No Expectations with Peter Barber

Rachel Potter, an acclaimed Broadway star and accomplished Nashville Recording artist, has been recognized by US Weekly as "One to Watch" and praised by the Hollywood Reporter for her "crystalline vocals." With a successful career in both musical theater and country music, Rachel has showcased her talent on stages of all sizes.  Rachel's impressive resume includes her turn as the ever “popular” Glinda u/s on the National Tour of Wicked. Next, she made her Broadway debut as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, where she shared the stage with Bebe Neuwirth and Brooke Shields as Morticia. She then went on to originate the role of the Mistress in the Tony Nominated revival of Evita, alongside Ricky Martin and Michael Cerveris. Her standout performance on the Original Broadway Cast Recording of the production, singing the poignant song "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," further solidified her place in the Broadway community. Residing in Nashville, TN, Rachel remains focused on recording and writing music, as well as enjoying a successful career in real estate. Balancing her professional endeavors with her most important role as “mommy” to Jude, Elliot, and Myla, Rachel's passion for music and family shines through in all aspects of her life. Stay connected with Rachel on social media @therachelpotter.

Yannis Papadopoulos is the lead singer for heavy metal band, Beast in Black. The band's blend of power metal, 80s pop, and electronic music, as well as their energetic live performances, have made them pioneers of their genre. Beast in Black's current lineup further consists of founding member and primary songwriter Anton Kabanen, guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen, bassist Mate Molnar, and drummer Atte Palokangas. Please welcome Yannis Papadopoulos.

Simone Simons is the lead singer for symphonic metal group, Epica, that just released their 9th studio album, Aspiral. The album title is derived from the eponymous bronze sculpture made by Polish sculptor and painter Stanisław Szukalski back in 1965. It stands for renewal and inspiration – keywords that define Epica in 2025. In Szukalski's work every detail is a piece of art on its own and there's always more to the story than you initially think. The band saw this as the perfect analogy for the creation of this album: each song stands on its own with a distinctive vibe and meaning, while together they enforce each other into a monumental effort. At the same time this symbolizes EPICA's group dynamic throughout this process: they have encouraged, inspired, and challenged each other repeatedly. Determined to achieve something that is greater than the sum of its parts, they left no stone unturned in their search for perfection. If it's up to creative people to push boundaries, then this sextet sure did just that. When the band was preparing to write a new album, they kept this in mind: to create, you must destroy. As mentioned earlier, this meant destroying the individual ego and create as a unity. You'll hear that this made the album even more personal and to the point. More alive and adventurous. But it also made EPICA destroy old underlying patterns to re-invent themselves and to create a bold new era for symphonic metal in general. The band felt the immense urge to focus on what really matters: emotions and melodies. In all capacities. As the new album is all about focus, the band asked contemporary sculptor Hedi Xandt (Rammstein, Ghost, Parkway Drive) to set all this into a stunning visual representation. It's a bold statement and a homage all in one. If the number 9 represents divinity, perfection, and spiritual growth, then this album is the modern interpretation of just that. Musically, lyrically, and visually. Breathe in, breathe out, 2025 belongs to EPICA.

Eli Jacobson is a tenor vocalist and a core member of the internationally acclaimed a cappella group, VoicePlay. Known for their inventive arrangements and theatrical performances, VoicePlay gained national recognition as finalists on NBC's The Sing-Off and became a fixture and fan favorite on The Sing-Off Live national tours. In addition, they've shared the stage with renowned artists such as Chicago, Robin Thicke, Steve Vai, Nick Lachey, Chris Daughtry, and Robert Randolph. Beyond his musical talents, Eli brings a wealth of business experience from his time in the entertainment industry and involvement in his family's business enterprises. He is also a proud father to his one-year-old son, Asher, and husband to Ashley. Eli is known for his impressively wide and powerful vocal range, which has been instrumental in shaping VoicePlay's signature sound. The group has built a massive online following, amassing millions of fans across platforms like YouTube, where their viral performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide. In addition to his vocal prowess, Eli contributes his technological expertise to the group's productions, enhancing the quality and creativity of their content. His multifaceted skills have been pivotal in VoicePlay's continued success and innovation in the a cappella scene.

Anna Lea is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter, most known for her work as the voice of Penelope in EPIC: The Musical. She joined the cast of EPIC at just 17 years old, before finishing high school. Outside of EPIC, Anna has released a solo EP, The Dark Between the Stars, and more recently, a full-length album, Therapy. She is currently pursuing in master's degree in social work, and hopes to continue creating a career where all her passions can continue to flourish. Please welcome Anna Lea.

