What a reaction! I love how each section of the performance totally amazed you...he amazes me all the time. Congrats on your milestone of 100K...love your channel! ❤
I saw this live, and was blown away. What you can't see in this video, is on the overhead screens, it is Kevin who is playing the background cello as well. What an amazing man!
Before Scott et al found Kevin: KO was invited TWICE to play Carnegie Hall, first on cello, second on sax. His minor at Yale was Asian Studies for which he spent 18 months in China. His third month a TV program there interviewed him, offering a translator. Instead he went without as he spoke fluent Mandarin (among his 6 languages). He entered a competition to collaborate on cello with Yoyo MA, one of the top cellist in the world and came in second. It's my understanding also that he didn't sing until after joining PTX.
@@Calisto9 the way I heard it, he and Avi shared an apartment when Pentatonix started out, and he coached Avi in beatboxing while Avi tutored him in voice.
Those initial chords Kevin plays is to check the tuning of the cello before he starts playing. String instruments are affected by variations in temperature and humidity, and the strings often need to be adjusted. Then he puts his head back to collect himself and focus before beginning.
Kevin Olusola is a modern day Renaissance Man. He's one of those people whose talents seem to have no end, and he's so humble and kind you can't even be mad about it. 😆
Exactly! If it was anyone else you would almost get annoyed at it all, but he's so genuine and curious and all around a decent human, that you're just proud and in awe.
Kevin's dad was born in Nigeria and mom is from Grenada. They met when they were both doing medical training. When Kevin's dad finished his psychiatric residency, they chose to move to Kentucky because they thought it would be a safe location to raise their children. I go to church with some African families, and African fathers have a reputation for having high expectations for their children and instilling a strong work ethic. His parents realized when Kevin was a baby that he had musical talent and started him on piano lessons when he was 4 and cello at 6. He was really active in music but also good at academics and ended up at a very prestigious prep school for his last two years of high school. So you are right that he is not just talented but also has worked very hard to acquire the skills he has.
One of the things that has made PTX so successful is that they are each respectful of everyone's talent; they are all willing to let someone else shine. This reflects their character, and their relationships.
Thats one of the beautiful things about PTX, they have always made space for each member to shine and showcase their uniqueness. They blend seamlessly as a group but they make sure to make those moments for everyone as well.
Tes, that's his electric cello! It can switch from standard cello sounds (but plug into the amps directly instead of needing another mic) to adding an electric effect that sounds like an electric guitar does, so he can create a different sound or imitate an electric guitar!
I always love your reactions! Each member has, to some degree, branched out in their own solo work; however, they have all kept the promise over the years to keep PTX the priority. I think this is why they, as a band, have had the staying power because they support each individual's creative journey.
I enjoyed your reaction to Kevin's segment of the Pentatonix concert. He is incredible. Matt is too. I love that Kevin has a segment each PTX concert. Matt and Kevin also have a hype segment in each concert. Those give The Trio a chance to rest their voices and they get the audience all pumped up and happily singing along. They are highly entertaining. Congrats on the well-deserved 100,000 subs.
In addition to your comments of talent and humility, I have noticed with all the members of PTX the desire to let others shine in their moment. Anytime they have a featured artist they truly feature them and let them shine. Perhaps they have learned that when you support others to succeed, you in turn succeed.
Kevin’s father is a psychiatrist - his mother was a nurse - perhaps advanced degree since then - but she taught one of my nursing courses - she was a very nice woman
Man, Scott's solo song "Mars" video (the choir version shot live) is HARD hitting, too. Kirsty has been on Broadway and could be again if she wanted to be with her angelic, yet powerful voice. In Pentatonix' Popspring 2016 performance MTV video, Kirsty has the lead in their last song called "Water" . She had a large part in creating the song, it's beautiful and almost magical. Mitch's solo video covering Billie Eilish's song. "Your Power" is un-for-gettable. Anything that Superfruit recorded (early Mitch and Scott vlogs and videos of both covers and original songs) is either mind-blowing or hilarious. I've heard Pentatonix' singing style as a group described as 'They sing feelings"". Gee, do you think I'm a fan? Been watching them since the Sing Off in 2011-12. Enjoying your reactions.
Kevin is certainly gifted as an individual, but if he hadn't had the internal drive to set goals and work HARD for them, we'd never have known the talents he was gifted with ❤ All of the members have that insane level of drive, that and their loving humility make them even more rare than their talents do
Kevin's parents noticed his music abilities when he was just three years old or so. They immediately got him into playing instruments. I believe his mother asked him if he'd like to learn the cello and he said sure. As a teenager he played both the cello and saxaphone at Carnegie Hall. He says he had planned his life out to be a doctor but God has a sense of humor and had a different plan for his life. There's a great interview of him on BYU channel's show Grace Notes. Talk about humility! He shows so much of his humble nature in that interview - plus he performed 2 songs on that interview.
So glad you enjoyed this! It’s not often that you can boogie down to Bach - but thanks to Kevin … I am always amazed to realize that the man can accompany himself! And Matt displays new talents as well, drummer extraordinaire and cheerleader at the same time. Once you get a little more familiar with the group as a whole, you can branch out into their other projects (and there are many). Thanks, I enjoyed your reaction very much, as always. Peace …
Not a cellist but I do know that the cello has no frets so all the notes and finger positions are muscle memory. My thought is that he is making sure he's got the right spot to start the song, tuning it as it were. Radioactive is a great song to react to, it has Kevin playing cello along with Lindsay Sterling playing violin.
