@@brittreacts If you want to see some cool behind the scenes production - watch Pentatonix's recording of their album "Evergreen". It's longer than most of what you do, but so worth it.
"This is the equivalent to watching an artist create from"...YES! Yes it is. Kevin is incredible. So much talent and such humility. How can you help but loving this guy?!
Best part? The ear to ear grin on his face at the end. This isn't a man who needs to brag, he knows EXACTLY how good he is. And the look on his face said it all: "YEAH - I did that." 😁
Kevin was born with perfect pitch, he graduated pre med from Yale , he spent 1 1/2 years in China and is fluent in Mandarin. He is a classically trained in cello and Sax. He beat boxes and plays cello at the same time in Many videos He is a standout even among PTX level genius. After 11 years together and constantly touring in early Years PTX is family and they treat each other with love From the beginning they have all had a hand in arranging and Picking songs etc.
@@pamscarr8696 KO and Avi didn’t “make” the group. All five together is what made the group special. Besides PTX is stronger and better than ever with the addition of Matt.
There's a PTX Christmas song they do called "That's Christmas to Me" (official video) Where they show video of them as kids and Kevin is playing Cello VERY young!
King Kevin! Long may he reign! This video shows him playing an electric cello. In several PTX videos he plays his acoustic cello, which he has named "Beyonce". In addition to all the music he hosts a podcast called "Imagine Faith Talk".
Hi new here from Ireland please react to pentatonix songs new rules. Cheer leader. Gold. Shallow. Love again. Havana. Radio active. Sing. Also super fruit they promise. Guy exe. Frozen with bloopers. Hip hop 1.2 with bloopers .scott hoying and mario jose lost on you.
Watching your mouth drop open in astonishment as Kevin moves around his studio, layering, and layering, and layering some more...reminded me so much of me the first time I saw this video. Kevin is an amazing talent!
Kevin is classically trained since childhood on piano, saxophone, and cello. Way before Pentatonix was even a gleam in Scott's eye Kevin had already performed at Carnegie Hall twice, once on saxophone and once on cello. It was a video of Kevin "celloboxing" (beatboxing while playing cello) that first brought him to the attention of the trio and Avi back when they were looking for a beatboxer to round out the band. I've no idea where or how Kevin learned to beatbox; I just know that I've never heard anyone who's better at it than he is. And did I mention that he has a degree from Yale's pre-med program and speaks five languages, including Mandarin? He gave up what would doubtless have been a brilliant career as a doctor in order to join Pentatonix, and then to stick with them after they lost the recording contract they'd won on _The Sing-Off._ And yes, he dances, too. This was from his birthday in October, 2022: th-cam.com/users/shortsx7dkV_-KZWk
Kevin is such an integral part of Pentatonix. Music is a special being of Kevin as he is so multi-talented. Kevin has played the cello at Carnegie Hall at a very young age. You can react to "Shallow" and "Say Something" covers where he plays the cello and beat boxes at the same time. You should hear Scott tell the story of him trying to get Kevin to join the group and form Pentatonix.
Great to see you react to this. Kevin invented Cello-boxing. Watching your reaction to each new master-skill being revealed was perfect. He's done several of these.
I looovvee it when Kevin gets the recognition he so richly deserves! And, let us not forget, he graduated pre-med from Yale and speaks fluent Mandarin (I think it’s Mandarin, somebody please correct me if I have that wrong). Plus he’s a genuine, straightforward, strong man with the sunniest, most generous disposition ever. Lovely reaction to a lovely performance by a lovely man. Well done! Peace …
Mandarin is correct. He had plans to do missionary work in China after he became a doctor...which was his original path in life...until Scott came along and offered him the chance to explore his musical path. The man is a pure genius.
As a youth, Kevin even played his cello for famed classical cellist Yo Yo Ma. And he played sax at Carnegie Hall. He's a true genius, and also warm, humble, and giving. He has been married several years, and he and his wife Leigh have a toddler daughter, Kaia.
I love Kevin. You should check out Sign of the Times and Renegade. I also love his Adele medley and his cover of True Colors is absolutely beautiful. I agree with you that music is in his soul. He truly is gifted. ❤
I love, love, love watching you react to these acapella groups and performances. I think you visually reflect so well the reaction of us all to some extent. We remember being where you are. In fact, we're still there, in a way and don't anticipate leaving. Your appreciation of talent is entertaining. Kevin plays the cello in a couple of the Pentatonix performances, specifically "Radioactive" (with Lindsey Sterling on violin) and "Say Something" where he cello-boxes, which is what caught Scott's attention on the internet and brought him into Pentatonix as they were forming in the first place. He is incredibly talented (like them all, which you aptly pointed out) and smart. He speaks Mandarin I believe and was premed, headed to med school after study abroad in China for a year when he put it all on hold to try out on a show with 4 strangers. He talks about how hard he worked to learn beatboxing and perfect it, even during their show, watching the other groups' beatboxers and the long hours he spent honing his craft because he felt they knew so much more than he did. I'd say it paid off. You'd definitely enjoy their SingOff journey because they "found" that Pentatonix sound . We watched them settle in, right before our eyes in 12 little performances. Plus some back story. Give it a try!
