Avi announced his departure in April 2017, but was stayed throughout their summer tour, which ended in September. There were two videos with no bass (this and Away in a Manger), before Matt shows up. He’s in a Christmas video, Deck the Halls, which I think was released in November 2017 where Scott introduces him as “the bass singing with us this holiday season.” Matt went on a Christmas tour with them (their first Christmas tour, actually), as an extended audition, and was announced as the new member in early 2018. There are videos both of Avi announcing his departure and Matt being welcomed.
There is a video of all of them together and Avi is telling the fandom that he decided to leave the group. He gets very emotional. It’s hard to watch. When Scott looks at the camera (in this song) saying goodbye gets me every time.
The 4 of them also did "Lip Sync Battle". It was hilarious. The videos are on TH-cam. The ones where they were trash talking each other before the competition was soooo funny. They found fun ways to fill their time between bass singers.
You talk about them meeting in high school... one interview I heard with Kirstie said she met both Scott and Mitch when she was 8, but that Mitch and Scott didn't meet until sometime later. I'm guessing it was either at voice lessons or at Theater Arlington where they took music theater lessons.
😃👉Just a bit of fyi. Scott and Mitch have been friends since they were 10yrs old. Kirstie and Mitch met at about 8 or 9 yrs old. This was mostly through kids musical theatre. Scott and Kirstie met at 14 yrs old freshman year of highschool. The 3 of them ended up in the same high school doing musical theatre and choir. On the side, the 3 of them would make song arrangements and were known as The Trio. (Still known as The Trio today) . There are quite a few videos of The Trio before PTX . MOST POPULAR is The Trio singing Telephone by Lady Gaga at their High School choir concert (Kirstie was the beatboxer 😆). If interested look up Malcom James channel for that video
I've thought that Kevin's cello play in this video was an intentional tribute to Avi. Perhaps it's self-delusion or 'phantom-bass-syndrome', but I hear Avi in those sweet, low cello notes. While he's missed, I've come to love Matt as well. For me, it's not a zero-sum game and they're both essential to the PTX story. As you've commented before, Matt has a beautiful soulful voice. I watched the 2017 video where Avi announced his decision to leave and, although I haven't seen it since then, the faces of Kirsten, Mitch, Scott and Kevin are etched in my mind. You are my favorite Carmen and your reactions are so pure and spoken from the heart. You distinguish yourself from others in being a true fan. Thank you.
This one is bittersweet. I love it, but it’s also so hard to watch. It’s definitely very clear that they struggled with this. I believe only away in a manger is without a bass.
In their televised Christmas Special that year (A Very Pentatonix Christmas), they did the skits and talking with mostly only 4 of them. While for their performances, they called for additional guests, orchestra, or Matt. The one they did with Orchestra (without Matt) was their "Jinggle Bells" on steroid (Barbara Streisand version), which is worth reacting to. Then they included this song in their 2018 Christmas Album (I think this time still with Orchestra but adding Matt).
Such a bittersweet video! Kevin uses the cello in this one to replace the bass sound, and it all sounds so beautiful!! They only did two songs between Avi and Matt, this one and Away in the Manger, which is such a pretty one.
I think at the time they recorded this video, the search for their next Bass guy was already underway, I, like you have always loved the trio's harmonies since the first time I heard them; They have always had that part locked down, but K.O. and Avi (and now Matt) were a percussion/bass machine themselves. This solidified a great foundation and when added to a great trio? Well here they are 12 years later and have become a relevant fixture in the musical landscape and thriving at the top of their game. We are the lucky ones to experience their gift!
