The Musician's Loupe

A cappella electronica? This episode covers “Worst Thing I Could Do,” from contemporary a cappella group ARORA’s groundbreaking album, Bioluminescence. The group leverages advanced vocal effects and processing, creating ethereal, electronic textures that blur the line between human voice and synthesizer.In this week’s conversation, Trist and Elaine rave over the chord changes, dynamic arrangements, and clever use of half-choruses and rhythmic effects. They also analyze the song's poignant lyrics, which depict a toxic, unresolved relationship, and discuss how the unresolved musical ending mirrors the emotional stasis described in the words.In the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist discuss a real-world example from Threads illustrating the dramatic shift in songwriter earnings from the CD era to the streaming era, highlighting the challenges and reduced royalties faced by modern songwriters.Listen to the songYouTube - https://youtu.be/2GAbXRIu6v8 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1gxzmqDNAILcvi0iOp5BOl?si=e78fa631505b4805 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/worst-thing-i-could-do/681276513 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00E8WEALQ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_1cRxsNHQ8PyoK0o8vZFxFlOAk&trackAsin=B00E8WEJTO Other linksPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoT Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYg Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This week, we review a classic big band arrangement of “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” highlighting the delayed entrance of the vocal group and other elements that make it a classic 1940s big band tune. This song has a vintage sound, and we jump into both the recording and playback technology that influenced that era of music.In the Mailbag segment, we discuss the relationship between an artist and social media, reinforcing that it’s now a core component of one’s marketing.Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_8gXFgBkNYSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/5qGUC3y9NXTpA6n5k3W5Fm?si=b4c10179b4454fe7Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/on-the-sunny-side-of-the-street-from-is-everybody-happy/304824058Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0G2BQ5JBV?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_KBQ1NdkP5cnECpS0K5QV7w1gT&trackAsin=B0G2BKFNQHOther linksThe Manhattan Transfer’s version of “On the Sunny Side of the Street”Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This week, we dig into “Breathless" by CPR, a group formed by David Crosby and a son he dsicovered late in life. The intricate harmonies, unexpected chord changes, and the interplay between acoustic and electric instrumentation belies the song's artistic depth and emotional resonance. The lyrics use repetition, descriptive imagery, and the metaphorical portrayal of a supportive and joyful relationship.We discuss how the music industry has shifted over the past 15–20 years, with artists now able to record and distribute music independently, reducing reliance on traditional record labels.Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5roGAz789gSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1tBuk5BcGKtR9hFK2iAZoB?si=4f8a9d44101545f1Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/breathless/1501438604Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0DZV354MB?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_A1SGcs4DfJEKxgvoovZCmjUhk&trackAsin=B0DZV2NM9ZOther linksPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZStraight No ChaserAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This special bonus episode is the full discussion in response to a Mailbag quote about AI in music, which turned into a deeper conversation about analog creation, live music, and community.Key takeawaysTrist and Elaine dig into the growing presence of AI in music production and its potential to create "perfect" music. ​They point out that AI lacks the emotional depth, innovation, and human connection that make music truly meaningful, and encourage musicians to continue creating, as human artistry and imperfection are irreplaceable.Elaine and Trist explore the unique experience of live music, emphasizing its ability to foster community and emotional connection. ​They discuss how live performances, whether by orchestras, street musicians, or bands, offer a sense of shared humanity that cannot be replicated by digital or AI-generated musicThis mailbag segment delves into the significance of individual interpretation in music, particularly in classical and piano performances. ​Trist and Elaine compare the nuances of human interpretation to the uniformity of AI-generated music, underscoring the value of personal craftsmanship and the emotional resonance it brings to the art formAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://youtu.be/Gjsr6Siv41c Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6OuUISbNW1tLkDCilb6OSX?si=f5f8facb463f4444 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/when-you-were-lovin-me/1838780486 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0FQFWKL3F?