Kevin’s abilities are a revelation and delight. It made me so happy to see this. And getting to see him put it together is so interesting. More, please, Kevin. And Britt, you are a delight too. I so enjoy your emotional and spiritual resonance to PTX.
This is a chello. Kevin is an exceptionally good beatboxer and sax player. He invented chelloboxing, beatboxing while playing chello. A complete musician. Also speaks fluent Mandarin.
In every PTX concert Kevin will have a set with him playing his cello in a solo, with Matt then with the group as a whole. He has played the cello in their videos of Radioactive, Say Something, Over the River, Shallow and a few others.
Just want to say, I love your reactions! You appreciate true artistry and talent. Kevin is an immense talent and a very key part of Pentatonix and that whole group is just amazing! More please 😊😊
You've got to check out a video -- Pentatonix Surprise Solo - shot live 4/20/23 from an audience member. Scott explains how Kevin was found on TH-cam and recruited when his original trio needed at least 1 more person to enter the 3rd season of the Sing off TV show . By the way they won that season! In addition to Kevin, they were first led to the INCOMPARABLE Avi Kaplan, another exquisite ingredient of that INTOXICATING elixir they named Pentatonix. (I'm a 72 yr. old Pentaholic.)
He plays Piano, Cello alto saxophone and performed at Carnegie Hall he created the cello beatboxing called celloboxing = he graduated from Yale school of music. He is incredible!
@@DougRayPhillips Kevin does not have a music degree from Berklee College of Music. It is Matt who graduated from Berklee College Of Music. Kevin went from Yale to Pentatonix.
@@vidsorama2 I just reviewed Kevin's Wikipedia. There's a section that says he "ultimately decided" to enroll at Berklee after finishing pre-med. Then it talks about him releasing "Julie-O" in 2011 at the end of his senior year. I've always read that as meaning, in context, senior year at Berklee. Apparently other people have, too. But going back over everything carefully, the article elsewhere specifies that he graduated from Yale in 2011. Obviously he didn't attend both schools simultaneously (altho he'd probably have been capable of handling the workload). So, yeah, some parts of the article are poorly worded, but the final conclusion has to be that he PLANNED to go to Berklee but didn't actually do it. Thank you. Learn something new every day.
One more thing! They all either already have or are working on their own separate projects singing, producing, writing/producing their own music & putting together groups in different genres. But, in the end THE GROUP MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST! Before Everything Else. It’s in their contract both oral & written.
Did anyone tell you that he had recently married and has a beautiful baby girl? He also has a Christian podcast called Imagine Faith Talk. Such a fine, blessed young man. We need more Kevins in this world!
I love your description: Kevin IS music! Not only has he mastered so many instruments and skills but his conceptualization of the piece he wants to create boggles the mind.
HE SAMPLED HIMSELF. THIS MANS SAMPLED HIMSELF AND ABSOLUTELY KILLED IT. All jokes aside he might literally be the most interesting man in the world. Certainly is the most talented.
Kevin and Avi (Kaplan) became best friends while they were both in PTX, Kevin had just received his undergrad from Yale and was headed to Medical School. His plans were to become a medical missionary in China and was already fluent in Mandarin. Avi had graduated from University and had just received a hire letter from The Los Angeles Opera House to be their Principle Basso Profundo. The other three in PTX had been friend from high school and were tight. KO and Avi though older had to form their own mutual admiration society so to speak. Scott found them less than two days before the NBC A Capella sing off was to begin. Both of them being high quality musicians, they took the lead on many occasions as they progressed through the sing off and eventually won. They were roomies in L.A. and on the road while the trio were always together. Avi and Kevin were known as "meat and potatoes" during the sing off as there was no way the trio could have won without them. Avi Kaplan, the son of Russian/Ukraine Jewish ancestors, and Kevin, whose family was from Nigeria just seemed to hit it of. Avi left the group after 6 years with them. (2017) and is now a solo artist. Two Christmases ago, KO visited Avi at his cabin deep in the forests of Tennessee. Avi is not a social animal which is why he lives in his cabin in the forests. Avi, with his deep bass voice blew out speakers one evening while the group was in concert. He was so embarrassed he left the stage and KO ran to get him back on stage knowing Avi and his tenderness.. KO is married, they have a young one.
I have said many times that PTX should include in their merch a chinstrap with their name on it for those of us who sit with our mouths open as they amaze us! Kevin is an incredible musician, and is such a nice person to boot. There are many of these PTX solo projects that are wonderful - please put these on your future reaction list: Scott Hoying & Mario Jose Lost on You; Kirstie Maldonado Break a Little (accoustic version); Mitch Grassi Your Power; Avi Kaplan Black is the Color.