Nick Higgs, widely known on social media as Nick Higgs The Singer, is a multifaceted professional in the music industry. As a dedicated singer, voice teacher, and dynamic content creator, he has cultivated a substantial online presence, engaging over 500 thousand followers across various platforms. With a background that includes formal musical education from the University of Toronto, and experience performing in groups such as the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, Nick combines classical training with a modern approach to music. He displays a strong passion for digital media, and actively motivates fellow musicians to embrace the digital world, emphasizing the importance of establishing a meaningful digital footprint. He shares vocal performances, educational content, and musical analysis to his large online audience. You can find him on social media at the username @nickhiggsthesinger.

Chicago-based JP Warner has amassed 200+ million streams on his records in his 10+ year career as a music producer/audio engineer. He began his career as a DJ, touring the country as part of then-duo MiNDTRiX. In 2019 he left MiNDTRiX to work behind the scenes, creating electronic & pop records with DJ Mag Top-100 DJs Excision, Tiesto, and more. Today, JP Warner is best known for his work on the viral Tiktok musical “EPIC” by Jorge Rivera-Herrans. Warner also notably serves as the primary producer/engineer for pop artist TE/MO as well as his own Cinematic artist project SPACELY. Warner proudly uses his platform to share resources and create a safe space for those struggling with their mental health. You can view his favorite resources here. For music artists, JP Warner Sound offers everything needed to create a radio-ready release: songwriting, production, vocal engineering, mixing, mastering, and conversion to Dolby ATMOS.

Composer, songwriter, and producer Alex Seaver (aka Mako) has created a unique niche for himself in the entertainment industry. He has released two best-selling albums; performed at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and EDC; and collaborated with the likes of Linkin Park, Marcus King, Sting, Pusha-T, Avicii, Madison Beer, and Alan Walker. A classically-trained musician, Seaver earned a full scholarship to Juilliard. Upon graduation, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film music. Alex has established himself as a songwriter and composer for Riot Games' League of Legends, beginning in 2017. His first track, “Legends Never Die” (performed by Against the Current), has earned over 400 million streams on Spotify alone, while his role expanded with both seasons of Netflix's League of Legends-based animated series, Arcane (2021, 2024). In addition to scoring the hit show with Alexander Temple, Alex co-wrote songs for the soundtrack, alongside Linkin Park, Marcus King, Pusha-T, Sting, Woodkid, Bea Miller, PVRIS, and others. Please welcome Alex Seaver.

Luke Holt is an actor, singer, and content creator, most known for his work as Zeus in EPIC: The Musical. Luke and Peter chat about how EPIC came together, the recording process, musical theater, voice acting, career goals, and much more. Please welcome Luke Holt.

David Michael Frank, artistically known as DMF, redefines the modern music scene with his extraordinary vocal range and a unique blend of alternative, pop, and rock, creating a sound that's both nostalgic and futuristic. A multi-instrumentalist and content creation expert, DMF has captivated over 3.5 million followers with deeply personal lyrics and a dynamic style. His musical journey, spanning a decade with various bands and culminating in the innovative 'Private Party Tour,' has led to the eagerly awaited release of his debut solo album. Recognized by Billboard Magazine and other major publications, DMF's compelling story and groundbreaking approach to music and production set him apart as a visionary artist and a rising force in the music industry. Please welcome David Michael Frank.

Emily Kristen Morris is an NYC-based actor, singer, dancer, certified vocal instructor, and popular online content creator (1.7 Million followers on TikTok). Emily has performed across the nation and internationally, and was most recently the Elphaba standby on the Broadway national tour of WICKED. Coming up next, Emily will be starring as Elsa in Paramount Theatre's production of Frozen. Her past theatre credits include: Bea in the national tour of Something Rotten, White Plains Performing Arts Center (Daisy in Side Show), The Rev (Sophie in Mamma Mia), Cape Playhouse, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (Nellie in South Pacific in concert), Gateway Playhouse, Weston Playhouse, and New York Musical Theatre Festival. Emily has also performed as a solo vocalist with symphony orchestras, including the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in China, and the Norwalk Symphony. Her voice is also featured on Joey Contreras' new album “In Pieces.” On social media Emily is popular for her voice-teaching videos, her singing covers, and her vocal-coach-reacts videos. When she's not performing, Emily runs her highly sought-after voice studio, EKM Vocal Studio, where she teaches lessons, masterclasses and workshops to passionate singers both virtually and in-person in NYC. Emily is certified through the Institute For Vocal Advancement (IVA), and received her BFA in musical theatre from the University of Cincinnati; College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).

Bobby Bass is a bass singer, arranger, and music producer, most noted for his extremely viral cover of "Hoist the Colours," as seen in the forefront of the North Sea trend. Bobby is a member of both The Wellermen and The Bass Gang, and is considered to be one of the main artists and influencers in the new generation of bass singers. In the last 4 years, Bobby's voice has been heard over 3 billion times across social media platforms and streaming services. Peter and Bobby talk about tons of cool stuff, and they finally got to chat for the podcast in-person! A definitive episode, to be sure -- you do not want to miss it. 

