Fringe preview: Academix A Capella

After sell out gigs at the last two Guildford Fringe Festivals, Academix A Capella return for another evening of scintillating song. William Gadsby Peet sounds them out

  • The world A Cappella scene seems to be thriving at the moment, why do you think that is?

Singing is excellent for your health. It's a social activity that improves your breathing and posture and mental disposition. But so many organised singing activities are based on classical or church music. The contemporary a cappella music lets you sing the music you would listen to on the radio: pop, r&b, soul, blues and jazz. Contemporary a cappella grew up in American universities in the 90s, and these days you can hear schools and university groups singing a cappella arrangements of the songs trending on YouTube right now. At Academix we're old enough to have school-children and university students of our own. So you'll hear us sing more songs from the 70s through to the 90s, when we grew up. It will be songs you recognise, but with a fresh new twist.

  • What's the difference between what you sing and the Pitch Perfect movies?

The sound is very similar. We have a beatboxer doing vocal percussion, just like the Pitch Perfect movies. We use wireless microphones so we can dance while we're singing instead of standing in lines, like a choir. The microphones let us use effects like vocal loopers, giving us an extra voice for some songs. We're a close-knit bunch of friends who laugh a lot, like in the Pitch Perfect movies. One big difference: Pitch Perfect begins with one of the singers throwing up on stage. We haven't found a way of working that into the act yet. Last year we entered a competition that was judged by Deke Sharon, the music director for Pitch Perfect, who was also on the BBC's Pitch Battle show last summer. When he told us "A great set: you really shine," we were walking tall for the next month!

  • Have you ever pitch slapped someone?

No. Not so much as a mic drop. In fact, in the four years we've been together, we've never had a cross word. It sometimes gets a bit tense if no-one remembers to bring cake to rehearsal. That's as argumentative as we get!

  • What kind of music will you be performing?

Songs will range from the 30s to the present day. Our repertoire covers the Andrews Sisters, The Beatles, Coldplay, and Electric Light Orchestra. You'll hear toe-tappers, pop ballads, current hits, scat, country, and folk. At one point, you'll hear 20 songs in 4 minutes!

  • This is your third time at The Fringe, what keeps you coming back for more?

We love a cappella - our previous Fringe gigs have been sell-outs. The Star Inn has an intimate atmosphere, like a club, and the audience always enjoys themselves! We like to take the opportunity to dress-up for Guildford too. Look out for new hats and shoes this year!

Academix A Capella will be performing in the back room of The Star Inn on July 27. For more information and to book tickets, visit: guildfordfringefestival.com

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