Please watch their documentary Making of Evergreen - the album they were nominated for a Grammy for. It shows how incredibly humble they all are, contributing equally tho the music.
His Cello is named "Beyonce", He played at Carnegie Hall on Cello as a teenager, He created the music form known as Cello-boxing. He almost didn't join PTX, it's a great story as Scott tells it.
Yes. Kevin is indeed an alien unicorn. I'm afraid if I tell what else he does amazingly you're head may explode! He created Cello-Boxing & uses it in some of PTXs songs. Check out Shallow!
Kevin has played Carnegie Hall twice, once with the cello and the other with the saxophone. Recommend his Kevin’s Fifth that he plays at Pentatonix tours. m.th-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/w-d-xo.html
Kevin is actually playing an electric cello. Ask any member of PTX who’s the best musician in the group…everyone points to Kevin (except Kevin). I’m loving your reactions! Edit: I think you would love his cover of True Colors. Very different from Down, very, very beautiful.
He could have sung it in Mandarin and hauled out a sax solo, but he must have decided that making the cello sound like an electric guitar only better, singing and beatboxing his face off, and engineering the entire thing in real time, was enough to bless our ears with in the space of one song, lol. As much of a brilliant prodigy as he is, I would have to say his most amazing quality is that he is a wise, loyal, optimistic, encouraging, humble, and faithful human, husband, father, son, brother, friend, and bandmate, who feels that expressing joy through music and living an admirable life is his calling. He's an extraordinary human being. He probably would have been a great doctor, too, if he'd continued down that path, but in my opinion, he's touching more hearts and healing more lives this way. They are fallibly human, of course, but I really don't think there is a kinder, more humble, or more spectacularly talented group of humans making music together than Pentatonix. I do encourage you to enjoy more solo work from all of them: Superfruit (Mitch & Scott), Kirstin's solo album, Kevin's other musical offerings, and Messer, (Mitch's solo project). Avi's solo career is wonderful too, and though I haven't seen much, yet, no doubt Matt will provide some solo work in the future for us to enjoy.
Hi again! Another a capella group you should check out is Citizen Queen! They are an awesome all-female group formed by Scott and Kevin of PTX! One of my favorite songs by them is their cover of No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande! If you choose to watch it, just keep in mind that Hannah - the girl in the center - has now left the group, but the four remaining girls are doing just fine without her! :) Love watching your videos and seeing your beautiful smile! :)
Kevin is amazing and he's a genius. I enjoyed your reaction to this Kevin video. Thank you. I hope that you will react to more videos from his TH-cam channel. His Performance KOvers of "Sign Of The Times" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" are incredible. Everything on his channel is awesome.
Kevin had soloed at Carnagie Hall TWICE before he ever hooked up with Pentatonix, once playing the cello and a second time playing the saxophone. He's also a graduated from Yale with a degree in premed. And he's fluent in Mandarin Chinese, because why wouldn't he be? He turned down his acceptances to medical schools in order to join PTX. Avi turned down an offer from the LA Opera Company to join the group, Scott and Kirstin both dropped out of college, and Mitch never went at all, diving directly into the group from high school. They all put themselves aside for the group and created something truly incredible by doing so.
He is so much more talented than you even know. Also, he absolutely is a prodigy. You should check out Pentatonix and Marion Hill. He plays the cello in that video as well as some others. KO is the epitome of GREATNESS! Love your channel Brit! May God bless you and your family! ✝️💜✝️
Ah, yes. Kevin and his electric cello that he somehow learned how to make sound like a guitar. Incredible, isn't he? Makes me feel like the laziest person in the world watching him sometimes, considering everything he has accomplished. 😅 Doesn't help that I am lazy (though also ill) so... Yeah. 😂🤣 I love his version of "Sign of the Times" though. Definitely check that one out! 😁👍
And just think! We almost lost such an immense talent to Yale Medical school! Thank God for Scott Hoying (lead of PTX) having one helluva an ear . Also having the guts to send him a direct message on TH-cam after searching for a beatboxer to add to his group he put together to try out for a reality show based on who’s the best glee club, acapella, etc…, group in the USA
Kevin is a Yale graduate and was going to be a doctor. Classically trained on cello, plays the saxophone, piano, & drums, is a beatboxer/singer. NOTHING HE CAN'T DO.
It’s not a base, it‘s a Cello. K.O. Is famous for his „Cello-Boxing“, which he also does in the PTX songs „Shallow“ and „Say something“. If you haven‘t seen those, you have really been missing out!
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. Just wonder what he and Eddie Van Halen could have done together.
