On this episode of Bonus Tracks, DJ Jazz explores the world of modern a cappella, focussing on two standout groups: Pentatonix and VoicePlay.
Pentatonix formed in 2011 and quickly became known for their pop arrangements, impressive harmonies, and popular holiday releases, Based out of Arlington, Texas, the group features Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Matt Sallee, and Kevin Olusola. After winning NBC’s The Sing-Off and earning a recording contract with Sony Music, Pentatonix went on to sell over 10 million albums, and earn three Grammys.
DJ Jazz also highlights VoicePlay, an a cappella group that originated as a college vocal project in 1997 in Orlando, Florida. Now featuring Jeff, Ellie, Lane, and Ceasar, VoicePlay has evolved into a widely recognized group known for their creative arrangements and collaborations. After rebranding in 2012 and launching their own YouTube channel, VoicePlay has since released eight albums.
Transcript:
0:02: From KXCI Tucson, this is Bonus Tracks.
0:05: I am DJ Jazz, and I want to talk about a cappella groups, specifically VoicePlay and Pentatonix.
0:13: I’ll start with Pentatonix.
0:14: They started in 2011.
music sample: (0:30) “Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy” -Pentatonix from the album “The Best of P entatonix” RCA Records 2019
0:20: As you can hear, they focus on pop, but also have a lot of Christmas albums.
0:26: Their harmonies are unbelievable to me.
0:40: Based out of Arlington, Texas, Mitch, Kirsten, Scott, Matt, and Kevin have been singing together for 14 years with the exception of Matt, who replaced bass singer Avi Kaplan in 2017.
music sample: (0:17) “Attention” – Pentatonix from the album “PTX presents Top Pop Vol 1.”- 2018 RCA Records
1:00: Their music has a jumpy sound, and I think that vibe has helped to create the 34 singles, 6 compilation albums, 11 studio albums, and 6 EPs they’ve made as of today.
music sample: (0:51) “White Winter Hymnal (Fleet Foxes Cover)” -Pentatonix from the Album “That’s Christmas to Me” 2015 RCA Records
1:14: Ever since they won the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Of, getting $200,000 and a recording contract with Sony Music, Pentatonix has, as of 2025, sold 10 million albums and received three Grammy Awards.
1:38: I hope you can research them to find out more.
1:54: Up next I have an a cappella group VoicePlay, who have turned into much more than a college vocal group since 1997 from Orlando, Florida.
2:05: Jeff, Ellie, Lane, and Caesar are the current cast of VoicePlay, but there have been many past members.
2:12: 28 years ago, Jeff, Lane, and a couple of friends created a college a cappella group called 425.
2:20: After many cast changes in 2012, they created their YouTube channel as their new name VoicePlay.
2:28: They have worked with many other artists, and I think that totally makes their music more interesting.
music sample: (0:12) “Boy Bands in 5 minutes pt.4” – VoicePlay from the Album “Boy Bands in 5 Minutes” 2019 Studio71
2:43: I’ve listened to their track Boy Bands in 5 Minutes, countless times, especially because I love the way their beatboxer enunciates the syllables.
music sample: (0:23)”Boy Bands in 5 Minutes pt.3″ -VoicePlay from the album “Boy Bands in 5 Minutes” 2019 Studio71
3:04: And as of 2025, they have released eight albums since 1997 and many singles too.
3:16: Today I have talked about a cappella groups, specifically Pentatonix and VoicePlay.
3:22: I hope you have as much fun listening to them as I do.
music sample: (0:31) “Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy (feat. Tori Kelly)” – Pentatonix from the album “The Best of Pentatonix” 2019 RCA Records
3:31: You can find them both on YouTube, and I hope you enjoyed my short-form program about Pentatonix and VoicePlay.
3:39: This is DJ Jazz, and you just heard bonus tracks from KXCI Tucson.
3:43: To hear more episodes, go to KXCI.org.
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This program was recorded, edited, and produced by Bridgitte Thum
Special thanks to KXCI’s education team for making it all possible.