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_DJ7aVn46RvgzAdUL8H5LMNxI6&trackAsin=B0FQFBDSL5 Other linksEric Benét - “True to Myself” versionshttps://youtu.be/IwtVWu59Yn4https://youtu.be/ieQx7VL3bNghttps://youtu.be/rsn78b843DA Key takeawaysIn this episode, Trist and Elaine dive into Neil Sedaka’s “When You Were Lovin’ Me,” which features distinct tempo and feel changes, transitioning between nostalgic blues-inspired sections and upbeat gospel-like segments, creating a dynamic storytelling experienceElaine and Trist further explore the deep sense of grief and wistfulness in the lyrics, highlighting themes of longing, loss, and the emotional juxtaposition of celebrating happy memories while grieving their absenceIn the mailbag section, Trist and Elaine discuss the creative value of artists releasing alternate versions of their songs, citing examples like Neil Sedaka and Mariah Carey, and emphasizing the artistic reinvention that can bring new life to familiar tracksAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8txXdr4kkqQSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/70nmpLYSyZ58QTUzUiB1VA?si=9f0f8e7f007c4f6cApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/symptom-of-life/1737442321Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CYTK33WX?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_yfvgQ0eYvSPgxaqRb9eqS7AIe&trackAsin=B0CYTKXWL6Key takeawaysTrist and Elaine review Willow’s 2024 single, “symptom of life,” describing it as "delightfully chaotic" yet surprisingly structured. They explore its use of changing meter, rhythmic complexity, and contrasting vocal textures, including untreated main vocals and lush, stacked harmoniesElaine and Trist highlight the poetic depth of the song's lyrics, which explore themes like transcendence, transformation, healing, the fragility of life, and the tension between mundane and transcendent experiences In the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss the importance of singers viewing themselves as musicians and learning to speak the language of music. ​ They discuss how understanding musical concepts, such as sight-reading and harmony, can open doors to more opportunities in the music industryAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://youtu.be/r55laPFEY0k Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/0lif2WoJ1LOQWmmJ1JV9gY?si=599443ee63cb4524 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/cottontail/170501696 Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00138H29K?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_O64dpDZHgJ98zsvP8EC2LNl4X&trackAsin=B00137VE90 Other linksDuke Ellington’s Cotton TailKey takeawaysTrist and Elaine dive into the unique style of vocalese, where lyrics are added to instrumental melodies and solos, highlighting the legendary contributions of Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, particularly their rendition of Duke Ellington's "Cottontail”Elaine and Trist discuss how varying tempos in different versions of "Cottontail" influence the song's energy, mood, and storytelling, emphasizing the relationship between tempo and audience perceptionIn the Mailbag segment, the hosts highlight the similarities between individual and team-based activities in music and sports, emphasizing the role of community and support structures in both fieldsAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92FRHjqY-WI Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/10QGEFiAS7ANZ8jLqEkKOE?si=0de83e5028dd4698 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/bad-mans-song/1527555433 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B08FTDNVPY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_EkGTvVs5mPjm77WaMZQwNFsl6&trackAsin=B08FTDCT55 Key takeawaysTrist and Elaine discuss the unique stylistic departure of "Badman's Song" from Tears for Fears' typical new wave sound, highlighting its jazz, blues, and gospel influences, as well as its multi-movement structure reminiscent of classical musicElaine and Trist analyze the song's lyrics, focusing on themes of sinfulness, redemption, and self-reflection, with references to church language and personal experiences, and the lyrics’ relationship to the gospel feel and Oleta Adams’ inclusion as a guest artistTrist and Elaine dig into the topic live performance versus practicing alone, emphasizing the unique lessons learned on stage that cannot be replicated in a practice setting, while also acknowledging the importance of preparation and discipline during solo practiceAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v8uzMFb74M Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/5bNoizZe6YhwPXGt0mu7fX?si=22a02fc363a44d9e Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/nz/song/blackbird/41228105 Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0011ZYCU2?