Scott, Kirstin and Mitch found Kevin the beatboxer on TH-cam with him playing the cello. Kevin is classically trained on the cello. And when Scott saw him he just for the heck of it typed in Beatboxer and it showed that he was a great beatboxer and that is how he was found. At least pretty much
More PTX to check out Sing Say something Aha! Be My Eyes Somebody that I used to know Mr Grinch Cheerleader Video Killed the radio Star Stuck like glue
It's an electric cello. You should check out vids where he plays Bach on an acoustic cello and beat boxes along to it. Also, shredding that cello like an electric guitar. Yeah. Really cool.
And yes, he CAN do it all...including having played Carnegie Hall with both the sax and cello, speaking fluent Spanish and Mandarin (i.e. what most Americans would just call 'Chinese'), being an INCREDIBLY devout Christian/husband/father/friend (and seemingly, at least from the outside, living-up to all those roles), having a pre-Med degree from Yale University...need I go on lol?
This is a cover, so Kevin did not create this song. However, after watching a number of reactions to covers, especially by people knowledgeable about the dynamics of music, I've come to greatly appreciate the skill of arranging music. Pentatonix are masters at musical arrangement, two of their three Grammys are for just that. He's also using a loop machine to bring some complexity to his concept and performance of this song. So this man's skills are off the chart. Peter Bence does similar covers, looping music, absolutely top tier musical arrangement, and virtuoso instrument playing. If you liked this performance by Kevin, I think you'll also enjoy Peter Bence's performances. Check out his cover of Toto's "Africa"
My nephew is going to be 27 this year. He has been studying music sincr he was probably 8 or 9. He can play guitar, piano and trumpet. He also teaches music at a middle school where he lives. He is better on the piano but great at all 3. But I also guess it depends on the person as to how long it takes.
This is a link to the live stream of his cello boxing solo from the 2022 Christmas tour. I think you will enjoy it. th-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/w-d-xo.html
Get out of my head! Lol...I literally just went and copied this link to paste it but you beat me to it 🎉. At the Green Bay show I was at he got at least a 5 minute long standing O...words can't do this man's talent justice
The answer to you question of how many hours it takes to become an expert is 10,000, according to Malcolm Gladwell.And Kevin is a base player, primarily, the rest is gravy.
Hahaha! I LOVED watching you react to this! I have watched this so many times over the years and it never stops amazing or gets old.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@brittreacts If you want to see some cool behind the scenes production - watch Pentatonix's recording of their album "Evergreen". It's longer than most of what you do, but so worth it.
Me too! It’s probably my 200 and something”th” time. Not that that’s a word. Kevin has me all messed up over here! LOL
Now that you have watched Kevin, check out PTX's Mitch and Scott (Superfruit) HIp Hop Goes Broadway I and II. Be prepared to laugh your butt off.
"This is the equivalent to watching an artist create from"...YES! Yes it is. Kevin is incredible. So much talent and such humility. How can you help but loving this guy?!
Best part? The ear to ear grin on his face at the end. This isn't a man who needs to brag, he knows EXACTLY how good he is. And the look on his face said it all: "YEAH - I did that." 😁
Kevin was born with perfect pitch, he graduated pre med from Yale , he spent 1 1/2 years in China and is fluent in Mandarin. He is a classically trained in cello and Sax. He beat boxes and plays cello at the same time in Many videos
He is a standout even among PTX level genius. After 11 years together and constantly touring in early
Years PTX is family and they treat each other with love
From the beginning they have all had a hand in arranging and
Picking songs etc.
wow thank you for the info!!
To this day, I believe KO and Avi made that group.
Not all three of the others put together could hold a candle to them.
@@pamscarr8696 KO and Avi didn’t “make” the group. All five together is what made the group special. Besides PTX is stronger and better than ever with the addition of Matt.
@Pam S Carr obviously Avi didn't make the group because Matt was able to replace him. They all bring something special to the group.
Just one correction. Our Kevin is amazing, but there is no classical training in saxaphone, just as there is no sax in true classical orchestra
There's a PTX Christmas song they do called "That's Christmas to Me" (official video) Where they show video of them as kids and Kevin is playing Cello VERY young!
King Kevin! Long may he reign! This video shows him playing an electric cello. In several PTX videos he plays his acoustic cello, which he has named "Beyonce". In addition to all the music he hosts a podcast called "Imagine Faith Talk".
Yes Kevin is an amazing guy, played Carnegie Hall Twice, was pre-med before PTX, speaks multiple languages
that is wild!
😮
Hi new here from Ireland please react to pentatonix songs new rules. Cheer leader. Gold. Shallow. Love again. Havana. Radio active. Sing. Also super fruit they promise. Guy exe. Frozen with bloopers. Hip hop 1.2 with bloopers .scott hoying and mario jose lost on you.
Watching your mouth drop open in astonishment as Kevin moves around his studio, layering, and layering, and layering some more...reminded me so much of me the first time I saw this video. Kevin is an amazing talent!
he truly is!
By the way: the technique of recording a bit of sound and the repeating it is called „looping“. That‘s what he does.