That’s an electric cello, that’s why you can change the sound from classical to a guitar synth. Besides that, this man is absolutely insanely talented and so freaking sweet. Makes me want to think about what I’m doing with my life and where I failed 🤣
So what he does at the beginning of the songs with his bow. He is putting the rosin on the strings from his bow so they are lubricated in a way. I played violon when I was younger. It just helps to keep the bow from fraying. The bows are made from the hair of the tails of horses. So the hair can fray and break.
So glad you decided to watch!!! He is amazing!!! And it's an electric Cello, and before he begins each piece he is making sure it's still tuned properly.
I can't get over how individually talented they each are while remaining dedicated to one another. They have an agreement that they support one another 100% on their personal artistic pursuits as long as Pentatonix remains the priority. Kevin is an outstanding human being in every way. He's such a great example, I really look up to him. Loved your reaction!
It's really genius that they always work this into their concerts. It gives Kevin the chance to shine. The next part of the concert featured the trio and opening band so Kevin could rest his voice a bit. It is The river/Evergreen. There is a live stream of it too.
Love your reaction 👍 just for you know, Avi who left PTX in 2017, is also doing stuff on his own, a wonderful solo carrer right now. You should really check some of Avi's solo song, there are marvelous. So talented singer, song writer, musician, arrangist, you have to check at least Change on the rise, the first solo song is released. Thanks 😘
This is from their Christmas concert. Being there made it that much better. If you ever get the chance you should see them in concert. I loved it so much, I got tickets for August. I will never miss another pentatonix concert!
On the cello type, he is simply playing an electric cello which most performers use in solo concert settings. If you ever watch Tina Guo(cellist whom plays the wonder woman theme) she uses an electric cello in her solo performances as well. One thing not mentioned on the video is Kevin's tremendous faith. He does several devotionals with churches and religious groups around the world. I have had friends ask me about him after seeing him involved in an activity in their church.
We actually got to finally see this tour. I have wanted to see their Christmas concerts but they never came to our city. Well, they finally did come on this tour. I LOVE their Christmas music. So, to our delight we got to see Kevin do this!!!!!!! He is terrific.... The dancers performed throughout the whole concert. Just a fantastic show! I loved your reaction. I think everyone has that look when Kevin or the whole group perform!
They are all insanely talented and extremely hard working. I think you would really enjoy reacting to their video “making Evergreen” a behind the scenes look at them putting together their most recent ( Grammy nominated) album. We will watch along and you will fall in love with all of them
You said it!!!! Humbleness is a quality each member of PTX has. Every single one of them have/had their own singles. Scott..."Mars" Scott and Mitch with their "Superfruit" run, Kevin has his inspirational podcast called Imagine Faith Talk and a few singles, Mitch as the artist Messer and they all do Various collaborations with other singers. But they CHOOSE to be part of the big picture by working together to create what many call the greatest acapella group ever!! And we are blessed to witness their talent!!
Awesome reaction to incredible music! I hope this will inspire you to react to ALL of KO’s solo work. We Pentaholics will be here for it, I can assure you!
Sp Britt, his laugh is contagious. Its so warm and inviting. There are several video's on TH-cam of him laughing at the other members of the band. Check those out. It just fills your heart with Happiness
Kirstin starred in _Kinky Boots_ on Broadway for one season. One of the reasons Avi left is that he felt stifled in Pentatonix; he's happier with a solo career. Other than that, they all have side projects, which always take second place to Pentatonix if there's any conflict. SuperFruit was one such side project.
It's Kevin uh-LOOSH-uh-lah, it's Nigerian. He's also checking the tuning before starting. It's a skeleton cello with electronic pickup so it can be amplified in large spaces, or put through effects boxes. He has perfect pitch so he can tighten a string if he needs to before playing. They all have solo projects, Kirsty was on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Scott release a single 'On Mars' , it's on YT. Mitch does solo work and Matt does, I believe. Their previous bass, Avi Kaplan has an album out, Living on a Dream and lots of solo stuff on YT.
💥👉Matt (that played the drums) is NOT a beatboxer, he is the bass!. Kevin's father is from Nigeria, his mother is from Granada. Kevin is first generation American. Kevin is the oldest of 3. All his family is in the medical field. His father is a doctor, his mother therapist, his sister a pharmacist his younger brother a doctor. Kevin would have been a doctor as well. Kevin is fluent in Chinese after living in China for 18 months as an exchange student while in his late teens. Kevin also plays piano and saxophone. Kevin married the love of his life Leigh in 2018 and they have a 2 year old daughter Kaia.
PTX has collabed with Lindsey Sterling (dancing violinist 🔥) at least 3 times .. all fantastic to hear and to see…. Papatouai (likely spelled wrong… but not they also sing in French…), Radioactive, and Over The River. Oh yes, KO def brings Beyoncé (his traditional cello’s name) to all three.
Scott loooves those bandmaster/ringmaster jackets. If you check out the official video for Over the River, you'll see him in another great one. Say Kevin's surname: oh LOO shuh luh. It is Nigerian. His psychiatrist father has decided that Kevin makes so many people happy that his son is doing a good thing. Kevin is super humble and loving as well as super talented, He does a faith podcast as well. I think the initial strokes are to check the tuning. Under the stage lights and his vigorous technique, the cello strings could get out of tune. (I don't play strings either, but I used to go an art and music camp - Lord, 50 years ago - and watched my fellow campers practicing and performing often.). The dancers are called Cost n Mayor - check them out online. They really added another layer of fun to the holiday extravaganza.
you should watch the sing off of them.. watch how far they have come not only as a group but from teenagers these adults you see today. it has been amazing to watch them.. Yes I have seen them from the sing off been to a few concerts but regular and their christmas specials.. absolutely amazing show people. anyway keep up the fun vids cheers.
