Discovering New Favorites
For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to understand why people love a cappella. Heck, even for those of us who do actively enjoy it, it can be difficult to put into words why we enjoy this art form so. While we’ll never have a truly comprehensive list of everything cool about a cappella, 200 Reasons to Love A Cappella is our best attempt at assembling a list of what makes it great.
Reason #24: Discovering New Favorites
I often encourage groups to focus on music that will be familiar to the audience. It’s a little overly simplistic, but there are few easier ways to get a crowd behind you than by performing a song that the audience members know and love. It makes the crowd actively want to like you. However, there is also a lot to be said for taking on lesser-known songs.
While I can’t claim to be a legitimate expert, I do fancy myself to be a bit of a musical connoisseur, and there are few things I enjoy more than hearing a great song that’s new to me. It’s the sensation of hearing Potsdam’s A-Sharps performing “You Say” by Saving Jane, or Drew 36 Madision Avenue take on Seal’s “Future Love Paradise.” I know I’m a bit odd for carrying a legal pad or netbook with me to take notes at every ICCA show (ah, the life of a blogger) but one of the really cool side effects is that I’ll jot down lyrics, Google them when I get home, and have an eclectic mix of new songs to download that weekend.
I love it!