Kevin is classically trained since childhood on piano, saxophone, and cello. Way before Pentatonix was even a gleam in Scott's eye Kevin had already performed at Carnegie Hall twice, once on saxophone and once on cello. It was a video of Kevin "celloboxing" (beatboxing while playing cello) that first brought him to the attention of the trio and Avi back when they were looking for a beatboxer to round out the band. I've no idea where or how Kevin learned to beatbox; I just know that I've never heard anyone who's better at it than he is. And did I mention that he has a degree from Yale's pre-med program and speaks five languages, including Mandarin? He gave up what would doubtless have been a brilliant career as a doctor in order to join Pentatonix, and then to stick with them after they lost the recording contract they'd won on _The Sing-Off._ And yes, he dances, too. This was from his birthday in October, 2022: th-cam.com/users/shortsx7dkV_-KZWk
KO is 1 of a kind. A real genius on many levels & his heart is as grand as his many talents!
Kevin is such an integral part of Pentatonix. Music is a special being of Kevin as he is so multi-talented. Kevin has played the cello at Carnegie Hall at a very young age. You can react to "Shallow" and "Say Something" covers where he plays the cello and beat boxes at the same time. You should hear Scott tell the story of him trying to get Kevin to join the group and form Pentatonix.
Great to see you react to this. Kevin invented Cello-boxing. Watching your reaction to each new master-skill being revealed was perfect. He's done several of these.
thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Kevin "Celloboxes" on the official video for "Shallow" by Pentatonix, which I think you'd enjoy.
I looovvee it when Kevin gets the recognition he so richly deserves! And, let us not forget, he graduated pre-med from Yale and speaks fluent Mandarin (I think it’s Mandarin, somebody please correct me if I have that wrong). Plus he’s a genuine, straightforward, strong man with the sunniest, most generous disposition ever. Lovely reaction to a lovely performance by a lovely man. Well done! Peace …
Mandarin is correct. He had plans to do missionary work in China after he became a doctor...which was his original path in life...until Scott came along and offered him the chance to explore his musical path.
The man is a pure genius.
thank you !! and yes he is so talented!
Pre med at Yale is no joke and no gimme. That boy had to have worked his butt off just to get there!
BADASSERY!
KO is also part of a trio project many people aren't familiar with called Triptyq. my favorite song of theirs is Mr Right
I love Triptyq.
he's a world class cellist
Also check out Kirstin’s solo song Break a Little. And Avi’s Change on the Rise I amazing as well❤❤fun fact: Kevin is fluent in Mandarin
As a youth, Kevin even played his cello for famed classical cellist Yo Yo Ma. And he played sax at Carnegie Hall. He's a true genius, and also warm, humble, and giving. He has been married several years, and he and his wife Leigh have a toddler daughter, Kaia.
I love Kevin. You should check out Sign of the Times and Renegade. I also love his Adele medley and his cover of True Colors is absolutely beautiful. I agree with you that music is in his soul. He truly is gifted. ❤
I will keep it in mind, thanks!
I love watching your reactions. Kevin is insanely talented. Watching him perform like this takes my breath away.
♥ All that and a degree from Yale.
A medical degree of all things!!
that is crazy!!
He's just so amazingly talented. ❤
I love, love, love watching you react to these acapella groups and performances. I think you visually reflect so well the reaction of us all to some extent. We remember being where you are. In fact, we're still there, in a way and don't anticipate leaving. Your appreciation of talent is entertaining.
Kevin plays the cello in a couple of the Pentatonix performances, specifically "Radioactive" (with Lindsey Sterling on violin) and "Say Something" where he cello-boxes, which is what caught Scott's attention on the internet and brought him into Pentatonix as they were forming in the first place. He is incredibly talented (like them all, which you aptly pointed out) and smart. He speaks Mandarin I believe and was premed, headed to med school after study abroad in China for a year when he put it all on hold to try out on a show with 4 strangers. He talks about how hard he worked to learn beatboxing and perfect it, even during their show, watching the other groups' beatboxers and the long hours he spent honing his craft because he felt they knew so much more than he did. I'd say it paid off.
You'd definitely enjoy their SingOff journey because they "found" that Pentatonix sound . We watched them settle in, right before our eyes in 12 little performances. Plus some back story. Give it a try!
The first time I watched Kevin shred a cello was mind blowing, and it still is.
Kevin’s abilities are a revelation and delight. It made me so happy to see this. And getting to see him put it together is so interesting. More, please, Kevin. And Britt, you are a delight too. I so enjoy your emotional and spiritual resonance to PTX.
Kevin's cover of Harry Stiles song "Sign of the Times" is really great!
This is a chello. Kevin is an exceptionally good beatboxer and sax player. He invented chelloboxing, beatboxing while playing chello. A complete musician.
Also speaks fluent Mandarin.
“cello” (short for violoncello).
