John Jones - I'm in my 60s, been listening to music as far back as I can remember, been through my 'Pop' phase and 'Disco' phase [hey, *some* of it is *really* good!] and 'Rock' phase and 'Country' phase and my 'Alternative/Other' phase ... then started to feel like everything was just a mediocre attempt to re-do somebody else's stuff.🙁 Then I discovered Diana Ankudinova and Pentatonix and Home Free ... and they restored my faith in the power, and even the existence, of *Great Music!* These folks have, I feel, rescued the modern music scene! They've even helped me to re-appreciate some of the great stuff from all my various phases! (For that, I am _so_ *very* grateful!) Keep On Keepin' On ... *Like A Tank!*
i've been trying for a couple of years now to get any reactor to do that popspring 2016 or even just parts of it, like water and for some reason not only do they not do it they never say why! its so so so good and live and i wish they'd do it!
Heather Girone water is not my favorite from the album but it lets you see Kirstie get a moment to shine. Can’t sleep love from the the 2016 pop spring concert is so good. I Think reactors should react to the whole video that’s 16 min long. 3 original songs and the michael Jackson medley. Plus the audio and video quality is really good since it was professionally recorded. There’s a few more performances from that concert but the songs are in different videos.
Kyle: this is one of my favorite of your "reactions"-- not because of your inciteful harmonic observances (catching and explaining musical quirks I wouldn't ever notice) -- but because of your progressive emotional transparency. I think a good song tells a story, and I feel a REALLY good song allows us to project ourselves within its lyrics. It might be loss, pain, regret or yearning, but with each moment you grow more and more attached to this incredible arrangement until, towards the end, I'm quite sure you realized you've forgotten to breathe. We all write ourselves into songs: stay happy & hopeful knowing you have so many who care about you & Loki.
You sell yourself short concerning your ability to critique music. I've heard many who stop the video way too many times and those with the opposite problem. You are in the non-annoyance zone in that regard. Also, you're capable of hearing minutiae that the average person will not pick up on. I've heard many people who can do that but then they slip into "vocal coach" mode and give a technical lesson about what just happened; whereas you state it in English without dumbing it down. I am not a professional in any music field but some of my education was at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati; I play several instruments and sing; and I hear music pitch almost perfectly which ruins my enjoyment of alot of live performances lol. I'm telling you these things so you'll know that I know what I'm talking about. I'm not trying to inflate your ego, but I've not really seen or heard anything about your reaction videos that I don't like and because you put yourself down just a little, I wanted to tell you that you're wrong about your ability for this and your friends who put you up to this were right! Oh I take it back....there was 1 thing I didn't like and that was the G--damn word, but I digress. You do you. Anyway, I'll keep listening. You're talented at this and it's clear you've been blessed with that emotional/visceral response to music. Consider trying a Country Music acapella group called Home Free and their cover of Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash and featuring PTX's Avi Kaplan!
@@jenniferyoungberg Underrated?? It's one of the video that has more likes and views. I think every song Kirstin is the lead, it has always more views.
I just saw them in Chicago during their Christmas tour, and Scott made a joke about how he hoped the Olusola's have forgiven him for convincing Kevin to not go to medical school and join an a capella group instead. He said, can you imagine that phone call to mom and dad after sending your kid to Yale? 😂😂😂 I think he's probably forgiven. Lol
Kevin came in second in an international cello competition that Yo Yo Ma was behind. Considering that Yo Yo Ma has been the best cellist in the world for decades, that is quite a compliment. He played cello and beat boxed during that competition. A video of his doing both brought him to Scott's attention.
Kevin is also an award winning Saxophonist...alto sax...beautiful artist. Kevin is so gifted and not just gifted in the usual sense. He works hard at his music, his family, his friends, his fans and his curious mind is always learning new things. It's one thing to be gifted and let it ride and another to work at it for self improvement. Kevin is a blessing.
When you first started doing PTX I mentioned this video to you. I knew Kirstie would blow you away. Kevin is a cello master. He plays it again in Radioactive. Avi's part makes me cry though. Please do either Imagine or well anything really by Pentatonix.
When Mitch, Scott and Kirstie wanted to audition for The Sing Off, they knew they needed a beatboxer and bass for the group. They found Avi through a friend (he was in college studying opera) and they found Kevin through a UA-cam video of his that went viral. He was playing the cello and beatboxing :)
Kevin’s genius is shown in his “down” cover. A must for everyone! I’m enjoying your wonderful reactions. Thank you for all your hard work. Make sure to take care of yourself first in the new year. Sending healing vibes your way.
Yes, Kevin plays cello. He also plays saxophone, and did so on stage *in Carnegie Hall.* *As a teenager.* He graduated from an Ivy League school with honors as a pre-med major. He’s fluent in Mandarin. He’s also a one-man composer-arranger-producer-instrumentalist-vocalist. This beatboxing/singing gig he’s got going with PTX is actually his *third-string* musical specialty. Check out any of his covers, really, but “Down” is a particularly excellent example of his talent. He’s an amazing human being in many, many ways.