Mortius is a YouTuber and singer, most well-known for his commentary on EPIC: The Musical.

Serena Belle is a singer, brain tumor survivor, and social media sensation. Over the last two years, she built a following of 2.6 million fans on TikTok, and 1.2 million on Instagram, with her viral singing videos, covering everything from Evanescence to Gladiator.  Peter and Serena talk about Serena's life philosophy after surviving a brain tumor, the pros and cons of having a large social media following, vocal technique, music production, opera, and much more. Please welcome Serena Belle.

Lolli Wren is a singer, composer, vocal arranger, and vocal coach AKA The Fairy Voice Mother. She is widely known for her ability to explain a huge range of voice techniques and replicate them in a way that anyone can learn, even absolute beginners. As a vocal analyst on YouTube, Lolli has built an audience of over 265,000 subscribers. Peter and Lolli chat about voice science, vocal technique for varying genres, Lolli's background and training, how she got into analyzing the voice, building a YouTube channel, teaching, the love of music videos, career goals, and much more. Please welcome Lolli Wren.

Matthew Aucoin is an American composer, conductor, writer, pianist, and a 2018 MacArthur Fellow. In recent seasons, his music has been performed by artists ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to the Philadelphia Orchestra, and commissioned by institutions including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Ojai Music Festival. Aucoin is a co-founder of the American Modern Opera Company. His book about opera, The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera, was published in 2021 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Peter and Matt talk about what it takes to compose an opera, writing classical music in the modern age, the symbiotic benefits of being a composer, pianist, and conductor, Matt's upcoming projects, and much more. Please welcome Matthew Aucoin.

Joe Santoni is a bass singer and studio vocalist, best known for his work with DCappella, Disney's premiere acapella group. Joe has had the pleasure of performing for over 15 years both professionally and academically. Throughout his music career he's had amazing opportunities come his way. Some of his performance credits include performing in over 3 professional operas, benefit concerts, various a cappella groups as well as an elite LA choir called the LA Choral Lab. Performing alongside the LA Choral Lab he's sung in the ‘Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses' at the Dolby theater in Los Angeles, and had the pleasure of singing on ‘The Nun' from the James Wan conjuring universe. Joe's hometown is Port Huron, Michigan where he grew up and went to college for opera and has since moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in singing. Peter and Joe talk about working for the monolith company that is Disney, being a part of high-budget music videos, working and living in Los Angeles, vocal ranges, what it's like to be a bass singer on tour, being a studio vocalist, and much more. Please welcome Joe Santoni.

Jonny Stewart is a bass singer, an engineer for studio and live sound, and an arranger/director. Jonny's arrangements and mixes have been streamed over twenty million times on Spotify, although it bears mentioning that fourteen million of these were for TikTok sea shanty ‘Wellerman', by the Wellermen. In addition to his work with the Wellermen, Jonny sings in London-based group NoVI, alongside freelance choir and session work. Peter and Jonny talk about the rise of sea shanties, going viral on short-form media, going on tour, audio engineering, mixing & mastering, future plans for The Wellermen, and much more. Please welcome Jonny Stewart.

Teagan Earley is a Chicago-based singer, actor, and producer, and the proud co-founder of Sisters First Productions—a Tony and Emmy award-winning production company and entertainment fund that seeks to support women, early career artists, early stage businesses, and other vehicles for underrepresented voices using cutting edge technology and original, hybrid content. Throughout her performance career, which includes theatre, concert, and opera credits, she has trained with world-class instructors such as Melissa Foster, Betsy Wolfe, Kiera Duffy, and Nathan Gunn. Her voice is currently being featured as Athena on the Original Concept Album of "EPIC" - the musical that first went viral on TikTok and has amassed more than 100 million views (and counting), debuted as #9 on Spotify with more than 3 million streams in its first week (doubling that to 6 million by the end of its second week), and climbed to the #2 Cast Albums spot on the Billboard Charts, surpassed only by "Hamilton". Peter and Teagan talk about the origins of EPIC: The Musical, what it was like to be involved with that project from the ground up, the challenges and triumphs of being a live performer, career goals and ambitions, potential collaborations, upcoming endeavors, and much more. Please welcome Teagan Earley.

Davide Dalmonte is a 19-year-old bass singer, songwriter, and producer. He has amassed over 1.5 followers on TikTok via covers, adding bass lines to popular TikToks via the duet feature. Lately, Davide has entered the world of original music, with new songs coming out in the near future.  Peter and Davide talk about creating music in short form media, what it's like to "go viral," distortion of singing expectations due to the "TikTokification" of music, career and musical goals, psychological challenges of being a creator with a large following, our admiration for other creators in the space, like Bobby Bass, Marwan Ayman, Danny Brevik, and much more. Please welcome Davide Dalmonte.