In every PTX concert Kevin will have a set with him playing his cello in a solo, with Matt then with the group as a whole. He has played the cello in their videos of Radioactive, Say Something, Over the River, Shallow and a few others.
Ummm… check your dictionary. It is spelled cello.
that is INSANE !!!
You should check out Sign of the Times - his cover of Harry Styles' hit song! It is AWESOME!
Just want to say, I love your reactions! You appreciate true artistry and talent. Kevin is an immense talent and a very key part of Pentatonix and that whole group is just amazing! More please 😊😊
Unreal!!! Wow!!!! Talent Talent Talent
You've got to check out a video -- Pentatonix Surprise Solo - shot live 4/20/23 from an audience member. Scott explains how Kevin was found on TH-cam and recruited when his original trio needed at least 1 more person to enter the 3rd season of the Sing off TV show . By the way they won that season! In addition to Kevin, they were first led to the INCOMPARABLE Avi Kaplan, another exquisite ingredient of that INTOXICATING elixir they named Pentatonix. (I'm a 72 yr. old Pentaholic.)
He plays Piano, Cello alto saxophone and performed at Carnegie Hall he created the cello beatboxing called celloboxing = he graduated from Yale school of music. He is incredible!
Kevin graduated from Yale but not from their school of music. Kevin was pre med.
He does also have a music degree. From Berklee.
Here's a vid of him playing sax at Carnegie, when he was 17.
th-cam.com/video/cg-WQl3YCVY/w-d-xo.html
@@DougRayPhillips Kevin does not have a music degree from Berklee College of Music. It is Matt who graduated from Berklee College Of Music. Kevin went from Yale to Pentatonix.
@@vidsorama2 I just reviewed Kevin's Wikipedia. There's a section that says he "ultimately decided" to enroll at Berklee after finishing pre-med. Then it talks about him releasing "Julie-O" in 2011 at the end of his senior year. I've always read that as meaning, in context, senior year at Berklee. Apparently other people have, too. But going back over everything carefully, the article elsewhere specifies that he graduated from Yale in 2011. Obviously he didn't attend both schools simultaneously (altho he'd probably have been capable of handling the workload). So, yeah, some parts of the article are poorly worded, but the final conclusion has to be that he PLANNED to go to Berklee but didn't actually do it.
Thank you. Learn something new every day.
You are prolific and well on your way 100k. I think you love music like I do.
One more thing! They all either already have or are working on their own separate projects singing, producing, writing/producing their own music & putting together groups in different genres. But, in the end THE GROUP MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST! Before Everything Else. It’s in their contract both oral & written.
Pure genius at work. Beautiful. We are so lucky to be able to witness ya know
Kevin is so insanely talent it is mind boggling
Did anyone tell you that he had recently married and has a beautiful baby girl? He also has a Christian podcast called Imagine Faith Talk. Such a fine, blessed young man. We need more Kevins in this world!
He also speaks several languages including chinese and graduated pre-med with plans to be a doc...til Pentatonix called.
that is crazy!
Fantastic reaction! Tire talent is dumbfounding, right?! His humility is the icing on his talent cake.
I love your description: Kevin IS music! Not only has he mastered so many instruments and skills but his conceptualization of the piece he wants to create boggles the mind.
HE SAMPLED HIMSELF. THIS MANS SAMPLED HIMSELF AND ABSOLUTELY KILLED IT.
All jokes aside he might literally be the most interesting man in the world. Certainly is the most talented.
He’s also multi-lingual. This man is one of the great artists of our time. A world treasure
Kevin and Avi (Kaplan) became best friends while they were both in PTX,
Kevin had just received his undergrad from Yale and was headed to Medical School. His plans were to become a medical missionary in China and was already fluent in Mandarin.
Avi had graduated from University and had just received a hire letter from The Los Angeles Opera House to be their Principle Basso Profundo.
The other three in PTX had been friend from high school and were tight.
KO and Avi though older had to form their own mutual admiration society so to speak.
Scott found them less than two days before the NBC A Capella sing off was to begin. Both of them being high quality musicians, they took the lead on many occasions as they progressed through the sing off and eventually won. They were roomies in L.A. and on the road while the trio were always together.
Avi and Kevin were known as "meat and potatoes" during the sing off as there was no way the trio could have won without them.
Avi Kaplan, the son of Russian/Ukraine Jewish ancestors, and Kevin, whose family was from Nigeria just seemed to hit it of. Avi left the group after 6 years with them. (2017) and is now a solo artist.
Two Christmases ago, KO visited Avi at his cabin deep in the forests of Tennessee.
Avi is not a social animal which is why he lives in his cabin in the forests.
Avi, with his deep bass voice blew out speakers one evening while the group was in concert.
He was so embarrassed he left the stage and KO ran to get him back on stage knowing Avi and his tenderness..
KO is married, they have a young one.