This is a great showcase of both Kirstie and Avi's singing ability back when they hadn't really shown much up till then. I'm going to point you in the direction of one of their Sing Off videos - Dog Days are Over.... Any of their Sing Off videos are great when you realize that they actually formed their group just a few weeks before going on the show... There are 12 or 13 performances from the show, and each are amazing. But Dog Days has to be one of my favorites in how they arrange it.
Kyle, I've always really liked your reactions and this was their most emotional song they've ever done. If you want to see one of their "happiest" songs, do a reaction to "Cheerleader" not the greatest song, but done with a high level of fun (they were very young at the time, but the talent was obvious !!!
But I thought their most sad song came around the time Avi announced his departure. Their cover of Elvis Presley's song Can't Help Falling In Love was a real tear-jerker for me. AMAZING cover!
Kevin is a musical savant and all-around renaissance man. He played Carnegie Hall at 17 with both saxophone and cello in their "young masters series". Speaks Mandarin, studied in China for a year, and was a pre-med student when he was "discovered" by Mitch, Scott, and Kirstie on youtube "celloboxing". Luckily they were able to convince him to join them for 'The Sing Off'. You can spend months doing nothing but PTX reactions and the solo/side/collabs different combinations of members have done. Kevin does what he calls KOvers which are him looping covers of songs live playing all the instruments and layering vocals. Kirsten has a solo EP of original pop songs, Mitch and Scott have a channel called Superfruit which they do covers and original as well as collabs with other artists. Between all of them there are literally hundreds of songs and mashups to choose from.
the really unique thing about this group is they have 5 REALLY talented POWERFUL passionate artist that are all rather versatile, and they don't seem to be ego driven... the easily step aside for any other to Lead. and they all can... in spades.
I love this performance. I don't care how many times I hear it....chills every time. Kevin is a classically trained cellist. Played at the Kennedy center pre-Pentatonix. (He also went to Yale intending to become a doctor, and can speak Mandarin from his time living in China, he is a strong Christian and also considered being a missionary at one time.) His cello-boxing video on UA-cam was what caught Scott's eye when he was putting Pentatonix together to enter Season 3 of the Sing-Off TV show in 2011. You can see the whole story in the intro to their first Sing Off performance which was their first public performance ever. It's all on UA-cam and they were incredible from the very beginning when they were all only 19-24 years old. (Avi was also an award winning bass and well known in the acappella world and studying Opera in college prior to PTX.) They all have their own solo projects on UA-cam, except maybe Matt? which are all worth taking a looking at. Can't wait for whatever PTX song you choose to react to next. Every one is unique.
This. This. This. So much this. Home Free, Voiceplay, Dimash, Citizen Queen! Dive headfirst into the UA-cam rabbit hole of vocal performance reactions!
Kevin has played the cello at Carnegie Hall twice, and they found him by watching UA-cam where he has videos of him playing the cello and beatboxing. They said we need to get in touch with this guy, they did, and 12 hours before the Sing-Off started they met for the 1st time!!!
Kyle Kholin - I'm in my 60s, been listening to music as far back as I can remember, been through my 'Pop' phase and 'Disco' phase [hey, *some* of it is *really* good!] and 'Rock' phase and 'Country' phase and my 'Alternative/Other' phase ... then started to feel like everything was just a mediocre attempt to re-do somebody else's stuff.🙁 Then I discovered Diana Ankudinova and Pentatonix and Home Free ... and they restored my faith in the power, and even the existence, of *Great Music!* These folks have, I feel, rescued the modern music scene! They've even helped me to re-appreciate some of the great stuff from all my various phases! (For that, I am _so_ *very* grateful!) Keep On Keepin' On ... *Like A Tank!*
Some backstory: PTX always had a new Kevin-plays-cello song for their late-winter tours that they did in 2013-2015. They filmed the video just as the 2014 winter tour was getting started; they wanted an old-time sepia photograph feel to the set, which I think worked for the song. For a more current look at what Kevin can do with his cello, please check out his KOver of “Down”! He does some things with his cello that I have never heard before. It’s on his YT channel, Kevin Olusola.
The cello is Kevin's main instrument other than his voice! In one video where they show video clips from when they were kids, they show him at maybe 8, playing it in his pyjamas, it's adorable ❤️
Yeah, that's how they found him, through one of his videos of him Celloboxing. I told you! You've got some big ones buddy, this is the only song they've covered that I could never, ever react to..., ever. The meaning for me, of this song is far too deep. I have to carry on three different conversations in my head when this comes on to distract myself from turning into a puddle of weeping goo. Anywho..., You really need to check out his solo stuff, heck, I think you would like at least some of the Superfruit stuff too, like their "Sweetlife". Superfruit is Scott and Mitch just messing around, the music is really good too. Peace, Love and Light Kyle!!!