And....realize it's LIVE!!!!! No ides what that's like to be that talented...i can tell you what it's not like LOL. i have to concentrate when walking and chewing gum..listen to that!!! Because of Kevin i am learning to play Cello from falling in love with the sound. With this group it also has a lot to do with the love they have for each other. They all have things they have done, Scott :choral version of "Mars", Mitch "Your Power", Kirsten "Break a Little" or "Naked", Avi Kaplan(old bass) "Change on the Rise" But ya, Kevin is a TALENT Freak!!!
matt is bass singer in the group remember that he can do little bit of beatboxing. matt is the best dancer of the group. matt can play drums before he join the group. react to introduction to matt and you would found out about him more and how talented he is.
Fluent in Mandarin too! He did graduate from Yale in Asian Studies. Guess you are seeing why I call him Special K! He married and is a father since joining PTX.
String instruments: violin, viola, cello and contra bass are tuned in intervals of fifths. If you play two strings at once, you are checking your tuning. If the instrument is in tune, the strings vibrate at the same rate, creating a pleasing sound. Once you learn to play, you tune your instrument to a concert A. In the case of Viola and Cello, the strings are A, D, G, C and an octive apart. Once that A is tuned, you draw your bow over A and D at the same time, focusing on tuning D. Then D and G and finish off with G and C. When you master your instrument, you can actually play two notes at once as long as the strings are next to each other. Example: E is first finger on the D string, if you draw the D (E) and over the A string as well, you've created a third (cord) interval.
In the beginning of the songs he's checking that the first notes are in tune. As a violinist I do that too, but quietly as the violin is next to my ear I can do it the way no-one even notices it, but with cello it's not that easy.
Kevin might be an advanced human from the future sent back to show us our potential. Or Kevin could be the DaVinci of our time. Kevin is such a true genius and a musical genius. He has so many talents in him, I can't believe he hasn't self-combusted. Can play multiple instruments, sing, beatbox, write, compose, speaks multiple languages, perfect pitch, and as if that wasn't enough, he was pre-med at Yale. He is also a humble and wonderful human. Maybe when he is done making music, he can become of Nobel Laureate after curing cancer and brokering world peace.
I believe the cello (like the viola, violin, bass, acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments) can get out of tune at a moment's notice. If I'm not mistaken, most musicians, (and classically-trained musicians especially), are taught to check the tuning briefly between songs or before a song. I think that's what you're seeing; he leans forward a bit, runs the bow across the strings to ensure the sound is correct (indicating no strings have become flat), and then leans back and plays.
They support and encourage each other to branch out and do solo work too. They truly are an anomaly the way they work together, and apart. You should look at the making of Evergreen.
Matt is Avi's replacement; he occasionally takes over beatboxing if Kevin is singing, but what you think is beatboxing from him is usually his role as bass. The rhythm section has two components: percussion and bass. In most bands that would mean a drummer and a bass guitarist, but in Pentatonix it means Kevin and Matt. But Matt is a quieter bass than Avi, so much of the time you just hear the rhythm and put it all down to beatboxing, never realizing that the reason it sounds so deep and full is Matt's bass guitar part. But you SEE Matt, in perfect synchronization with Kevin, and since you're thinking of the rhythm as just beatboxing you think that's what Matt is doing as well. So except when Matt has a solo you hear him without realizing it. This is EXACTLY how Matt should be performing his part of the arrangement. The bass guitar part is supposed to be in the background; it supports the entire group in much the same way that the drum part does. Listen to earlier songs some time, with Avi. What you'll notice is that when the bass harmony line starts up it pushes itself into the front of your consciousness. You think "Oh, Avi! 😍 🥰 How wonderful he sounds!" That doesn't happen with Matt. You have to concentrate to hear Matt's bass line, because Matt keeps it in the background. I think that partly it's because Matt doesn't have Avi's operatic training, but mostly it's a difference in style, and Matt's style is perfect for Pentatonix as they are now. Avi's style was perfect for Pentatonix back when they really needed a second superstar to balance Mitch. At this point they're all superstars; they all balance each other.
Very well said. I did see an interview with Ben Bramm in which he indicated a personal preference for Matt as Pentatonix' bass singer. With Avi, there was a bit of "wow! Can you believe how low that one guy can sing?" and with Matt it's more of a blend. That said, I believe that Matt's voice has gotten lower since he joined. Listen to the Hollywood Bowl numbers. He really is an impressive vocalist.
@@curtismartin2866 I saw that Ben Bram interview, too, and it made sense to me. Judging solely by what I heard from Matt at their Denver concert on November 20, 2022, I believe that Matt's range is currently either identical to Avi's or possibly a bit larger. I would actually bet money (which I never do) that his lowest note was just as low as anything I ever heard from Avi, true basso profundo blowing-out-speakers low, while his highest note was in the middle to high end of the tenor range, either as high as Avi can go or possibly higher. And since a bass's range seems to improve with age, and Matt is the youngest member, I expect that it will get even greater for another couple of years at least. I wish I'd been recording at the concert. Matt was spectacular on the second verse of "Hallelujah." They don't currently have any recordings out that properly show off Matt's range; I'm looking forward to their 2023 Christmas album for that. It also seems to me that Pentatonix isn't just being modest when they describe themselves as "the lucky ones." Yes, they owe most of their success to a combination of sheer talent and hard work, but look at what happens when they need to fill a position. Ben Bram tells them the perfect guy to hire as bass, and he's actually interested. They go to TH-cam and find a genius who's played at Carnegie Hall twice and is well on his way to becoming a brilliant doctor, and he's actually willing to give that up to become their beatboxer. The perfect bass leaves and within months they've found a young man who's currently able to function as their bass but also has the potential to become one of the all-time great basses, and they have the sense to recognize the potential, hire him, and stick with him while he finishes growing into his voice. A lot of that is good sense and taking the long view, but without the luck that wouldn't be enough.