For me, the cello is the most "human" of the string instruments - it's tone seems very much to be something that a human voice can duplicate (Matt's voice in Shallow, Avi's in Say Something both spring to mind). So having Kevin playing the cello when Avi is not in the group makes it very easy for me to imagine that the cello is playing the line that Avi would be singing if he were there - and makes the video even more emotional. The only other video that PTX did while they were down to 4 members is Away In A Manger, so you can listen to that or keep it in your pocket for around Christmas. One thing that I've learned recently - Avi was still with the group when this video was shot. They were finishing up the final tour dates before Avi left, and for whatever reason decided to make this video without him in it. There was a gap of several months before Matt joined the group. There was a nationwide search for a new bass singer that started basically immediately (perhaps even after Avi announced his departure, but before it actually occurred - I'm not certain of the timing) - without the people trying out knowing that they were auditioning for PTX! Apparently Ben Bram (long time PTX arranger/producer/friend) suggested to Matt that he audition for it. There was a Christmas TV specials PTX did for 2017 that had Matt appear in several songs as a "featured" guest, but not yet a permanent member. I believe there were even a number of tour dates that they did with Matt in the same role, "featured" but not yet a member. If you watch "The Evolution of Pentatonix" from their September 2022 Hollywood Bowl concert, there's a section where they briefly discuss Matt joining the group, including a picture Matt took with them at a concert as a teenager.
The traditional Christmas song AWAY IN A MANGER is the only other music video they did without a bass singer. I think it took them about 6 months to settle on a new bass (Matt). You read in comments that Avi was involved in finding his replacement, but I don't believe that's true. I think they went through the standard process of trying out different people until they found Matt who seemed to be the best fit for them.
yes >> people say that "Avi hand-picked Matt" and have no idea where that came from, except that it's a Feel-Good story ? 💯 made up Matt auditioned and then I think went on a Let's Try This tour (that's not what they called it, but that's what it was) and it worked out : )
I seem to remember Scott, in some interview or other, saying that they auditioned something like 80 bass singers before choosing Matt. Or 80-some basses applied, or something along those lines.
Away in a manger is one of my favourites - I love the arrangement and visuals ♥It proves, that PTX can blow your mind even without any bass at all. And Kevin is singing there quite a lot, so Carmen - you should definitely check it out 😄
I always like that one of the things that you like more is the harmonies of the three (Mitch, Kirstin and Scott), for me is always the best part of their music is when they sing together and do magic together, I love the way the three of them sing individually, but my favorite part is when they sing together, and is incredible how much they know each other to sound soo good, and not sound without trying to surpass the other two, Thank you for the reaction, I love the song with Calum Scott, but I love this too.
💜💙💚💛🧡 As others have mentioned, you might want to react to the video where Avi announces his departure. We all understand Avi's perspective and love him dearly. We also love Matt and the energy he brings to the group. Thanks Carmen.
There is a video of him announcing he’s leaving and they are all there. Mitch and Kirstie look as if they are holding back tears. It’s worth watching but it’s hard as it’s sad. I suggest you watch the Avi announcement and also there is a brief clip of their final song and goodbye to Avi. Then there is another brief video introducing Matt
Great reaction! Many people believe that Kevin was actually playing Avi's part on his cello. I'm one of them "people", It certainly sounded like Avi was there with them to me! =)
From what I understand, after Avi made the announcement that he was stepping back (and yes, you should watch that video), he agreed to continue through the concerts they already had scheduled. The remaining members and Ben started the search for a new bass, and Matt joined them on the Christmas tour (and Christmas special) that year. I do not believe Matt was announced as the new permanent bass until after that tour. My speculation is that the lawyers for both sides then got involved in deciding who had the rights to perform which songs (including things PTX was already working on at the time of Avi's departure) because, to my knowledge, neither party released new TH-cam music again (after the two songs that were just the Trio and Kevin) until 2019. This and anything else you hear about this time is pure speculation since neither PTX nor Avi have chosen to speak about this time publicly.
Likely you are right. There are always certain clauses in such contracts that have to be honoured in a split. I know that certain songs that Avi sang are no longer performed by the group and that it was at least a year before Avi was performing on his own.
Pentatonix did an extensive world tour in 2016, with around 80 performances in Asia / Oceania, Europe and North America, April-November, breaking for July and most of August but otherwise with only short breaks. On May 12, 2017, Avi officially announced he was leaving but stayed with the group as they returned to Japan for a few dates, then did a 20-performance summer tour of North America, starting with three Hollywood Bowl performances, with orchestra, July 2-4 and ending September 3, 2017. Summer tour performances ended with a tribute to Avi. He sang a "swan song", Scott and Mitch's 2015 lullaby "Light in the Hallway" that Scott had insisted Avi sing lead for, and there were speeches and a short video tribute. Videos of the final Avi shows are available but they are fan-recorded in large, outdoor arenas and sometimes rain, so none of them have very good sound.