Colm McGuinness is an Irish composer, producer, musician, and singer. Primarily, he composes and works as a studio artist in the video game sphere for major titles like Critical Role, League of Legends, and more. In addition, Colm produces high-quality covers for his YouTube channel and streaming services, where he has garnered hundreds of millions views/streams, and millions of followers. In the online space, he has become well-known for his extensive vocal range and instrumental prowess.  Peter and Colm talk about composing music for major video games, artistic goals, dealing with haters, working as a bartender, making lemonade out of lemons (a "limoncello cocktail," rather) when the pandemic hit in 2020, vocal range, social media, and much more. Please welcome Colm McGuinness in his first-and-only appearance on a podcast. If you'd like to take your singing to the next level, Colm and I highly recommend StudioBrev, the most handsome of all voice studios! Check it out here: https://crm.studiobrev.com/webinar-registration-page-9946-3885?am_id=peter_barber

Charlie Hopkinson is a UK impressionist with over 500 million views across platforms. Best known for his impressions of Morgan Freeman, David Attenborough, the Peaky Blinders, and now, many of the iconic voices from the Star Wars universe, Charlie has gained the requisite popularity to go on tour for stand-up comedy, where he brilliantly incorporates impressions into his act.  Peter and Charlie talk about creating impressions, voice acting, building an online platform, incorporating impressions into stand-up comedy, the challenges of performing live as an impressionist, and Charlie even does a number of his famous impressions in real time. Please welcome Charlie Hopkinson.

Marwan Ayman is a 20-year-old acapella musician from Egypt who gained fame on YouTube as a member of The Bass Gang. His viral "build-up" covers contributed significantly to his rise in popularity, and have earned him nearly 20,000 subscribers on YouTube. As a member of The Bass Gang, he has written many of the group's most popular arrangements, including; Hide and Seek feat. Lauren Paley, Emperor's New Clothes, and Arabian Nights. Marwan is considered by many to be the greatest young talent in the acapella world, and is recognized for his abilities to not only write and produce music, but for his video editing skills as well.    Peter and Marwan talk about the current state of acapella, the evolution of acapella, living in Egypt, growing up in a musical family, favorite projects, arrangement process, and much more. Please welcome Marwan Ayman.

From the guest: "I'm Gav, an independent producer/songwriter & singer from Ireland. My music and songs, under the name 'Miracle Of Sound,' cover a vast range of genres & styles from metal to folk to classical. They have become popular through grassroots word of mouth and gathered over a billion cross-platform digital streams, with my biggest hit 'Valhalla Calling' (which I wrote & performed solo) gathering over 120 million streams.    I love to celebrate great stories in my songs and many of them are inspired by the characters & tales in TV, Videogames, books & movies. I often work on cross promotion with various videogame industry companies including Ubisoft, Bioware, EA, Larian and Bethesda for titles such as Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Divinity Original Sin 2, Wasteland 2 and Watch Dogs. My music is known for addictive, catchy hooks, empowering themes and a diverse range of genres & song structures.   Peter and Gavin talk about writing music that gets heard by the millions, Gav's writing process and production style, getting fired from non-musical jobs, controversy over cover songs, and much more. Please welcome Gavin Dunne.

Alternative enigma Corvyx concocts an elixir of cinematic dark pop, pairing his ethereal productions with haunting vocals that drip with raw emotion and power. He dons a self-proclaimed “space witch” aesthetic and, with his 5 octave range, has captivated an audience of nearly 1M+ social followers he calls his Corvyx Coven. His name finds origin in the magical Corvus (”Raven” in Latin) for he too has become a messenger for the misunderstood. With nearly 200K YouTube subscribers and 24 million+ YouTube views and growing, Corvyx has proven himself an undeniable visionary and a musical force.  

Casper Fox is a brand manager and musician, who has contributed significantly to the success of groups like The Bass Gang and The Wellermen, as well as the personal brands of creators like Peter Barber and Jennifer Glatzhofer. 

Called, “a voice for this historic moment” (The Washington Post), GRAMMY Award-winning baritone Will Liverman is the 2022 Beverly Sills Artist Award recipient and co-creator of The Factotum (Lyric Opera Chicago, 2023 world premiere). This season's engagements include the Metropolitan Opera (X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, Roméo et Juliette), Opera Philadelphia (10 Days in a Madhouse, world premiere), Dayton Opera, Tanglewood, Caramoor, Cincinnati Song Initiative, Lexington Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, The Washington Chorus, Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys, Nu Deco Ensemble, and Experiential Orchestra. He's Artistic Advisor for Renée Fleming's Song Studio at Carnegie Hall. Liverman's Dreams of a New Day: Songs by Black Composers (Cedille Records, 2021) was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. He's an alumnus of the Ryan Opera Center (Lyric Opera of Chicago), The Juilliard School (M.M.), and Wheaton College (B.M.). www.willliverman.com. Please welcome Will Liverman.