Kevin is actually the reason I started playing cello. When I was in elementary I went to their concert and Kevin got a cello solo. Ever since then I've wanted to start playing the cello and I've started doing so since a few years. He played Julie-O by Mark Summer, I believe. Great song.
Scott saw his video on UA-cam playing his cello and beat boxing at the same time. That clip received 900k+. The other 4 knew that Kevin was the one to complete the group. He joined the day before the Sing Off. Gave up his medical school dream. Had his degree in pre-med but gave it up for the group. He’s been playing cello since he was a young boy. Very talented in both his musical instrument and beat boxing.
Thank you for your service Richard. It's the reason I can sit here and do reactions without fearing for my safety. Keep that in mind and I hope it brings you some measure of solace.
I love watching you watch the Pentatonix videos, I saw your first review going in a bit sceptical because they weren't the kind of group that you would normally listen to however you kept an open mind and were blown away by their talented voices! You just keep being true listening with an open mind appreciating each individuals contribution to the different songs they are singing!
I could never do a reaction to this video, I can't watch it without crying. My x who was the love of my life for 16 years introduced me to PTX...This song literally tears my heart out
Just wanted to tell you Thank You, i watched all Pentatonix performances on Sing Off thru you. As many reaction videos that are out there not many understand what they do with undertones and key changes.
Kyle....we are so proud of you and enjoy your reactions. Pentatonix is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing.n My suggestion to you is The Wizard of Ahhhs by Toddrick Hall and Pentatonix.
Kevin's cello-boxing video on UA-cam was actually how the group found him. They asked him to fly to CA to discuss joining the group for their entry onto The Sing Off and, as they say, the rest is history! Kevin has his own channel, aptly called "KO". He does what he calls a Performance KOver. It's basically him doing everything: cello, rhythm, keyboards, singing. Here's my favorite: ua-cam.com/video/CJXBwhJcldg/v-deo.html&
Kevin did a video of him playing his cello (named Beyoncé) and beat boxing that Avi noticed on UA-cam. That's when they pooled their monies together and brought Kevin to join up for the Sing Off only 2or3 day before it began. He speaks conversant Mandarin and was in med school, I mean seriously smart. Check out his solo stuff, his looping is on another level.
If you haven't done Run To You yet, please do. Also, Kevin plays the saxophone, piano, and who knows how many other instruments. Check out Radioactive for Kevin on the cello and Lindsey Sterling on violin. Avi does a bass part in this That is BOSS.
Kevin's most brilliant performance is not "Down," though that is very good. It is his original composition "Renegade," which showcases his singing, his cello, and his beatboxing. It is so rarely noted in the comments, but it is absolutely magical. And it is HIS composition.
Cello is not the only instrument Kevin plays (and well). Check out an episode of "From the Top" (from Carnegie Hall) where 17-year old Kevin plays a saxophone duet with concert pianist (and NPR host) Christopher O'Riley. It's interesting to note the difference between the slightly chubby and shy teenage Kevin with the muscular and self-assured man he became. It's also amazing to learn the universities to which he was accepted, but chose Yale instead (I'd consider three of those schools to be more prestigious than Yale, but YMMV; Kevin's obviously did). Add the Director's Award for best young artist in the state of Kentucky (which was during either his Freshman or Sophomore years in high school) and you can understand why he is such a remarkable person. The link is ua-cam.com/video/cg-WQl3YCVY/v-deo.html .
Not only is Kevin an excellent cello, player, good singer and a dope af beatboxer, but he was a Rhodes scholar, Yale graduate (East Asian studies) and fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Oh and he can also play tenor saxophone. Imo he's the most overall talented member.
PTX always puts who they think would be the best singing a certain song. If you want to see more of Kirstie you need to check out Shallow and The Sound of Silence. I say the Sound of Silence because you can hear how much she has grown over the years. Not sure if it is her confidence or just voice becoming stronger and more honed over the years. She has a smaller part in that but very powerful. You should also check out Water which I believe she wrote. Amazing. And yes, Kevin is multi talented. He can play the Cello and beat box at the same time, which he does in a few videos. He also has some solo stuff that will blow your mind. They all do actually. LOL. Great reaction, can't wait to see more.
You are 100% going to love their cover of Sound of Silence then. Also, you are correct. Kevin is INSANELY talented. He was the reason I got into Pentatonix in the first place. He can beatbox, play the cello, sing and he speaks fluent mandarin. He makes me feel like I've wasted my life and I love him still.
@@KyleKholin - Very cool brother.. Hey! Just to let you know, Water by Pentatonix is sung by Kirstin. I love the song, though there's no PTX official video for it other than a lyric one.
Kevin is a concert level cellist who has released an album and played Carnegie Hall (he also played saxophone there) and he is the only member of Pentatonix with perfect pitch.