I don’t think it was that sad.. The trio was there as always with the most talented musician Kevin. And since we know the future now their success (and wealth) has only increased. The most important person to keep the continuity was Ben Bram the producer didn’t leave and Matt was in their future.
I do believe they introduced Matt on their Xmas special following Avi's departure but at that time they just said he was just helping out. Kind of a tryout I guess to see how fans reacted to him.
I too just saw them (in Toronto). Great, great concert. You said a while ago you wanted to see 1. More superfruit and 2. Any other collab with Todrick Hall. With Black and White you get both, along with Kirstie mixed in (bonus). You’ll have to check it out…
Thank you for another PTX Monday reaction! This video still gets me teary, even after seeing dozens of times. They do look sad, especially Kevin, who was Avi's roommate for a few years, and someone he referred to as his brother. There are three videos that get me like this - this one, the video where he tells us he is "stepping back from PTX", and their final performance together. In that concert, first song is a performance of Sing, with many clips of Avi played on a screen behind them. The final song is Light In the Hallway, and it is obvious by the end that they are struggling to get through it. If you haven't seen the one where he says he is leaving, here's the link: th-cam.com/video/aLg_pCZ3U8Q/w-d-xo.html I'd suggest a glass of wine and a deep breath.
They had time to make two videos without Avi; this was the first of them. I'm not sure what the second was. Kevin tuned Beyoncé low so she could "sing" the bass harmonies while Kevin is handling percussion, looking like he might break into tears at any moment. It was a viral TH-cam video of Kevin celloboxing that first brought him to the attention of the trio, back when they were desperate to find a beatboxer so they could go on _The Sing-Off._ I recommend watching "The Kevin Show/Kevin's Fifth." It begins with Scott telling how they found Kevin and continues with Kevin demonstrating not just his celloboxing but also his dance moves, as well as getting Matt to play the drums for him (a skill that Matt normally doesn't get a chance to show off). This is from a concert they gave in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kevin's home town: th-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/w-d-xo.html
Here is the video of Avi announcing his leaving: th-cam.com/video/aLg_pCZ3U8Q/w-d-xo.html. The tours, and the pace of them, were tiring him a lot. His mom was sick while he was on tour, and he wanted to be with her instead. He loves the woods and the peace that comes with them and he felt the need to slow down to enjoy life. When they wrote "The Lucky Ones", the lyrics talk about not wanting to say good bye.....maybe to Avi?
Dont know if this is true but I had read that this was their goodbye song to Avi. When Scott sings "I just came to say goodbye" i think you can feel the loss they feel. Just my humble opinion! 🩷
Ok, yes, this was 1 of 2 songs post Avi and pre-Matt. The other is away in the manger. Did they pick this because the emotions resonated? Probably. But Avi leaving was amicable though sad, and they never directly referenced him when this video came out, probably because this song is about being dumped from a romantic relationship, and implies blame toward their prior partner that I don't think Pentatonix felt. Does the sadness and moving on resonate? Sure. But the ptx fans read a lot into ptx relationships, stake it with a grain of salt.
The bass notes that Kevin plays on his cello replicates the bass line Avi would be singing if he were there.
Scott sings “I just came to say goodbye…”. I bawl every time
Avi announced his departure in April 2017, but was stayed throughout their summer tour, which ended in September. There were two videos with no bass (this and Away in a Manger), before Matt shows up. He’s in a Christmas video, Deck the Halls, which I think was released in November 2017 where Scott introduces him as “the bass singing with us this holiday season.” Matt went on a Christmas tour with them (their first Christmas tour, actually), as an extended audition, and was announced as the new member in early 2018.
There are videos both of Avi announcing his departure and Matt being welcomed.
There is a video of all of them together and Avi is telling the fandom that he decided to leave the group. He gets very emotional. It’s hard to watch. When Scott looks at the camera (in this song) saying goodbye gets me every time.