Over the course of an hour, professional singer Peter Barber breaks down Olivia Rodrigo's performance for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series, and analyzes just what makes her so brilliant. Stay until the end to learn more than you ever thought possible about Olivia's vocal techniques, songwriting, and all the rest. So, is Olivia Rodrigo worth the hype? I'll let you decide. Peter Barber is a professional singer, music producer, YouTuber, and member of The Bass Gang.

Meet Eric Hollaway, the man with a voice as deep as the ocean and as versatile as the wind. Known globally as "thatbassvoice," Eric boasts a rare 5-octave range, enchanting over 2 million followers on social media with his captivating vocals. A prodigy who began singing at 5, Eric's voice has graced numerous viral hits, including the Viking anthem "Valhalla Calling" by Miracle Of Sound and Hans Zimmer's 'Hoist The Colors' from Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. His unique "bassharmony" technique, seamlessly blending deep tones into any melody, has become his signature. You'll recognize his stirring vocals in the soundtracks of "Doom Eternal" and "Runescape3." Beyond music, Eric is a highly sought-after voice actor, lending his distinctive timbre to thousands of projects, notably for Fableticsmen and Manscaped. Experience the depth and range of "thatbassvoice" - where every note tells a story. Peter and Eric chat about being bass singers in the modern music world, the rise of the bass voice in popularity, Eric's work as the voice for "Doom" and other voice actings jobs, going viral on social media, philosophies behind music, how Eric's voice has changed over the years, upcoming collaborations, and much more. Please welcome Eric Hollaway.

Welcome back to the Analysis Essentials Series -- this episode comes from my first time ever hearing So Hyang, a voice that continues to boggle my mind. Her emotional connection, her power belting, her riffing -- all of it. Please enjoy this breakdown.

Tomi P is a bass singer from the Czech Republic, widely known for his musical talent as a vocal arranger and acapella music producer. Many that are familiar with his work consider him to be among the founding fathers of modern acapella, given that he's been making high-quality vocal arrangements for nearly a decade. Tomi is a founding member of The Bass Gang, and currently sings as the bass for renowned Czech acapella group, Shot-C. He has garnered tens of millions of views across platforms for his music, and tens of millions more for his work with The Bass Gang.  Peter and Tomi discuss the future of The Bass Gang and Shot-C, dealing with creative burnout, music as a career vs. hobby, upcoming projects, and Tomi answers many questions from the Patreon community. Please welcome Tomi P!

One of the first analysis videos Peter ever made was for this iconic cover from Pentatonix. Peter goes into detail about the musical arrangement, vocal technique, blending of voices, belting, vocal registration, and more. Please enjoy this breakdown of "The Sound of "Silence" as part of the Analysis Essentials Series.

Elliott Michael Robinson is a seasoned veteran of the contemporary a cappella community currently residing in Dallas, Texas. Though most known for his insane low notes and nearly five-octave vocal range, the Illinois native is also an award-winning songwriter, arranger, and vocal educator. (And attorney, but who's counting?)   Throughout the years, he's performed with countless vocal groups--InPulse, Home Free, Re: Voiced, Chapter 6, Street Corner Symphony, The House Jacks, AXIOM, and more--as well as recording background vocals for projects spanning just about every genre you can think of. Oh yeah, and he also sang all the low bass vocals for Das Sound Machine in Pitch Perfect 2. (Remember them? The group that definitely would've won in real life...)    These days, you can find Elliott doing regular corporate things, being a proud and relatively new Girl Dad, deadlifting with your entire family on the bar, grabbing barbecue somewhere, and/or contributing his multifaceted bass skills to collaborative online projects with artists from all over the globe.    Peter and Elliott discuss life as professional musicians, vocal range, how voices change and develop overtime, advice for young bass singers, fitness, work/life balance, collaborative projects, career goals, and much more. Please welcome Elliott Michael Robinson. 

Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor, Eric Whitacre, is among today's most popular musicians. His works are programmed worldwide and his ground-breaking Virtual Choirs have united over 100,000 singers from more than 145 countries. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Eric is currently Visiting Composer at Pembroke College, Cambridge University (UK) and is an Ambassador for the Royal College of Music (London). Eric served two terms as Artist in Residence with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and is proud to be a Yamaha Artist. His long-term relationship with Universal/Decca Classics has produced several ‘hit' albums. Recent compositions include a long-form work - The Sacred Veil - and an orchestral piece - Prelude in C - commissioned by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra. His collaboration with Spitfire Audio has resulted in two trail-blazing vocal sample libraries which are used by composers the world-over. Peter and Eric discuss Eric's Grammy Award-winning compositions, electronic music, philosophies on creating art, the relationship between music, conductor, and ensemble, and many more topics. Please welcome Eric Whitacre.