I've seen plenty of emotional reactions from male reactors to Kirstie's powerful performance in this video! She breaks my heart every time I watch it. And the chills as well. And, yes. Kevin is brilliant! That's how Scott found him when he was looking for a beatboxer and a base to create a group to try audition for The Sing-Off. They had the trio and everybody was willing to drop everything they were doing and commit to this tryout and trying to make a an acapella group work like they tried when they were in high school. Back then, Kevin had UA-cam channel in which he was the Beatboxing Cellist and Scott saw him not only beatboxing while he played the cello but beatboxing while he played one of the most difficult cello pieces there is. And the rest is history. But yes Kevin did drop something he was doing to do this Pentatonix thing as well. I believe it's called Yale University and he was studying to be a medical doctor. So he's really talented and really smart too. I enjoyed your reaction! Happy New Year!
Kyle, I've had to admit I'm a Pentaholic, someone had described your videos as the closest thing to experiencing them anew. And Sherry below, sums up what I think of your critique. I've thoroughly enjoyed your shares, and subscribed.
Great reaction! Each member of this group is so talented individually, it still amazes me that they all ended up together lol. Even the trio who were friends since school...That school was stacked lmao Would be amaze if you went back to react to them on the Sing Off. You can really see how they grow, even over the course of the show
Kevin plays concert quality cello and saxophone, piano and... something else I forget. He speaks four languages and was in pre-med at Yale when he tossed it all for Pentatonix.
They found Kevin on UA-cam... He was beat boxing and playing cello.. This is how the three of them found their beat boxer was Kevin's UA-cam videos and then they found Avi through a friend..
I'd love to see you react to some of their original music. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but Run to You, Natural Disaster, Love Again, and Can't Sleep Love are on my list.
Fun fact Kevin's cello is named Beyoncé.!
This comment is one of the only good things to come out of 2020.
And his electric one is handed JZ
Kyle, I am 73 years old. I been around music my whole life. Pentatonix, blew me away. They're the ones who rescued good music as far as I'm concerned.
Speaking as a member of a newer generation: Nothing could me more accurate.
John Jones - I'm in my 60s, been listening to music as far back as I can remember, been through my 'Pop' phase and 'Disco' phase [hey, *some* of it is *really* good!] and 'Rock' phase and 'Country' phase and my 'Alternative/Other' phase ... then started to feel like everything was just a mediocre attempt to re-do somebody else's stuff.🙁
Then I discovered Diana Ankudinova and Pentatonix and Home Free ... and they restored my faith in the power, and even the existence, of *Great Music!* These folks have, I feel, rescued the modern music scene! They've even helped me to re-appreciate some of the great stuff from all my various phases! (For that, I am _so_ *very* grateful!)
Keep On Keepin' On ... *Like A Tank!*
YES, Kevin beatboxes and cellos simultaneously.
I highly suggest their arrangement of Imagine. It’s unbelievable.
Plus the video is incredible
I second the recommendation of Imagine. It's incredibly moving.
Kevin also finish all his pre-med courses and graduated from Yale.
AND is fluent in Mandarin Chinese
Imagine is a horrible song.
This is by far one of their most underrated arrangements ever.
Also watch Water live. Kirstin shines in it. She co wrote it too. (An original)
i've been trying for a couple of years now to get any reactor to do that popspring 2016 or even just parts of it, like water and for some reason not only do they not do it they never say why! its so so so good and live and i wish they'd do it!
Not my favorite songs from the album, however my favorite song from the concert.
@@heathergirone5187 I'm a Scomavi harmony stan. This and the silent night version in the church are favorite harmonies, oh, and Run to You.
Heather Girone water is not my favorite from the album but it lets you see Kirstie get a moment to shine. Can’t sleep love from the the 2016 pop spring concert is so good. I Think reactors should react to the whole video that’s 16 min long. 3 original songs and the michael Jackson medley. Plus the audio and video quality is really good since it was professionally recorded. There’s a few more performances from that concert but the songs are in different videos.
back when she was still happy with not being the soloist. Silly girl. She's amazing!
You should see Kevin’s cover of “down” if you want to see his genius!
I would love to see a reaction to that also!
Yes please. I was going to recommend this myself.
Agreed! Agreed!
It's great!!
Yup I think "down" is a good place to start for Kevin.
they collab with Lindsey Sterling in Imagine Dragon's "Radioactive", and Kevin plays cello while Lindsey plays the violin. Very good cover.
Yes one of my favorites as well
Yes! I second this.
Yes, Lindsey is amazing as well! Their cover and collaboration deserves WAY more attention!
That song was how I found Pentatonix! I've fallen in loved with them since I heard it 3 months ago.
Kyle: this is one of my favorite of your "reactions"-- not because of your inciteful harmonic observances (catching and explaining musical quirks I wouldn't ever notice) -- but because of your progressive emotional transparency. I think a good song tells a story, and I feel a REALLY good song allows us to project ourselves within its lyrics. It might be loss, pain, regret or yearning, but with each moment you grow more and more attached to this incredible arrangement until, towards the end, I'm quite sure you realized you've forgotten to breathe. We all write ourselves into songs: stay happy & hopeful knowing you have so many who care about you & Loki.