ALSO...he learned how to speak Chinese (Mandarin) fluently !!! AND, he did two performances at Carniege Hall !! AND, he plays 4 different instruments !!
I absolutely loved your reaction. Your amazement was so sweet!! You should react to Kevin's song called Renegade. You will LOVE it. Congratulations on your 100K subscribers 🎉👏🏽
Here's one for you, just to 'add to the list'.... there's a video of him on TH-cam (search Kevin Olusola Carnegie Hall) of him playing saxophone for a showcase. He's just as good on the horn as he is on the cello. I'm not sure what all other instruments he plays at that same level, but we've seen keyboards and some drums. And then, he also speaks Chinese fluently of all things. Not sure if he speaks any other languages or not, but if he wanted to learn them he easily could. lol.
As to the dancing to Kevin's playing...the 2022 Christmas tour of the US included a dancing couple, Cost n' Mayor, who actually did some free-form dancing to kevin's playing and Kevin joined them for a bit ( Matt was doing drums - his other talent) . I'd check TH-cam for it or Miles Reuben's channel for it. Miles managed to get really good video of the whole concert and then separated all of it into the different songs.
Kevin is playing an electric cello, which is much easier to transport than his favorite classical cello, Beyoncé - classic cellos can run several thousand $s for a beginner level at the full size, and I'm reasonably sure Beyoncé is not a beginner level cello! Since you've listened to his Down video - a lot of reactors think that his cello sounds a lot like an electric guitar in that video. Since an electric cello has almost exactly the same relationship to a classic cello as an electric guitar does to a classic guitar, it's not a bad comparison - you can modify the sound coming from an electric cello in almost exactly the same way that you can from an electric guitar. And Kevin really plays on that ability for the 2nd half of Kevin's Fifth!
His father is an M.D. and his mother a Nurse. Both highly brilliant in their own right. He and his siblings are indeed first generation born here. His father is from Nigeria and his mother from Grenada. All of PTX are MULTI-millionaires putting emphasis on the MULTI. I know Avi was with them for 6 years and he had a net worth in the millions back then. Kevin once said "Avi was his best friend" and indeed they had a great relationship. Kevin was raised Seventh Day Adventist and Avi is Jewish. Both of them raised with strong Old Testament moral values.
Kevin has his own TH-cam channel. Check out his cover of Down. Scott is starting his own solo work. Check out his original, Mars. Mitch is making music under the name Messer. Avi has a very successful now. Check out his original, Change On The Rise. Kirstin had the female lead on Broadway in Kinky Boots. She made an EP of some of her originals a few years back called L O V E. Check out her Break A Little.
What a reaction! I love how each section of the performance totally amazed you...he amazes me all the time. Congrats on your milestone of 100K...love your channel! ❤
Thank you so much!! I appreciate it!! it was a great preformance!!
I saw this live, and was blown away. What you can't see in this video, is on the overhead screens, it is Kevin who is playing the background cello as well. What an amazing man!
Before Scott et al found Kevin: KO was invited TWICE to play Carnegie Hall, first on cello, second on sax. His minor at Yale was Asian Studies for which he spent 18 months in China. His third month a TV program there interviewed him, offering a translator. Instead he went without as he spoke fluent Mandarin (among his 6 languages). He entered a competition to collaborate on cello with Yoyo MA, one of the top cellist in the world and came in second. It's my understanding also that he didn't sing until after joining PTX.
I believe that Kevin was such a musical prodigy at a young age that Quincy Jones invited Kevin to his home to meet with and discuss the industry.
According to what I've read Mitch and Scott coached him with his singing.
@@Calisto9 the way I heard it, he and Avi shared an apartment when Pentatonix started out, and he coached Avi in beatboxing while Avi tutored him in voice.
Those initial chords Kevin plays is to check the tuning of the cello before he starts playing. String instruments are affected by variations in temperature and humidity, and the strings often need to be adjusted. Then he puts his head back to collect himself and focus before beginning.
Kevin's Rock explorations make my spirit soar!!!
Kevin is beyond talented AND he’s one of the kindest human beings. I adore him as a musician, PTX member and more importantly, as a person 🔥❤️🙌
that is awesome! he is so crazy talented
Yes it's an electric cello, Kevin is a beast! And girl you are beautiful!!
thank you!
Kevin Olusola is a modern day Renaissance Man.
He's one of those people whose talents seem to have no end, and he's so humble and kind you can't even be mad about it. 😆
Exactly! If it was anyone else you would almost get annoyed at it all, but he's so genuine and curious and all around a decent human, that you're just proud and in awe.
Kevin's dad was born in Nigeria and mom is from Grenada. They met when they were both doing medical training. When Kevin's dad finished his psychiatric residency, they chose to move to Kentucky because they thought it would be a safe location to raise their children. I go to church with some African families, and African fathers have a reputation for having high expectations for their children and instilling a strong work ethic. His parents realized when Kevin was a baby that he had musical talent and started him on piano lessons when he was 4 and cello at 6. He was really active in music but also good at academics and ended up at a very prestigious prep school for his last two years of high school. So you are right that he is not just talented but also has worked very hard to acquire the skills he has.