Between Avi leaving and Matt joining these four made an appearance on 'Drop the Mic' .
Yes! I forgot about that one. It is really funny - and they should have won!
The 4 of them also did "Lip Sync Battle". It was hilarious. The videos are on TH-cam. The ones where they were trash talking each other before the competition was soooo funny. They found fun ways to fill their time between bass singers.
I think the four of them were also on Lip Sync Battle. Scott's redo of Ariana Grande's video "Side to Side" is hilarious!
You talk about them meeting in high school... one interview I heard with Kirstie said she met both Scott and Mitch when she was 8, but that Mitch and Scott didn't meet until sometime later. I'm guessing it was either at voice lessons or at Theater Arlington where they took music theater lessons.
😃👉Just a bit of fyi. Scott and Mitch have been friends since they were 10yrs old.
Kirstie and Mitch met at about 8 or 9 yrs old.
This was mostly through kids musical theatre.
Scott and Kirstie met at 14 yrs old freshman year of highschool.
The 3 of them ended up in the same high school doing musical theatre and choir.
On the side, the 3 of them would make song arrangements and were known as The Trio. (Still known as The Trio today) .
There are quite a few videos of The Trio before PTX .
MOST POPULAR is The Trio singing Telephone by Lady Gaga at their High School choir concert (Kirstie was the beatboxer 😆).
If interested look up Malcom James channel for that video
You really must watch the video of Avi saying goodbye and explaining why. Still makes me tear up.
There is only one other song of "Quadrotonix" ... it's "Away in the manger" (a Christmas-Song)
I've thought that Kevin's cello play in this video was an intentional tribute to Avi. Perhaps it's self-delusion or 'phantom-bass-syndrome', but I hear Avi in those sweet, low cello notes. While he's missed, I've come to love Matt as well. For me, it's not a zero-sum game and they're both essential to the PTX story. As you've commented before, Matt has a beautiful soulful voice. I watched the 2017 video where Avi announced his decision to leave and, although I haven't seen it since then, the faces of Kirsten, Mitch, Scott and Kevin are etched in my mind. You are my favorite Carmen and your reactions are so pure and spoken from the heart. You distinguish yourself from others in being a true fan. Thank you.
Thank you so much, that means a lot 🥹
This one is bittersweet. I love it, but it’s also so hard to watch. It’s definitely very clear that they struggled with this. I believe only away in a manger is without a bass.
Beautiful reaction. This always gives me the chills.
In their televised Christmas Special that year (A Very Pentatonix Christmas), they did the skits and talking with mostly only 4 of them. While for their performances, they called for additional guests, orchestra, or Matt.
The one they did with Orchestra (without Matt) was their "Jinggle Bells" on steroid (Barbara Streisand version), which is worth reacting to. Then they included this song in their 2018 Christmas Album (I think this time still with Orchestra but adding Matt).
Such a bittersweet video! Kevin uses the cello in this one to replace the bass sound, and it all sounds so beautiful!! They only did two songs between Avi and Matt, this one and Away in the Manger, which is such a pretty one.
I think at the time they recorded this video, the search for their next Bass guy was already underway, I, like you have always loved the trio's harmonies since the first time I heard them; They have always had that part locked down, but K.O. and Avi (and now Matt) were a percussion/bass machine themselves. This solidified a great foundation and when added to a great trio? Well here they are 12 years later and have become a relevant fixture in the musical landscape and thriving at the top of their game. We are the lucky ones to experience their gift!
For me, the cello is the most "human" of the string instruments - it's tone seems very much to be something that a human voice can duplicate (Matt's voice in Shallow, Avi's in Say Something both spring to mind). So having Kevin playing the cello when Avi is not in the group makes it very easy for me to imagine that the cello is playing the line that Avi would be singing if he were there - and makes the video even more emotional.
The only other video that PTX did while they were down to 4 members is Away In A Manger, so you can listen to that or keep it in your pocket for around Christmas.
One thing that I've learned recently - Avi was still with the group when this video was shot. They were finishing up the final tour dates before Avi left, and for whatever reason decided to make this video without him in it.