Bobby "Bass" Waters is a bass singer, music creator, and core member of three musical groups: The Bass Gang, The Wellermen, and Pitch Slapped. Across platforms, Bobby boasts a following of over 2 million people, and his videos have garnered over 1 billion views. He has collaborated with many of the biggest names in the short-form content space, like Lauren Paley, MALINA, Vinny, Luke Taylor, Peyton Parrish, and more. Bobby has even been featured in an Apple commercial for his amazing bass voice.  Peter and Bobby talk about the meteoric rise of "Hoist the Colours," how to create success as a musical artist, the financial viability of various platforms, the evolution of The Bass Gang, upcoming projects, and much more. Please welcome Bobby Bass.

Composer, songwriter, and producer Alex Seaver (aka Mako) has created a unique niche for himself in the entertainment industry. He has released two best-selling albums; performed at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and EDC; and collaborated with the likes of Sting, Pusha-T, Avicii, Madison Beer, and Alan Walker. A classically-trained musician, Seaver earned a full scholarship to Juilliard. Upon graduation, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film music. Alex has established himself as a songwriter and composer for Riot Games' League of Legends, beginning in 2017. His first track, “Legends Never Die” (performed by Against the Current), has earned over 400 million streams on Spotify alone, while his role expanded with Netflix's League of Legends-based animated series, Arcane (2021). In addition to scoring the hit show with Alexander Temple, Alex co-wrote songs for the soundtrack, alongside Pusha-T, Sting, Wooded, Bea Miller, PVRIS, and others. Please welcome Alex Seaver.

Luke Taylor is a bass singer from Thornton, Pennsylvania who is pursuing a songwriting career in folk and western genres. He has amassed a following of over 4 million people on TikTok from his bass singing videos, as well as performed on American Idol -- he is known throughout the world for his deep, rich voice. Luke is also a member of The Wellermen, and is studying voice at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Peter and Luke chat about bass singing, going viral on social media, vocal technique, career goals, getting recognized in public, philosophies on life, and much more. Please welcome Luke Taylor. 

American bass-baritone and social media influencer, Daniel Brevik, is praised for having "a massive, focused, rich, warm timbre." Boasting an impressive following of over 65,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and 465,000 followers on TikTok. Brevik's singing and teaching channel extends even further, with a staggering 650,000 followers on Instagram - with over 100 million views across platforms which have amassed over 20 years of total stream time, effectively captivating audiences on a global scale. A recipient of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis' Richard Gaddes Career Grant, and the Wendy Shattuck Presidential Scholarship from the New England Conservatory, Brevik was hailed by The Washington Post for having "an impressive, sonorous voice" while Opera Today claimed he could "rattle the rafters one moment and be lullingly conversational the next." Brevik was featured on the cover of Opera News for creating the role of Ernest Hemingway in the world premiere of Ricky lan Gordon's Twenty-Seven. The album recorded with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra is available on all major music platforms. Brevik later reprised his role with the orchestra of St. Luke's in his New York debut at City Center Theatre, and then again at Intermountain Opera in Bozeman, Montana. Notable venues Brevik has performed in include Boston's Symphony Hall, St. Louis' Powell Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago's Civic Opera House, Amarillo Texas' Globe-News Center, Venice Italy's St. Marks Cathedral, and the Vietnam Opera and ballet in Hanoi Vietnam. In a recent collaboration with Bobby Bass and the Bass Singers of TikTok, their cover of "Hoist The Colours" garnered over 6 million views on Youtube and 8.5 million streams on Spotify. In 2022, Brevik was showcased on stage in concert with Pentatonix legend Avi Kaplan in Boston, MA. Brevik is on the voice faculty at The University of Hartford, and at the Falcetti School of Music in Simsbury, CT.    Peter and Danny talk about going viral on social media, performing opera on a professional level, getting to work with Avi Kaplan, travel stories, fitness, and much more. Please welcome Big Brev.

J.None is a singer, songwriter, and producer. Featured in the September 2008 issue of “GQ”, he was selected to perform for Grammy Award-Winning super producer Timbaland. J is very giving when it comes to his gift -- he has performed at various community concerts sponsored by Kollission Records, donating all proceeds to the Children's Kings Daughters Hospital Miracle Network. In 2011 he attained International recognition for placing in the Top 32 on Simon Cowell's newest talent show The X-Factor as ¼ of the young Pop group 4Shore. Audiences love his hilarious demeanor on stage and his buttery-smooth vocals. J auditioned for Season 14 of the hit Fox singing competition American Idol and advanced to the Top 48. Currently, he is singing bass for The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters, working on original music and producing/writing for other artists via Soundbetter.com, including his nephew, "Naz G." You can find J.None's newest music on all digital outlets, available now for downloading and streaming! Peter and J.None talk about his life in the Navy band, singing with VoicePlay, setting and managing career goals and expectations, his experience on X-Factor and American Idol, and much more. Please welcome J.None.