Please React to Pentatonix doing “The Wizard of AHs “ with Todrick Hall. Kirsten is amazing!!!!
Oh please don't get him on Todrick yet.... His heart might not be able to take so much at one time 😂
Kirsten also sings most of “Shallow” from a Star is Born
You sell yourself short concerning your ability to critique music. I've heard many who stop the video way too many times and those with the opposite problem. You are in the non-annoyance zone in that regard.
Also, you're capable of hearing minutiae that the average person will not pick up on. I've heard many people who can do that but then they slip into "vocal coach" mode and give a technical lesson about what just happened; whereas you state it in English without dumbing it down. I am not a professional in any music field but some of my education was at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati; I play several instruments and sing; and I hear music pitch almost perfectly which ruins my enjoyment of alot of live performances lol. I'm telling you these things so you'll know that I know what I'm talking about. I'm not trying to inflate your ego, but I've not really seen or heard anything about your reaction videos that I don't like and because you put yourself down just a little, I wanted to tell you that you're wrong about your ability for this and your friends who put you up to this were right!
Oh I take it back....there was 1 thing I didn't like and that was the G--damn word, but I digress. You do you.
Anyway, I'll keep listening. You're talented at this and it's clear you've been blessed with that emotional/visceral response to music.
Consider trying a Country Music acapella group called Home Free and their cover of Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash and featuring PTX's Avi Kaplan!
All of what Sherry said!
And me.
Dido
And cutos to sherry I agree the only thing I dont like is ur insistance that ur not good at this you are DEAL WITH IT
R/iamverysmart
She slays in Rather Be also!
Yes!!!! That one is SO underrated too!!! I love that one!!!
Yes!
ua-cam.com/video/OPWPa-HMpj8/v-deo.html
I was trying to think of the name of that one! I love it
@@jenniferyoungberg Underrated?? It's one of the video that has more likes and views. I think every song Kirstin is the lead, it has always more views.
Kyle - you didn't say much through this song but your face said everything - you felt the pain...
Kevin’s an overachiever, he beatboxes, sings, plays a number of instruments and speaks fluent Mandarin :P
Let's not forget... Graduated from MF YALE!
I just saw them in Chicago during their Christmas tour, and Scott made a joke about how he hoped the Olusola's have forgiven him for convincing Kevin to not go to medical school and join an a capella group instead. He said, can you imagine that phone call to mom and dad after sending your kid to Yale? 😂😂😂 I think he's probably forgiven. Lol
There’s a vid of Kevin with his cello and beatboxing BEFORE PTX. That’s how Scott found him for the Sing Off.
@@jslost Which video is that?
@@jamescurfman3284 The video is called Julie-O is on his channel.
Kevin came in second in an international cello competition that Yo Yo Ma was behind. Considering that Yo Yo Ma has been the best cellist in the world for decades, that is quite a compliment. He played cello and beat boxed during that competition. A video of his doing both brought him to Scott's attention.
Kevin is also an award winning Saxophonist...alto sax...beautiful artist. Kevin is so gifted and not just gifted in the usual sense. He works hard at his music, his family, his friends, his fans and his curious mind is always learning new things. It's one thing to be gifted and let it ride and another to work at it for self improvement. Kevin is a blessing.
When you first started doing PTX I mentioned this video to you. I knew Kirstie would blow you away. Kevin is a cello master. He plays it again in Radioactive. Avi's part makes me cry though. Please do either Imagine or well anything really by Pentatonix.
Me too, Avi is amazing
the sound of silence is another great one to watch! you really get to see each one shine, but kirsties part is my fav!
When Mitch, Scott and Kirstie wanted to audition for The Sing Off, they knew they needed a beatboxer and bass for the group. They found Avi through a friend (he was in college studying opera) and they found Kevin through a UA-cam video of his that went viral. He was playing the cello and beatboxing :)
Kevin’s genius is shown in his “down” cover. A must for everyone! I’m enjoying your wonderful reactions. Thank you for all your hard work. Make sure to take care of yourself first in the new year. Sending healing vibes your way.
When avi startd to sing his verse i get chills every time
Yes, Kevin plays cello. He also plays saxophone, and did so on stage *in Carnegie Hall.* *As a teenager.* He graduated from an Ivy League school with honors as a pre-med major. He’s fluent in Mandarin. He’s also a one-man composer-arranger-producer-instrumentalist-vocalist. This beatboxing/singing gig he’s got going with PTX is actually his *third-string* musical specialty. Check out any of his covers, really, but “Down” is a particularly excellent example of his talent. He’s an amazing human being in many, many ways.
I really enjoy your reactions. Please react to "come along". It's one of my favorites.
This is a great showcase of both Kirstie and Avi's singing ability back when they hadn't really shown much up till then. I'm going to point you in the direction of one of their Sing Off videos - Dog Days are Over.... Any of their Sing Off videos are great when you realize that they actually formed their group just a few weeks before going on the show... There are 12 or 13 performances from the show, and each are amazing. But Dog Days has to be one of my favorites in how they arrange it.
