as well. The group flawlessly mixes a Daft Punk medley and does an awesome job of displaying the electronics duo unique style in the music video. Their 2014 North American Tour is completely sold out but their European Tour has a limited amount of tickets available, check it out: here.

[Photo Credit: Little Rock]

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