There was a gap of several months before Matt joined the group. There was a nationwide search for a new bass singer that started basically immediately (perhaps even after Avi announced his departure, but before it actually occurred - I'm not certain of the timing) - without the people trying out knowing that they were auditioning for PTX! Apparently Ben Bram (long time PTX arranger/producer/friend) suggested to Matt that he audition for it. There was a Christmas TV specials PTX did for 2017 that had Matt appear in several songs as a "featured" guest, but not yet a permanent member. I believe there were even a number of tour dates that they did with Matt in the same role, "featured" but not yet a member.
If you watch "The Evolution of Pentatonix" from their September 2022 Hollywood Bowl concert, there's a section where they briefly discuss Matt joining the group, including a picture Matt took with them at a concert as a teenager.
The traditional Christmas song AWAY IN A MANGER is the only other music video they did without a bass singer. I think it took them about 6 months to settle on a new bass (Matt). You read in comments that Avi was involved in finding his replacement, but I don't believe that's true. I think they went through the standard process of trying out different people until they found Matt who seemed to be the best fit for them.
yes >> people say that "Avi hand-picked Matt" and have no idea where that came from, except that it's a Feel-Good story ?
💯 made up
Matt auditioned and then I think went on a Let's Try This tour (that's not what they called it, but that's what it was)
and it worked out : )
I seem to remember Scott, in some interview or other, saying that they auditioned something like 80 bass singers before choosing Matt. Or 80-some basses applied, or something along those lines.
Away in a manger is one of my favourites - I love the arrangement and visuals ♥It proves, that PTX can blow your mind even without any bass at all. And Kevin is singing there quite a lot, so Carmen - you should definitely check it out 😄
I always like that one of the things that you like more is the harmonies of the three (Mitch, Kirstin and Scott), for me is always the best part of their music is when they sing together and do magic together, I love the way the three of them sing individually, but my favorite part is when they sing together, and is incredible how much they know each other to sound soo good, and not sound without trying to surpass the other two, Thank you for the reaction, I love the song with Calum Scott, but I love this too.
It’s pure magic when they sing together 😊
@@CarmenReacts Love the three harmony! 👍
Quadratonixs. BTW Cello + Beatboxing = Celloboxing. That is how Scott found Kevin - on a youtube video demonstating that.
💜💙💚💛🧡 As others have mentioned, you might want to react to the video where Avi announces his departure. We all understand Avi's perspective and love him dearly. We also love Matt and the energy he brings to the group. Thanks Carmen.
There is a video of him announcing he’s leaving and they are all there. Mitch and Kirstie look as if they are holding back tears. It’s worth watching but it’s hard as it’s sad. I suggest you watch the Avi announcement and also there is a brief clip of their final song and goodbye to Avi. Then there is another brief video introducing Matt
Great reaction!
Many people believe that Kevin was actually playing Avi's part on his cello. I'm one of them "people", It certainly sounded like Avi was there with them to me! =)
Wonderful reaction! I just saw them live this weekend. They totally lived up to the hype! They were fantastic! You must try and see them live.
From what I understand, after Avi made the announcement that he was stepping back (and yes, you should watch that video), he agreed to continue through the concerts they already had scheduled. The remaining members and Ben started the search for a new bass, and Matt joined them on the Christmas tour (and Christmas special) that year. I do not believe Matt was announced as the new permanent bass until after that tour.
My speculation is that the lawyers for both sides then got involved in deciding who had the rights to perform which songs (including things PTX was already working on at the time of Avi's departure) because, to my knowledge, neither party released new TH-cam music again (after the two songs that were just the Trio and Kevin) until 2019. This and anything else you hear about this time is pure speculation since neither PTX nor Avi have chosen to speak about this time publicly.
Likely you are right. There are always certain clauses in such contracts that have to be honoured in a split. I know that certain songs that Avi sang are no longer performed by the group and that it was at least a year before Avi was performing on his own.