Avi has the warmest tones.....He's so much more than a brilliant bass singer.....I'm going through all your 'reactions' again lol...really enjoy them
God that one about killed me. Leaky eyeballs and everything.
Kyle, I've always really liked your reactions and this was their most emotional song they've ever done. If you want to see one of their "happiest" songs, do a reaction to "Cheerleader" not the greatest song, but done with a high level of fun (they were very young at the time, but the talent was obvious !!!
Rather Be is also a fun one!
I actually really like their cover of Cheerleader
But I thought their most sad song came around the time Avi announced his departure. Their cover of Elvis Presley's song Can't Help Falling In Love was a real tear-jerker for me. AMAZING cover!
Kevin is a musical savant and all-around renaissance man. He played Carnegie Hall at 17 with both saxophone and cello in their "young masters series". Speaks Mandarin, studied in China for a year, and was a pre-med student when he was "discovered" by Mitch, Scott, and Kirstie on youtube "celloboxing". Luckily they were able to convince him to join them for 'The Sing Off'. You can spend months doing nothing but PTX reactions and the solo/side/collabs different combinations of members have done. Kevin does what he calls KOvers which are him looping covers of songs live playing all the instruments and layering vocals. Kirsten has a solo EP of original pop songs, Mitch and Scott have a channel called Superfruit which they do covers and original as well as collabs with other artists. Between all of them there are literally hundreds of songs and mashups to choose from.
the really unique thing about this group is they have 5 REALLY talented POWERFUL passionate artist that are all rather versatile, and they don't seem to be ego driven... the easily step aside for any other to Lead. and they all can... in spades.
I love this performance. I don't care how many times I hear it....chills every time. Kevin is a classically trained cellist. Played at the Kennedy center pre-Pentatonix. (He also went to Yale intending to become a doctor, and can speak Mandarin from his time living in China, he is a strong Christian and also considered being a missionary at one time.) His cello-boxing video on UA-cam was what caught Scott's eye when he was putting Pentatonix together to enter Season 3 of the Sing-Off TV show in 2011. You can see the whole story in the intro to their first Sing Off performance which was their first public performance ever. It's all on UA-cam and they were incredible from the very beginning when they were all only 19-24 years old. (Avi was also an award winning bass and well known in the acappella world and studying Opera in college prior to PTX.) They all have their own solo projects on UA-cam, except maybe Matt? which are all worth taking a looking at. Can't wait for whatever PTX song you choose to react to next. Every one is unique.
“He plays cello? SICK does he beatbox too?” oh only if you knew haha
Reaction suggestion: Ring of Fire by Home Free featuring Avi!
This. This. This. So much this. Home Free, Voiceplay, Dimash, Citizen Queen! Dive headfirst into the UA-cam rabbit hole of vocal performance reactions!
Kevin has played the cello at Carnegie Hall twice, and they found him by watching UA-cam where he has videos of him playing the cello and beatboxing. They said we need to get in touch with this guy, they did, and 12 hours before the Sing-Off started they met for the 1st time!!!
I've been waiting for so long for this!! I clicked so hard I dropped my phone 😂😭
this version still brings tears to my eyes every single time...
Celloboxing, Avi giving us his low range and then smoothly coming into his upper register, love it!
I absolutely cannot watch/hear this song without sobbing like a baby. It touches my heart every time I hear it.
Kyle Kholin - I'm in my 60s, been listening to music as far back as I can remember, been through my 'Pop' phase and 'Disco' phase [hey, *some* of it is *really* good!] and 'Rock' phase and 'Country' phase and my 'Alternative/Other' phase ... then started to feel like everything was just a mediocre attempt to re-do somebody else's stuff.🙁
Then I discovered Diana Ankudinova and Pentatonix and Home Free ... and they restored my faith in the power, and even the existence, of *Great Music!* These folks have, I feel, rescued the modern music scene! They've even helped me to re-appreciate some of the great stuff from all my various phases! (For that, I am _so_ *very* grateful!)
Keep On Keepin' On ... *Like A Tank!*
Sound of Silence they all sound really amazing as well
I think I cry with every watching. Kirstie exudes so much emotion in this song.
Keep going, I love sharing this group with you and your viewers.
You may be new but I enjoy watching your video. You don't interrupt and have a natural genuine reaction. Great job.
This is the song that made me fall in love with them!!
Can You Feel The Love tonight is amazing!!!
Avi... 😢💕
😫
Some backstory: PTX always had a new Kevin-plays-cello song for their late-winter tours that they did in 2013-2015. They filmed the video just as the 2014 winter tour was getting started; they wanted an old-time sepia photograph feel to the set, which I think worked for the song.
For a more current look at what Kevin can do with his cello, please check out his KOver of “Down”! He does some things with his cello that I have never heard before. It’s on his YT channel, Kevin Olusola.