One of the things that has made PTX so successful is that they are each respectful of everyone's talent; they are all willing to let someone else shine. This reflects their character, and their relationships.
Thats one of the beautiful things about PTX, they have always made space for each member to shine and showcase their uniqueness. They blend seamlessly as a group but they make sure to make those moments for everyone as well.
He's also fluent in Chinese🙂 His dad is from Nigeria and his mom his from the Caribbean.
that is so cool!
Tes, that's his electric cello! It can switch from standard cello sounds (but plug into the amps directly instead of needing another mic) to adding an electric effect that sounds like an electric guitar does, so he can create a different sound or imitate an electric guitar!
I always love your reactions! Each member has, to some degree, branched out in their own solo work; however, they have all kept the promise over the years to keep PTX the priority. I think this is why they, as a band, have had the staying power because they support each individual's creative journey.
thank you! that is awesome they all support each other!!
I enjoyed your reaction to Kevin's segment of the Pentatonix concert. He is incredible. Matt is too. I love that Kevin has a segment each PTX concert. Matt and Kevin also have a hype segment in each concert. Those give The Trio a chance to rest their voices and they get the audience all pumped up and happily singing along. They are highly entertaining. Congrats on the well-deserved 100,000 subs.
thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!!
In addition to your comments of talent and humility, I have noticed with all the members of PTX the desire to let others shine in their moment. Anytime they have a featured artist they truly feature them and let them shine. Perhaps they have learned that when you support others to succeed, you in turn succeed.
Kevin’s father is a psychiatrist - his mother was a nurse - perhaps advanced degree since then - but she taught one of my nursing courses - she was a very nice woman
Man, Scott's solo song "Mars" video (the choir version shot live) is HARD hitting, too. Kirsty has been on Broadway and could be again if she wanted to be with her angelic, yet powerful voice. In Pentatonix' Popspring 2016 performance MTV video, Kirsty has the lead in their last song called "Water" . She had a large part in creating the song, it's beautiful and almost magical. Mitch's solo video covering Billie Eilish's song. "Your Power" is un-for-gettable. Anything that Superfruit recorded (early Mitch and Scott vlogs and videos of both covers and original songs) is either mind-blowing or hilarious. I've heard Pentatonix' singing style as a group described as 'They sing feelings"". Gee, do you think I'm a fan? Been watching them since the Sing Off in 2011-12. Enjoying your reactions.
Yes to this❤❤
Absolutely incredible!!! What genius! I loved the background intro by Scott. Never knew all that about Kevin! Wow!!
Right?! they are all amazing!
Kevin is certainly gifted as an individual, but if he hadn't had the internal drive to set goals and work HARD for them, we'd never have known the talents he was gifted with ❤ All of the members have that insane level of drive, that and their loving humility make them even more rare than their talents do
❤ yes
Kevin's parents noticed his music abilities when he was just three years old or so. They immediately got him into playing instruments. I believe his mother asked him if he'd like to learn the cello and he said sure. As a teenager he played both the cello and saxaphone at Carnegie Hall. He says he had planned his life out to be a doctor but God has a sense of humor and had a different plan for his life. There's a great interview of him on BYU channel's show Grace Notes. Talk about humility! He shows so much of his humble nature in that interview - plus he performed 2 songs on that interview.
So glad you enjoyed this! It’s not often that you can boogie down to Bach - but thanks to Kevin … I am always amazed to realize that the man can accompany himself! And Matt displays new talents as well, drummer extraordinaire and cheerleader at the same time. Once you get a little more familiar with the group as a whole, you can branch out into their other projects (and there are many). Thanks, I enjoyed your reaction very much, as always. Peace …
Not a cellist but I do know that the cello has no frets so all the notes and finger positions are muscle memory. My thought is that he is making sure he's got the right spot to start the song, tuning it as it were. Radioactive is a great song to react to, it has Kevin playing cello along with Lindsay Sterling playing violin.
You are not the only one that loves Kevin's laugh There is an entire video of just him laughing. You can tell he is a man that loves life.
haha yes
That’s an electric cello, that’s why you can change the sound from classical to a guitar synth. Besides that, this man is absolutely insanely talented and so freaking sweet. Makes me want to think about what I’m doing with my life and where I failed 🤣
Areas that you fail in simply give you an opportunity to either improve or find what your real passion is.
Thanks for the info! and yes he is soooo talented!
Each time watching what Kevin can do I think, how so much talent can fit in one person?
haha facts!!!
So what he does at the beginning of the songs with his bow. He is putting the rosin on the strings from his bow so they are lubricated in a way. I played violon when I was younger. It just helps to keep the bow from fraying. The bows are made from the hair of the tails of horses. So the hair can fray and break.
Saw that live! Phenomenal! The respect each member has for each other is part of why their Pentaholic fan base is that way too! Great reaction!
So glad you decided to watch!!! He is amazing!!!
And it's an electric Cello, and before he begins each piece he is making sure it's still tuned properly.
Cool! and glad you enjoyed the video!!
I can't get over how individually talented they each are while remaining dedicated to one another. They have an agreement that they support one another 100% on their personal artistic pursuits as long as Pentatonix remains the priority. Kevin is an outstanding human being in every way. He's such a great example, I really look up to him. Loved your reaction!
It's really genius that they always work this into their concerts. It gives Kevin the chance to shine.