I have said many times that PTX should include in their merch a chinstrap with their name on it for those of us who sit with our mouths open as they amaze us! Kevin is an incredible musician, and is such a nice person to boot. There are many of these PTX solo projects that are wonderful - please put these on your future reaction list: Scott Hoying & Mario Jose Lost on You; Kirstie Maldonado Break a Little (accoustic version); Mitch Grassi Your Power; Avi Kaplan Black is the Color.
Please watch their documentary Making of Evergreen - the album they were nominated for a Grammy for. It shows how incredibly humble they all are, contributing equally tho the music.
I second this suggestion. And I think it's labelled "The Recording of Evergreen".
@@Gwennedd thanks for the correction. My mind always goes blank when I'm trying to recommend something!
@@rfiliagaful , IKR!! You have no idea of the amount of times I have to stop what I'm writing and go check that I'm getting it right.
I agree. I think reacting to this will give you such joy
His Cello is named "Beyonce", He played at Carnegie Hall on Cello as a teenager, He created the music form known as Cello-boxing. He almost didn't join PTX, it's a great story as Scott tells it.
Yes. Kevin is indeed an alien unicorn. I'm afraid if I tell what else he does amazingly you're head may explode! He created Cello-Boxing & uses it in some of PTXs songs. Check out Shallow!
Pentatonix if I ever fall in love video banger song old school remake I bet you will like.... great job as always Britt
Beautifully awesome 👌
Kevin is Outstanding!
Plus he graduated from Yale University with a pre med degree. The guy is a true renaissance man!!!! Absolute role model!!!!!
Kevin is a classically trained cellist. He graduated from Yale with a pre=med degree. He also speaks fluent Mandarin. He is renowned for CelloBoxing
Kevin can literally be a one man super group himself💜
Kevin has played Carnegie Hall twice, once with the cello and the other with the saxophone. Recommend his Kevin’s Fifth that he plays at Pentatonix tours. m.th-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/w-d-xo.html
It's really new. First time play for Kevin's Fifth was at the PTX Hollywood Bowl concert last year (2022).
Greetings from Germany
He beatboxes and sings in the pentatonix cover of radioactive. With lindsey sterling ☺️❤
Kevin is actually playing an electric cello. Ask any member of PTX who’s the best musician in the group…everyone points to Kevin (except Kevin). I’m loving your reactions!
Edit: I think you would love his cover of True Colors. Very different from Down, very, very beautiful.
He could have sung it in Mandarin and hauled out a sax solo, but he must have decided that making the cello sound like an electric guitar only better, singing and beatboxing his face off, and engineering the entire thing in real time, was enough to bless our ears with in the space of one song, lol. As much of a brilliant prodigy as he is, I would have to say his most amazing quality is that he is a wise, loyal, optimistic, encouraging, humble, and faithful human, husband, father, son, brother, friend, and bandmate, who feels that expressing joy through music and living an admirable life is his calling. He's an extraordinary human being. He probably would have been a great doctor, too, if he'd continued down that path, but in my opinion, he's touching more hearts and healing more lives this way. They are fallibly human, of course, but I really don't think there is a kinder, more humble, or more spectacularly talented group of humans making music together than Pentatonix. I do encourage you to enjoy more solo work from all of them: Superfruit (Mitch & Scott), Kirstin's solo album, Kevin's other musical offerings, and Messer, (Mitch's solo project). Avi's solo career is wonderful too, and though I haven't seen much, yet, no doubt Matt will provide some solo work in the future for us to enjoy.
i wish i could like this more! I need more reactors reacting to this song. Love it!
Check the "Sign of the Times" (Harry Styles cover) also by Kevin.
Soooo talented guy.
Hi again! Another a capella group you should check out is Citizen Queen! They are an awesome all-female group formed by Scott and Kevin of PTX! One of my favorite songs by them is their cover of No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande! If you choose to watch it, just keep in mind that Hannah - the girl in the center - has now left the group, but the four remaining girls are doing just fine without her! :) Love watching your videos and seeing your beautiful smile! :)
I don't know if you noticed at the end...he threw up his hands and then smiled...."Yeah I got this"
Kevin is amazing and he's a genius. I enjoyed your reaction to this Kevin video. Thank you. I hope that you will react to more videos from his TH-cam channel. His Performance KOvers of "Sign Of The Times" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" are incredible. Everything on his channel is awesome.
Kevin had soloed at Carnagie Hall TWICE before he ever hooked up with Pentatonix, once playing the cello and a second time playing the saxophone. He's also a graduated from Yale with a degree in premed. And he's fluent in Mandarin Chinese, because why wouldn't he be? He turned down his acceptances to medical schools in order to join PTX. Avi turned down an offer from the LA Opera Company to join the group, Scott and Kirstin both dropped out of college, and Mitch never went at all, diving directly into the group from high school. They all put themselves aside for the group and created something truly incredible by doing so.
Incredible 😊❤
Do find Kevin’s 5th done live on a ptx concert. He wrote, produced, played, and yes -danced. It is awesome.