The cello is Kevin's main instrument other than his voice! In one video where they show video clips from when they were kids, they show him at maybe 8, playing it in his pyjamas, it's adorable ❤️
Yeah, that's how they found him, through one of his videos of him Celloboxing. I told you! You've got some big ones buddy, this is the only song they've covered that I could never, ever react to..., ever. The meaning for me, of this song is far too deep. I have to carry on three different conversations in my head when this comes on to distract myself from turning into a puddle of weeping goo. Anywho..., You really need to check out his solo stuff, heck, I think you would like at least some of the Superfruit stuff too, like their "Sweetlife". Superfruit is Scott and Mitch just messing around, the music is really good too. Peace, Love and Light Kyle!!!
I've actually never seen anyone requesting sweetlife I think he should react to it
Kevin is actually the reason I started playing cello. When I was in elementary I went to their concert and Kevin got a cello solo. Ever since then I've wanted to start playing the cello and I've started doing so since a few years. He played Julie-O by Mark Summer, I believe. Great song.
Scott saw his video on UA-cam playing his cello and beat boxing at the same time. That clip received 900k+. The other 4 knew that Kevin was the one to complete the group. He joined the day before the Sing Off. Gave up his medical school dream. Had his degree in pre-med but gave it up for the group. He’s been playing cello since he was a young boy. Very talented in both his musical instrument and beat boxing.
I'm a 70 yr. old VietNam Veteran and your reactions help soothe a lot of ugly memories from that war. Thank you
Thank you for your service Richard. It's the reason I can sit here and do reactions without fearing for my safety. Keep that in mind and I hope it brings you some measure of solace.
I love watching you watch the Pentatonix videos, I saw your first review going in a bit sceptical because they weren't the kind of group that you would normally listen to however you kept an open mind and were blown away by their talented voices! You just keep being true listening with an open mind appreciating each individuals contribution to the different songs they are singing!
I could never do a reaction to this video, I can't watch it without crying. My x who was the love of my life for 16 years introduced me to PTX...This song literally tears my heart out
kevin is a total beast. he plays cello, beatboxes, sings, speaks mandarin, and went to YALE. completely underrated member of the group.
So glad you did this it's one of my favourite songs of Pentatonix.
Just wanted to tell you Thank You, i watched all Pentatonix performances on Sing Off thru you. As many reaction videos that are out there not many understand what they do with undertones and key changes.
Need a LOVE button for this one!
This song is so powerfully and emotionally charged. Arranged perfectly.
The Shallow is another amazing video.
1k subs in just one week!!! 3K to 4K! You’re growing!!! 🙌🙌🙌
🎉Happy New Year!🎉
I love you're discovering Pentatonix and letting us all go along!
Hi..iam from germany and i see every pentatonix reaction from you....i love it...keep going....please...
Your reaction when Kirsten belted out her part was priceless.
This is still my favorite cover of theirs! It’s so beautiful and everyone shines.
Avi has a great emotional impact.
The emotions that come through are amazing. This song made me cry.
By far my favorite version of this song. I loved the original but this one actually made me cry.
Ring of fire covered by home free feat Avi Kaplan. You really get to see Avi shine. And it would give you another really cool group to love.!!!♥️♥️♥️
Kyle....we are so proud of you and enjoy your reactions. Pentatonix is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing.n My suggestion to you is The Wizard of Ahhhs by Toddrick Hall and Pentatonix.
Kevin's cello-boxing video on UA-cam was actually how the group found him. They asked him to fly to CA to discuss joining the group for their entry onto The Sing Off and, as they say, the rest is history! Kevin has his own channel, aptly called "KO". He does what he calls a Performance KOver. It's basically him doing everything: cello, rhythm, keyboards, singing. Here's my favorite: ua-cam.com/video/CJXBwhJcldg/v-deo.html&
Their version of shallow is amazing to
I LOVE AVI IN THIS SONG
Another great reaction. You've got a great ear. Enjoy your page, you're onto something great.
Kevin did a video of him playing his cello (named Beyoncé) and beat boxing that Avi noticed on UA-cam. That's when they pooled their monies together and brought Kevin to join up for the Sing Off only 2or3 day before it began. He speaks conversant Mandarin and was in med school, I mean seriously smart. Check out his solo stuff, his looping is on another level.
👍Great Reaction! Please react to Cheerleader, Can't Help Falling In Love, Winter Wonderland, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy by PENTATONIX💥
If you haven't done Run To You yet, please do.
Also, Kevin plays the saxophone, piano, and who knows how many other instruments.
Check out Radioactive for Kevin on the cello and Lindsey Sterling on violin. Avi does a bass part in this That is BOSS.
Nice to see you my friend! I hope this new year finds you happier and HEALTHIER! :)
Kevin's most brilliant performance is not "Down," though that is very good. It is his original composition "Renegade," which showcases his singing, his cello, and his beatboxing. It is so rarely noted in the comments, but it is absolutely magical. And it is HIS composition.