Pentatonix did an extensive world tour in 2016, with around 80 performances in Asia / Oceania, Europe and North America, April-November, breaking for July and most of August but otherwise with only short breaks. On May 12, 2017, Avi officially announced he was leaving but stayed with the group as they returned to Japan for a few dates, then did a 20-performance summer tour of North America, starting with three Hollywood Bowl performances, with orchestra, July 2-4 and ending September 3, 2017. Summer tour performances ended with a tribute to Avi. He sang a "swan song", Scott and Mitch's 2015 lullaby "Light in the Hallway" that Scott had insisted Avi sing lead for, and there were speeches and a short video tribute. Videos of the final Avi shows are available but they are fan-recorded in large, outdoor arenas and sometimes rain, so none of them have very good sound.
I don’t think it was that sad.. The trio was there as always with the most talented musician Kevin. And since we know the future now their success (and wealth) has only increased. The most important person to keep the continuity was Ben Bram the producer didn’t leave and Matt was in their future.
I do believe they introduced Matt on their Xmas special following Avi's departure but at that time they just said he was just helping out. Kind of a tryout I guess to see how fans reacted to him.
I too just saw them (in Toronto). Great, great concert. You said a while ago you wanted to see 1. More superfruit and 2. Any other collab with Todrick Hall. With Black and White you get both, along with Kirstie mixed in (bonus). You’ll have to check it out…
They met well before high school, they did theater together as children../
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for another PTX Monday reaction! This video still gets me teary, even after seeing dozens of times. They do look sad, especially Kevin, who was Avi's roommate for a few years, and someone he referred to as his brother. There are three videos that get me like this - this one, the video where he tells us he is "stepping back from PTX", and their final performance together. In that concert, first song is a performance of Sing, with many clips of Avi played on a screen behind them. The final song is Light In the Hallway, and it is obvious by the end that they are struggling to get through it. If you haven't seen the one where he says he is leaving, here's the link: th-cam.com/video/aLg_pCZ3U8Q/w-d-xo.html I'd suggest a glass of wine and a deep breath.
Away in a Manger is another one they did between Avi and Matt.
The other video between basses is Away In A Manger. Recommend their cover of My Favorite Things.
They had time to make two videos without Avi; this was the first of them. I'm not sure what the second was.
Kevin tuned Beyoncé low so she could "sing" the bass harmonies while Kevin is handling percussion, looking like he might break into tears at any moment.
It was a viral TH-cam video of Kevin celloboxing that first brought him to the attention of the trio, back when they were desperate to find a beatboxer so they could go on _The Sing-Off._ I recommend watching "The Kevin Show/Kevin's Fifth." It begins with Scott telling how they found Kevin and continues with Kevin demonstrating not just his celloboxing but also his dance moves, as well as getting Matt to play the drums for him (a skill that Matt normally doesn't get a chance to show off). This is from a concert they gave in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kevin's home town: th-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/w-d-xo.html
Here is the video of Avi announcing his leaving: th-cam.com/video/aLg_pCZ3U8Q/w-d-xo.html. The tours, and the pace of them, were tiring him a lot. His mom was sick while he was on tour, and he wanted to be with her instead. He loves the woods and the peace that comes with them and he felt the need to slow down to enjoy life. When they wrote "The Lucky Ones", the lyrics talk about not wanting to say good bye.....maybe to Avi?
Dont know if this is true but I had read that this was their goodbye song to Avi. When Scott sings "I just came to say goodbye" i think you can feel the loss they feel. Just my humble opinion! 🩷
I think there is another song - kind of a Christmas song - of just the 4 of them, sorry I don't know the name of it.
Away in a Manger. It's an old Christmas carol, done beautifully. Kevin sings -- no beat boxing, instead the 4 of them do body percussion. 🙂
Ok, yes, this was 1 of 2 songs post Avi and pre-Matt. The other is away in the manger. Did they pick this because the emotions resonated? Probably. But Avi leaving was amicable though sad, and they never directly referenced him when this video came out, probably because this song is about being dumped from a romantic relationship, and implies blame toward their prior partner that I don't think Pentatonix felt. Does the sadness and moving on resonate? Sure. But the ptx fans read a lot into ptx relationships, stake it with a grain of salt.