The next part of the concert featured the trio and opening band so Kevin could rest his voice a bit. It is The river/Evergreen. There is a live stream of it too.
From my understanding they all agreed Pentatonix first, but they support each other in their solo efforts as well.
that is awesome!
I saw this live and it was mind blowing! He got a standing ovation, of course!
Thank you for this reaction as i did not know any of this ! Kevin can have his own show with his talent ! Mind Blowing !
glad you enjoyed it! and facts!
first time I have heard this which is shocking as I feel like I have watched a thousand reaction videos to Pentatonix. His talent is INSANE!!
Love your reaction 👍 just for you know, Avi who left PTX in 2017, is also doing stuff on his own, a wonderful solo carrer right now. You should really check some of Avi's solo song, there are marvelous. So talented singer, song writer, musician, arrangist, you have to check at least Change on the rise, the first solo song is released. Thanks 😘
Kevin is from Nigeria originally. His mom & dad are still there I think.😊
I saw this performed live and was totally blown away.
wow that is awesome! I was also blown away!
Kevin is proudly Nigerian. So you're right, African. He's an amazingly talented person - languages, several instruments, etc.
watching this live was incredible! definitely go to one of their shows if you get the chance i go every year!
that is awesome you saw it live!
This is from their Christmas concert. Being there made it that much better. If you ever get the chance you should see them in concert. I loved it so much, I got tickets for August. I will never miss another pentatonix concert!
That Bach piece was breathtaking! I wonder what Bach himself would say if he heard it. Everything he did was amazing!
Check out Kevin's solo rendition of the song "Down".
He plays other instruments too.
I saw this live……blew my mind! Such amazing raw talent! ❤️
That is NOT his laugh - his laugh is HILARIOUS and INFECTIOUS! There are a few great videos out there with KO really laughing!
haha
On the cello type, he is simply playing an electric cello which most performers use in solo concert settings. If you ever watch Tina Guo(cellist whom plays the wonder woman theme) she uses an electric cello in her solo performances as well. One thing not mentioned on the video is Kevin's tremendous faith. He does several devotionals with churches and religious groups around the world. I have had friends ask me about him after seeing him involved in an activity in their church.
We actually got to finally see this tour. I have wanted to see their Christmas concerts but they never came to our city. Well, they finally did come on this tour. I LOVE their Christmas music. So, to our delight we got to see Kevin do this!!!!!!! He is terrific.... The dancers performed throughout the whole concert. Just a fantastic show! I loved your reaction. I think everyone has that look when Kevin or the whole group perform!
They are all insanely talented and extremely hard working. I think you would really enjoy reacting to their video “making Evergreen” a behind the scenes look at them putting together their most recent ( Grammy nominated) album. We will watch along and you will fall in love with all of them
You said it!!!! Humbleness is a quality each member of PTX has. Every single one of them have/had their own singles. Scott..."Mars" Scott and Mitch with their "Superfruit" run, Kevin has his inspirational podcast called Imagine Faith Talk and a few singles, Mitch as the artist Messer and they all do Various collaborations with other singers. But they CHOOSE to be part of the big picture by working together to create what many call the greatest acapella group ever!! And we are blessed to witness their talent!!
Scott always has the most impressive jackets.
haha true
I've heard that to maintain his stamina for beatboxing Kevin regularly goes running and beatboxes as he runs.
that is crazy!
Yes they can all have solo careers. Pentatonix is the priority for them but they do their own stuff as well. Check out "Mars" from Scott.
that is so cool! I will keep it in mind, thanks!
Awesome reaction to incredible music! I hope this will inspire you to react to ALL of KO’s solo work. We Pentaholics will be here for it, I can assure you!
thank you!! I will keep it in mind!
Check out PTX "Shallow " Kevin plays cello and beat boxes
Sp Britt, his laugh is contagious. Its so warm and inviting. There are several video's on TH-cam of him laughing at the other members of the band. Check those out. It just fills your heart with Happiness
He also plays the Trumpet and Piano. And he speaks fluent Mandarin.
Kirstin starred in _Kinky Boots_ on Broadway for one season. One of the reasons Avi left is that he felt stifled in Pentatonix; he's happier with a solo career. Other than that, they all have side projects, which always take second place to Pentatonix if there's any conflict. SuperFruit was one such side project.
If you want to hear the group laugh a lot and have a bunch of fun....
They try and sing 100 songs in 10 minutes.
Kevin's laugh is great.
It's Kevin uh-LOOSH-uh-lah, it's Nigerian. He's also checking the tuning before starting. It's a skeleton cello with electronic pickup so it can be amplified in large spaces, or put through effects boxes. He has perfect pitch so he can tighten a string if he needs to before playing. They all have solo projects, Kirsty was on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Scott release a single 'On Mars' , it's on YT. Mitch does solo work and Matt does, I believe. Their previous bass, Avi Kaplan has an album out, Living on a Dream and lots of solo stuff on YT.
This part of the show was incredible live.
i can imagine!!
💥👉Matt (that played the drums) is NOT a beatboxer, he is the bass!.
Kevin's father is from Nigeria, his mother is from Granada. Kevin is first generation American.
Kevin is the oldest of 3. All his family is in the medical field.
His father is a doctor, his mother therapist, his sister a pharmacist his younger brother a doctor. Kevin would have been a doctor as well.
Kevin is fluent in Chinese after living in China for 18 months as an exchange student while in his late teens.
Kevin also plays piano and saxophone.
Kevin married the love of his life Leigh in 2018 and they have a 2 year old daughter Kaia.