Is this the way angels sing in heaven. I hope so. Can make you cry.
Great reaction!! Thank you.
Cello is not the only instrument Kevin plays (and well). Check out an episode of "From the Top" (from Carnegie Hall) where 17-year old Kevin plays a saxophone duet with concert pianist (and NPR host) Christopher O'Riley. It's interesting to note the difference between the slightly chubby and shy teenage Kevin with the muscular and self-assured man he became. It's also amazing to learn the universities to which he was accepted, but chose Yale instead (I'd consider three of those schools to be more prestigious than Yale, but YMMV; Kevin's obviously did). Add the Director's Award for best young artist in the state of Kentucky (which was during either his Freshman or Sophomore years in high school) and you can understand why he is such a remarkable person. The link is ua-cam.com/video/cg-WQl3YCVY/v-deo.html .
You are an amazing reactor, thank you for your work, I really love your PTX videos
Not only is Kevin an excellent cello, player, good singer and a dope af beatboxer, but he was a Rhodes scholar, Yale graduate (East Asian studies) and fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Oh and he can also play tenor saxophone. Imo he's the most overall talented member.
This one is so powerful 😊
PTX always puts who they think would be the best singing a certain song. If you want to see more of Kirstie you need to check out Shallow and The Sound of Silence. I say the Sound of Silence because you can hear how much she has grown over the years. Not sure if it is her confidence or just voice becoming stronger and more honed over the years. She has a smaller part in that but very powerful. You should also check out Water which I believe she wrote. Amazing. And yes, Kevin is multi talented. He can play the Cello and beat box at the same time, which he does in a few videos. He also has some solo stuff that will blow your mind. They all do actually. LOL. Great reaction, can't wait to see more.
You are 100% going to love their cover of Sound of Silence then.
Also, you are correct. Kevin is INSANELY talented. He was the reason I got into Pentatonix in the first place. He can beatbox, play the cello, sing and he speaks fluent mandarin. He makes me feel like I've wasted my life and I love him still.
Im really enjoying your reactions. I can tell you're really into the song.
Dagnabbit Kyle!!! You have us hooked to you now brother... we want more reactions!!! LOL :-)
I just reacted to Change on the Rise by Avi over on my patreon! Thanks for the support.
@@KyleKholin - Very cool brother.. Hey! Just to let you know, Water by Pentatonix is sung by Kirstin. I love the song, though there's no PTX official video for it other than a lyric one.
Kevin plays cello, piano, sax and looper (some would call that a tool, not an instrument, but i'm going to count it)
gosh you can practically HEAR Kirstie's heart breaking, so powerful
Kevin is a concert level cellist who has released an album and played Carnegie Hall (he also played saxophone there) and he is the only member of Pentatonix with perfect pitch.
I've seen plenty of emotional reactions from male reactors to Kirstie's powerful performance in this video! She breaks my heart every time I watch it. And the chills as well.
And, yes. Kevin is brilliant! That's how Scott found him when he was looking for a beatboxer and a base to create a group to try audition for The Sing-Off. They had the trio and everybody was willing to drop everything they were doing and commit to this tryout and trying to make a an acapella group work like they tried when they were in high school. Back then, Kevin had UA-cam channel in which he was the Beatboxing Cellist and Scott saw him not only beatboxing while he played the cello but beatboxing while he played one of the most difficult cello pieces there is. And the rest is history. But yes Kevin did drop something he was doing to do this Pentatonix thing as well. I believe it's called Yale University and he was studying to be a medical doctor. So he's really talented and really smart too. I enjoyed your reaction! Happy New Year!
Kyle, I've had to admit I'm a Pentaholic, someone had described your videos as the closest thing to experiencing them anew. And Sherry below, sums up what I think of your critique. I've thoroughly enjoyed your shares, and subscribed.
Great reaction! Each member of this group is so talented individually, it still amazes me that they all ended up together lol. Even the trio who were friends since school...That school was stacked lmao
Would be amaze if you went back to react to them on the Sing Off. You can really see how they grow, even over the course of the show
Would love for you to do Run to You and Dog Days are Over from the Sing Off
Kevin plays concert quality cello and saxophone, piano and... something else I forget. He speaks four languages and was in pre-med at Yale when he tossed it all for Pentatonix.
They found Kevin on UA-cam... He was beat boxing and playing cello.. This is how the three of them found their beat boxer was Kevin's UA-cam videos and then they found Avi through a friend..
I'd love to see you react to some of their original music. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but Run to You, Natural Disaster, Love Again, and Can't Sleep Love are on my list.
Over the River please - absolutely transcendant. Thank you for all you share.
I saw you! About to cry you were! We told ya it was That Good!
Sing Off please. All 13. The best is last... you won’t be disappointed! 🙌😎👍
Kevin calls in Celloboxing. I think every Pentaholic agrees that Kevin is the most talented one in the group.
Love from Uruguay!
Great reaction...sounds like you loved cello-boxing!