Janet Varney is an Emmy-Nominated actor, comedian, writer and producer. She can be heard as the voice of Korra on "The Legend of Korra” on Netflix, where she can also be seen as Summer in the comedy series “Country Comfort." On HULU, she fights dark forces starring opposite John C. McGinley on "Stan Against Evil" and appears as Becca on FXX's "You're the Worst.” She also created, wrote, produced and starred in the critically-acclaimed IFC online series "Fortune Rookie.” And as of this summer, you can also catch her recurring on Apple TV+'s “Platonic” opposite Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. Onstage, Janet performs with Rachel Dratch, John Michael Higgins, Michael Hitchcock, Oscar Nunez and more in their improv supergroup Theme Park, and alongside Paul F. Tompkins, Busy Philipps, Paget Brewster and more for the Thrilling Adventure Hour. Janet co-created/wrote/produced “Neil's Puppet Dreams” starring Neil Patrick Harris. You can also find Janet on YouTube for Geek & Sundry's “Escape!" which she co-wrote, produced and hosted. She also hosts three hit podcasts: The JV Club with Janet Varney; Avatar: Braving The Elements; and Truth and Justice with Bob Ruff. She is Co-Founder/Creative Director of one of the largest and most acclaimed comedy festivals in North America, SF Sketchfest: the San Francisco Comedy Festival, now in its 20th year.

Layne Stein is an arranger, beatboxer, vocalist, audio engineer, and video editor for world-famous acapella group, VoicePlay. Peter and Layne talk about Layne's arrangement process for VoicePlay songs, the development of the group since its origin, the impossibility of predicting which releases will be commercially successful, how to add creative spin to a classic song, PattyCake productions, how VoicePlay creates a song from start-to-finish, and much more. Please welcome Layne Stein.

Cuban-American Lisette Oropesa is a highly acclaimed and in-demand operatic soprano known for her exceptional vocal skills and stage presence. She speaks 5 languages and excels in a wide range of operatic repertoire, from Baroque and Mozart to Bel Canto and French composers. Her outstanding performances have earned her enthusiastic global recognition, and she regularly stars in productions in the world's greatest opera houses, from New York's Metropolitan Opera to London's Royal Opera House, Vienna's State Opera, and Milan's Teatro alla Scala, among many others. In addition to her successful singing career, Lisette is also known for her dedication to health and fitness. She is an outdoor enthusiast and devoted runner who has completed several marathons, and been featured in major fitness publications such as Runner's World Magazine. She's followed a fully plant based diet for the past 12 years. Lisette is also a mentor and role model to young singers, giving masterclasses and lectures at universities and young artist programs around the world. She is active on social media, and she and her husband Steven personally curate her website and all her platforms. Her most recent solo album, “French Bel Canto,” released on the Pentatone label, has achieved major critical acclaim, and has been one of the top selling classical opera aria albums since its release.     Peter and Lisette talk about what it's like to perform opera on the world's greatest stages, industry biases, obesity vs. health & fitness, pros and cons of social media, taking a stance on politics and religion, vocal technique, role preparation, and much more. Please welcome Lisette Oropesa.

One of the most popular Disney songs ever made -- I couldn't resist jumping on the reaction bandwagon when this first came out. However, I added a lot of analysis to the music, singing, voice acting, etc. as usual, and it has resulted in one of the more popular analysis videos on my channel. Please enjoy the analysis. 

Jonathan Young is a singer, songwriter & music producer who independently grew to a fanbase of over 2 million fans with his viral music videos, reimagining songs from nerd culture, writing fantasy-themed power metal music, and collaborating with iconic brands like Dragonball, Beyblade & Magic: the Gathering. In addition to his own discography, Jonathan also runs a production company that offers services & consulting to other music content creators.   Peter and Jonathan talk about everything from music composition to the evolution of YouTube to rock belting. Please welcome Jonathan Young.