Kevin is so talented.
true
PTX has collabed with Lindsey Sterling (dancing violinist 🔥) at least 3 times .. all fantastic to hear and to see…. Papatouai (likely spelled wrong… but not they also sing in French…), Radioactive, and Over The River. Oh yes, KO def brings Beyoncé (his traditional cello’s name) to all three.
Scott loooves those bandmaster/ringmaster jackets. If you check out the official video for Over the River, you'll see him in another great one. Say Kevin's surname: oh LOO shuh luh. It is Nigerian. His psychiatrist father has decided that Kevin makes so many people happy that his son is doing a good thing. Kevin is super humble and loving as well as super talented, He does a faith podcast as well. I think the initial strokes are to check the tuning. Under the stage lights and his vigorous technique, the cello strings could get out of tune. (I don't play strings either, but I used to go an art and music camp - Lord, 50 years ago - and watched my fellow campers practicing and performing often.). The dancers are called Cost n Mayor - check them out online. They really added another layer of fun to the holiday extravaganza.
He's checking that the cello is still in tune.
thank you for letting me know!!!
you should watch the sing off of them.. watch how far they have come not only as a group but from teenagers these adults you see today. it has been amazing to watch them.. Yes I have seen them from the sing off been to a few concerts but regular and their christmas specials.. absolutely amazing show people. anyway keep up the fun vids cheers.
Kevin spent one year in college in Beijing. So he speaks fluent Mandarin as well (I believe his language count is at four )
And....realize it's LIVE!!!!! No ides what that's like to be that talented...i can tell you what it's not like LOL. i have to concentrate when walking and chewing gum..listen to that!!! Because of Kevin i am learning to play Cello from falling in love with the sound. With this group it also has a lot to do with the love they have for each other. They all have things they have done, Scott :choral version of "Mars", Mitch "Your Power", Kirsten "Break a Little" or "Naked", Avi Kaplan(old bass) "Change on the Rise" But ya, Kevin is a TALENT Freak!!!
matt is bass singer in the group remember that he can do little bit of beatboxing. matt is the best dancer of the group. matt can play drums before he join the group. react to introduction to matt and you would found out about him more and how talented he is.
Love your reactions and totally agree. This is formidable ❤😊
He is completely amazing 🙏🙏
Fluent in Mandarin too! He did graduate from Yale in Asian Studies. Guess you are seeing why I call him Special K! He married and is a father since joining PTX.
String instruments: violin, viola, cello and contra bass are tuned in intervals of fifths. If you play two strings at once, you are checking your tuning. If the instrument is in tune, the strings vibrate at the same rate, creating a pleasing sound. Once you learn to play, you tune your instrument to a concert A. In the case of Viola and Cello, the strings are A, D, G, C and an octive apart. Once that A is tuned, you draw your bow over A and D at the same time, focusing on tuning D. Then D and G and finish off with G and C.
When you master your instrument, you can actually play two notes at once as long as the strings are next to each other. Example: E is first finger on the D string, if you draw the D (E) and over the A string as well, you've created a third (cord) interval.
Please react to more of Pentatonix. They are all so awesome and talented. I listen to them everyday.
In the beginning of the songs he's checking that the first notes are in tune. As a violinist I do that too, but quietly as the violin is next to my ear I can do it the way no-one even notices it, but with cello it's not that easy.
Kevin might be an advanced human from the future sent back to show us our potential. Or Kevin could be the DaVinci of our time. Kevin is such a true genius and a musical genius. He has so many talents in him, I can't believe he hasn't self-combusted. Can play multiple instruments, sing, beatbox, write, compose, speaks multiple languages, perfect pitch, and as if that wasn't enough, he was pre-med at Yale. He is also a humble and wonderful human.
Maybe when he is done making music, he can become of Nobel Laureate after curing cancer and brokering world peace.
The answer to how he got the cello to sound like a guitar is that its an electric cello
He's also a great saxophonist!
I believe the cello (like the viola, violin, bass, acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments) can get out of tune at a moment's notice. If I'm not mistaken, most musicians, (and classically-trained musicians especially), are taught to check the tuning briefly between songs or before a song. I think that's what you're seeing; he leans forward a bit, runs the bow across the strings to ensure the sound is correct (indicating no strings have become flat), and then leans back and plays.
Hes is amazing...check out the two guys that play the cellos. They play Highway to hell. Thunderstruck....😮😂
They support and encourage each other to branch out and do solo work too. They truly are an anomaly the way they work together, and apart. You should look at the making of Evergreen.
♥ All I can say is 🔥.
same
Matt is Avi's replacement; he occasionally takes over beatboxing if Kevin is singing, but what you think is beatboxing from him is usually his role as bass.
The rhythm section has two components: percussion and bass. In most bands that would mean a drummer and a bass guitarist, but in Pentatonix it means Kevin and Matt. But Matt is a quieter bass than Avi, so much of the time you just hear the rhythm and put it all down to beatboxing, never realizing that the reason it sounds so deep and full is Matt's bass guitar part. But you SEE Matt, in perfect synchronization with Kevin, and since you're thinking of the rhythm as just beatboxing you think that's what Matt is doing as well.
So except when Matt has a solo you hear him without realizing it. This is EXACTLY how Matt should be performing his part of the arrangement. The bass guitar part is supposed to be in the background; it supports the entire group in much the same way that the drum part does.