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_5PzlbJJBi2oR2UNWbHSRu4VZo&trackAsin=B0011ZP7H4 Key takeawaysTrist and Elaine discuss Bobby McFerrin’s live solo vocal album through the lens of “Blackbird,” a Beatles cover. In the piece, McFerrin uses techniques like switching between vocal registers and singing while breathing in, which showcases his exceptional precision and intonationElaine and Trist also emphasize the magic of McFerrin's live performances, where his playful sounds, such as bird flapping noises and whistling, elicit delighted reactions from the audienceIn the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist talk about both classic and modern ways to get more exposure for a new act, including opening for similar bands, collaborating with local businesses, and networking at music workshops, camps, and conferencesAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w6apA_LbOE Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1cgesvTA9wgm2x6a6AEjnn?si=03d52c468f934754 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/overture/313221988 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0027OQ2ZY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_JV1c672eQzcyAHeWfT24LjGtR&trackAsin=B0027OQ3AI Other links“New World” by BjörkYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZt8eic_KNw Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6tgLIvZaal11lbuSXv48BD?si=3d0ba049609f4695 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/new-world/313222042 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0027OQ2ZY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_TH5hZ5UARlYNOpFbIQiGCRM3g&trackAsin=B0027OM5ZK “The Carnival of Venice” with Wynton Marsalis - https://youtu.be/q0V4qPEK8jQ Key takeawaysTrist and Elaine discuss “Overture,” a movie soundtrack composed by Björk, focusing on the arrangement and textural choices she made in this all-brass arrangementThis episode delves into how Björk’s "Overture" uses repeated themes, pedal tones, and layering to build and resolve tension, creating a captivating listening experienceIn the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss the concept of setting a personal limit on recording takes, balancing perfectionism with practicality, and how technology has changed the approach to music productionAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1d5c1fVxSA Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3TQbr3G3U5wlwEJejmqC1F Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/never-on-the-day-you-leave/1224353385 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B06Y3HV2N3?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_gArDR5BzTxFt1Suiqwo03YUHf&trackAsin=B06Y3R6LPH Other links“Further Notes on Scenius,” May 2017, Austin Kleon, quoting Brian Eno on the term “Scenius”Key takeawaysTrist and Elaine discuss the storytelling and lyrical depth of John Mayer’s song “Never on the Day You Leave,” highlighting its emotional journey and impactful outroThe song's minimalistic instrumentation, including acoustic and clean electric elements, creates a sense of intimacy and supports the poignant lyrics, emphasizing the emotional weight of the narrativeIn the mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist emphasize the critical role of local music venues and audiences in fostering emerging artists and creating a thriving music communityAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://youtu.be/Hr1M6wWBei0?si=ygI48sWUK1WvFumB Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/20DUr5qMlguUSIeVsquajt?si=90324010b59a4cc7 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/in-the-still-of-the-night-ill-remember/270027184 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00138JBLM?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_nzxPmWqf3yYHOkPUPqfx65MuE&trackAsin=B001389W7A Other linksTake 6The Five SatinsThe BobsThe PersuasionsVulfpeckKey takeawaysTrist and Elaine discuss Johnny Mathis' rendition of "In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember)" with Take 6, highlighting the unique arrangement and the contrast between Mathis' wide vibrato and Take 6's tight, straight-toned jazz harmoniesThe hosts analyze the distinct features of Take 6's arrangement, including close vocal harmonies, walking bass lines, syncopated backgrounds, subtle jazz chord tensions, and the use of vocal techniques to mimic instrumental soundsIn the mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine discuss different approaches to merchandise, such as limited runs, and how these strategies can help artists create a sense of exclusiveness and urgency to purchase. ​ They also touch on evaluating the return on investment of merchandise sales, especially for indie artists​About usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the songYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG0eW6zHoyc Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/2thU0AOHF6C9Iwnrch1oHA?si=7a2cab7b25b848a3 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/if-you-believe/202777729 Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00138CRKY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_dpAh3rAcWNutnxKDLPr1dx5Z3&trackAsin=B00137RMKK Key takeawaysKenny Loggins' song "If You Believe" from his 1991 album Leap of Faith features a unique a cappella intro that features three female singers who all had successes as background singers and successes as solo artists: Sheryl Crow, Siedah Garrett, and Ruth PointerThis song can be taken in context of the world history in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as well as in the context of Loggins’ careerIn the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss the importance of external feedback, both in individual and group settings, in helping musicians growAbout usTrist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.