He is so much more talented than you even know. Also, he absolutely is a prodigy. You should check out Pentatonix and Marion Hill. He plays the cello in that video as well as some others. KO is the epitome of GREATNESS!
Love your channel Brit! May God bless you and your family! ✝️💜✝️
Kevin is amazing! 😃 Great reaction! ❤
Thank you!! 😁 and yes!
I love your reactions
Might be my favorite reaction to this video ever!! 🤣
Loved this reaction! ❤
That's an electric cello. He can also do a bit of drumming. . . Great reaction! I feel the same way.
Ah, yes. Kevin and his electric cello that he somehow learned how to make sound like a guitar. Incredible, isn't he? Makes me feel like the laziest person in the world watching him sometimes, considering everything he has accomplished. 😅 Doesn't help that I am lazy (though also ill) so... Yeah. 😂🤣
I love his version of "Sign of the Times" though. Definitely check that one out! 😁👍
haha yes he's so talented!
And just think! We almost lost such an immense talent to Yale Medical school! Thank God for Scott Hoying (lead of PTX) having one helluva an ear . Also having the guts to send him a direct message on TH-cam after searching for a beatboxer to add to his group he put together to try out for a reality show based on who’s the best glee club, acapella, etc…, group in the USA
Kevin is a Yale graduate and was going to be a doctor. Classically trained on cello, plays the saxophone, piano, & drums, is a beatboxer/singer. NOTHING HE CAN'T DO.
It’s not a base, it‘s a Cello. K.O. Is famous for his „Cello-Boxing“, which he also does in the PTX songs „Shallow“ and „Say something“. If you haven‘t seen those, you have really been missing out!
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.
Just wonder what he and Eddie Van Halen could have done together.
Scott, Kirstin and Mitch found Kevin the beatboxer on TH-cam with him playing the cello. Kevin is classically trained on the cello. And when Scott saw him he just for the heck of it typed in Beatboxer and it showed that he was a great beatboxer and that is how he was found. At least pretty much
Yes !!! Morre Kevin please !!!!
i will keep it in mind, thanks!
I honestly think of Kevin Olusola as his generation's Jimmy Hendrix. Plus he can probably save lives in a medical setting!
He has several of these!
Genius.
This is just a teaser. Now you need to find and listen to Kevin's Fifth. It will blow your mind!
YOU HAVE BEEN KO'D!❤
More PTX to check out
Sing
Say something
Aha!
Be My Eyes
Somebody that I used to know
Mr Grinch
Cheerleader
Video Killed the radio Star
Stuck like glue
It's an electric cello. You should check out vids where he plays Bach on an acoustic cello and beat boxes along to it. Also, shredding that cello like an electric guitar. Yeah. Really cool.
I had to find this video to see if you did it. I knew you'd get excited.
Originally the fantastic KO was a cello player ☺️🫶❤
PLUS, he has a medical degree from Yale. He's married and has a child. This man has it all!!!
FR !! that is wild!
Yes l, this man IS a prodigy (literally) lol!
And yes, he CAN do it all...including having played Carnegie Hall with both the sax and cello, speaking fluent Spanish and Mandarin (i.e. what most Americans would just call 'Chinese'), being an INCREDIBLY devout Christian/husband/father/friend (and seemingly, at least from the outside, living-up to all those roles), having a pre-Med degree from Yale University...need I go on lol?
he also plays a mean sax
This is a cover, so Kevin did not create this song. However, after watching a number of reactions to covers, especially by people knowledgeable about the dynamics of music, I've come to greatly appreciate the skill of arranging music. Pentatonix are masters at musical arrangement, two of their three Grammys are for just that. He's also using a loop machine to bring some complexity to his concept and performance of this song. So this man's skills are off the chart. Peter Bence does similar covers, looping music, absolutely top tier musical arrangement, and virtuoso instrument playing. If you liked this performance by Kevin, I think you'll also enjoy Peter Bence's performances. Check out his cover of Toto's "Africa"
You should listen to his KOver of Sign of the Times. It’s even better.
My nephew is going to be 27 this year. He has been studying music sincr he was probably 8 or 9. He can play guitar, piano and trumpet. He also teaches music at a middle school where he lives. He is better on the piano but great at all 3. But I also guess it depends on the person as to how long it takes.
This is a link to the live stream of his cello boxing solo from the 2022 Christmas tour. I think you will enjoy it.
th-cam.com/video/DbCasvcNx78/w-d-xo.html
Get out of my head! Lol...I literally just went and copied this link to paste it but you beat me to it 🎉. At the Green Bay show I was at he got at least a 5 minute long standing O...words can't do this man's talent justice
@@wyolinus lol. I was at the Indy show. The same thing happened there.
The answer to you question of how many hours it takes to become an expert is 10,000, according to Malcolm Gladwell.And Kevin is a base player, primarily, the rest is gravy.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Check out his "human nature" cover.