Listen to earlier songs some time, with Avi. What you'll notice is that when the bass harmony line starts up it pushes itself into the front of your consciousness. You think "Oh, Avi! 😍 🥰 How wonderful he sounds!" That doesn't happen with Matt. You have to concentrate to hear Matt's bass line, because Matt keeps it in the background. I think that partly it's because Matt doesn't have Avi's operatic training, but mostly it's a difference in style, and Matt's style is perfect for Pentatonix as they are now. Avi's style was perfect for Pentatonix back when they really needed a second superstar to balance Mitch. At this point they're all superstars; they all balance each other.
Very well said. I did see an interview with Ben Bramm in which he indicated a personal preference for Matt as Pentatonix' bass singer. With Avi, there was a bit of "wow! Can you believe how low that one guy can sing?" and with Matt it's more of a blend. That said, I believe that Matt's voice has gotten lower since he joined. Listen to the Hollywood Bowl numbers. He really is an impressive vocalist.
@@curtismartin2866 I saw that Ben Bram interview, too, and it made sense to me.
Judging solely by what I heard from Matt at their Denver concert on November 20, 2022, I believe that Matt's range is currently either identical to Avi's or possibly a bit larger. I would actually bet money (which I never do) that his lowest note was just as low as anything I ever heard from Avi, true basso profundo blowing-out-speakers low, while his highest note was in the middle to high end of the tenor range, either as high as Avi can go or possibly higher. And since a bass's range seems to improve with age, and Matt is the youngest member, I expect that it will get even greater for another couple of years at least. I wish I'd been recording at the concert. Matt was spectacular on the second verse of "Hallelujah."
They don't currently have any recordings out that properly show off Matt's range; I'm looking forward to their 2023 Christmas album for that.
It also seems to me that Pentatonix isn't just being modest when they describe themselves as "the lucky ones." Yes, they owe most of their success to a combination of sheer talent and hard work, but look at what happens when they need to fill a position. Ben Bram tells them the perfect guy to hire as bass, and he's actually interested. They go to TH-cam and find a genius who's played at Carnegie Hall twice and is well on his way to becoming a brilliant doctor, and he's actually willing to give that up to become their beatboxer. The perfect bass leaves and within months they've found a young man who's currently able to function as their bass but also has the potential to become one of the all-time great basses, and they have the sense to recognize the potential, hire him, and stick with him while he finishes growing into his voice. A lot of that is good sense and taking the long view, but without the luck that wouldn't be enough.
Checking the cello to make sure it's still in tune, before starting the next piece. Very common with string instruments.
I was at that show! It was amazing!
that is awesome!
ALSO...he learned how to speak Chinese (Mandarin) fluently !!! AND, he did two performances at Carniege Hall !! AND, he plays 4 different instruments !!
Out of this world.
truly
I absolutely loved your reaction. Your amazement was so sweet!! You should react to Kevin's song called Renegade. You will LOVE it. Congratulations on your 100K subscribers 🎉👏🏽
He is checking the cellos tuning
Here's one for you, just to 'add to the list'.... there's a video of him on TH-cam (search Kevin Olusola Carnegie Hall) of him playing saxophone for a showcase. He's just as good on the horn as he is on the cello. I'm not sure what all other instruments he plays at that same level, but we've seen keyboards and some drums. And then, he also speaks Chinese fluently of all things. Not sure if he speaks any other languages or not, but if he wanted to learn them he easily could. lol.
Not a mistake. He was fine-tuning his cello.
thanks for letting me know!
Kevin's dad is a doctor also!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 .. totally amazing !!! .. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
facts
As to the dancing to Kevin's playing...the 2022 Christmas tour of the US included a dancing couple, Cost n' Mayor, who actually did some free-form dancing to kevin's playing and Kevin joined them for a bit ( Matt was doing drums - his other talent) . I'd check TH-cam for it or Miles Reuben's channel for it. Miles managed to get really good video of the whole concert and then separated all of it into the different songs.
Okaaaaayy...Forget what I wrote..this IS the video! I didn't realize it was this one. Sorry!!!
Olusala and he forgot to mention that he played at Carnage hall twice at about fourteen.
Kevin is playing an electric cello, which is much easier to transport than his favorite classical cello, Beyoncé - classic cellos can run several thousand $s for a beginner level at the full size, and I'm reasonably sure Beyoncé is not a beginner level cello!
Since you've listened to his Down video - a lot of reactors think that his cello sounds a lot like an electric guitar in that video. Since an electric cello has almost exactly the same relationship to a classic cello as an electric guitar does to a classic guitar, it's not a bad comparison - you can modify the sound coming from an electric cello in almost exactly the same way that you can from an electric guitar. And Kevin really plays on that ability for the 2nd half of Kevin's Fifth!
I’ve always been amazed by him because I’m one of those people sometimes who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time!
His father is an M.D. and his mother a Nurse.
Both highly brilliant in their own right. He and his siblings are indeed first generation born here. His father is from Nigeria and his mother from Grenada.
All of PTX are MULTI-millionaires putting emphasis on the MULTI.
I know Avi was with them for 6 years and he had a net worth in the millions back then.
Kevin once said "Avi was his best friend" and indeed they had a great relationship.
Kevin was raised Seventh Day Adventist and Avi is Jewish. Both of them raised with strong Old Testament moral values.
I love Bach. I'd love to hear him play the Brandenburg concertos.
Kevin has his own TH-cam channel. Check out his cover of Down.
Scott is starting his own solo work. Check out his original, Mars.
Mitch is making music under the name Messer.
Avi has a very successful now. Check out his original, Change On The Rise.
Kirstin had the female lead on Broadway in Kinky Boots. She made an EP of some of her originals a few years back called L O V E. Check out her Break A Little.