Above all, Matt Sallee considers himself a team player. His instantly recognizable bass tone rumbles straight from the soul as a strong and supple foundation for collaborators to shine just as brightly as he does. The show-stopping vocalist, artist, and member of Pentatonix instantly captivates in any arena—whether on the stage of a legendary venue or solo in the recording booth. As such, acapella represents not only a creative, but a personal and spiritual calling for him. He made his debut with the group on the platinum-certified A Pentatonix Christmas: Deluxe in 2017, which boasted highlights such as “How Great Thou Art” featuring Jennifer Hudson. His voice boomed on a trio of successive Billboard 200 Top 10 albums, namely PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I [2018], Christmas Is Here! [2018], and The Best of Pentatonix Christmas [2019]. Plus, he lent his songwriting to The Lucky Ones [2021] in addition to performing on Evergreen [2021], which garnered a GRAMMY® Award nod in the category of “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.” Outside of music, he remains an avid basketball and football fan and dedicates as much time as possible to his family. Peter speaks with Matt about his musical upbringing, what it's like being a part of Pentatonix, the pressure of filling the shoes of Avi Kaplan, misconceptions about the bass voice, being a versatile artist, gratitude, and much more. Please welcome Matt Sallee.

Next up in the Analysis Essentials Series is Marcelito Pomoy's performance of "The Prayer," live on the Wish 107.5 bus. Marcelito seamlessly transitions back and forth between the lower and higher parts of this song, navigating his high falsetto with complete ease, to greatly impress millions of viewers. Please enjoy this iconic performance, and Peter's vocal analysis alongside. 

Ekaterina Shelehova is a singer, performer, and composer who started her career at an incredibly young age -- 4 years old! In 2013, she released her debut album MOONLIGHT (Katya), which can be found on all streaming platforms. A Masters Graduate from Conservatory Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Ekaterina has performed all over the world (China, Mexico, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and more) with lyrical repertoire, as well as her own compositions. She has made numerous appearances on TV, including a mainstream show in Beijing, the show Nessun Dorma in Italy (where she shared the stage with Ted Neely, the original Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar), and the show I Soliti Ignoti, a popular show in Italy. This led to her viral performance on Italy's Got talent, where she presented her own unique composition, which has garnered over 500 million views online. She also participated in Bulgaria's Got Talent, where she performed her original tracks, which exploded online as well. These performances brought her to exciting new experiences, composing of the soundtrack for The Tempest, an Italian movie based on Shakespeare's play of the same name, and becoming the lead vocalist for a world-renowned music group, ERA. Since then, she has released an EP, and is currently working on a full album. Besides singing, Ekaterina can speak fluently in 4 languages (English, Italian, Spanish, and Russian), is a former gymnast (8 years) and is an avid fitness enthusiast. She loves studying psychology and adores animals. Peter and Ekaterina discuss her life plans before going viral, training as an opera singer, pros and cons of being social media famous, life outside of music, goals for the future, and much more. Please welcome Ekaterina Shelehova.

Elizabeth Zharoff is an internationally acclaimed and world renowned opera singer, music producer, AI voice for self-driving cars, YouTuber and proud mother to a beautiful boy.  She has degrees in music and voice from Oberlin Conservatory, Berklee College of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music, has sung in over 18 languages across Europe, Asia, and North America, and produced music for over 20 video game titles.  On YouTube, she has amassed over 1.3 million followers analyzing voice across multiple genres, with over 240 million views and 30 million watch hours, focusing on vocal technique, performance and music composition. Elizabeth and I had a wonderful conversation about her musical training, career as an opera singer, transition in YouTube and all the success that followed, vocal technique, and much more. Please welcome Elizabeth Zharoff.

The episode that launched Peter's career as a musical analyst on YouTube, and the most popular video on his channel until being surpassed this year by Diana Ankudinova's performance of "Can't Help Falling In Love." Dimash's performance of "Stranger" solidly planted his flag as one of the world's great vocalists, and this episode was Peter's first exposure to Dimash, having gotten hundreds (if not thousands) of requests to analyze his voice. Please enjoy this deep vocal analysis of Dimash Kudaibergen's live performance of "Stranger."

Malinda is a NY/DC based singer, songwriter and actor with a mission to make community through her art. Her debut EP, Love Letter, and her subsequent singles draw influence from folk, pop, and jazz. With the advent of her own music, Malinda is quickly becoming known for her strong sense of vocal storyline, balancing her pure (to quote her fans) “angelic” tone with a more powerful raw belt. She began her career as a professional actor in regional theatre, including originating the role of Ella in Ella Enchanted: the Musical and winning a Helen Hayes award for her portrayal of Girl in the DC regional premiere of ONCE.  Her original work is a creative exploration of what it is to be a young person in our world today. Dubbed a “social media luminary” by the Washington Post, her YouTube content ranges from little conversations, to quirky tunes, to fully produced original music videos. Malinda's two Celtic EPs, The Folks I Love and Sea to Sky, both hit #1 on the iTunes World Music Charts.  Her debut original album and accompanying visual album, “It's All True” debut in Cinemark movie theaters across America and she is now headed out on a full US tour. Peter and Malinda had a wonderful conversation about how to find your niche in music, establishing a unique brand, her life, career, passions outside of music, as well as MALINDA's daily and weekly routines to stay sharp, happy, and productive. Please welcome Malinda Katherine Reese.