He’s here! Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix is in the kitchen! From beatboxing in a dorm shower to winning three GRAMMYs with Pentatonix, Kevin shares his incredible journey of combining cello and beatboxing into a genre-bending career. He opens up about immigrant expectations, viral YouTube beginnings, how Yo-Yo Ma changed his life, and presenting Ed Sheeran with his Grammy-Award alongside Stevie Wonder. Plus, Kevin gives an exclusive peek into his upcoming solo album Dawn of a Misfit and competes in Anthony and Jonathan’s ultimate beatboxing challenge. Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 – Episode Trailer • 01:00 – Listener shoutouts! The hosts read glowing reviews from fans and reveal their Uber rating drama. • 05:00 – Welcome Kevin Olusola! The best intro ever (with a “crash out” pun), and Kevin returns the love. • 07:00 – Wikipedia connections. Kevin and Jonathan realize their paths crossed years ago at Quincy Jones’s office, and Jacob Collier’s wiki page gets a name-drop. • 09:00 – Musical beginnings. Piano at 4, cello at 6, saxophone at 10—and Carnegie Hall by college. • 11:00 – Discovering perfect pitch. Kevin plays “House of the Rising Sun” by ear at age 3, and his dad takes notice. • 13:00 – The birth of cello boxing. It all started with a Mandarin-speaking professor in Beijing. • 15:30 – The beatboxing origin story. From annoying his dad to an acapella discovery in a shared dorm shower. • 17:00 – The immigrant dilemma. Kevin explains how cultural expectations almost kept him from a music career. • 18:00 – Grammy joke of the year. After performing with Stevie Wonder, Kevin’s dad hits him with a savage comment. • 19:30 – YouTube beginnings. Kevin starts posting videos after getting support from Yo-Yo Ma and KRS-One. • 24:00 – Going viral with “Julie-O.” A year of perfecting one video leads to his Pentatonix discovery moment. • 25:30 – The Pentatonix call. Kevin gets a mysterious audition request... from Ben Bram and Scott Hoying. • 27:00 – The first rehearsal. Kevin meets the group, hits Roscoe’s, and sings “Telephone” for the first time. • 30:00 – Sing-Off champions, then dropped. The band wins big—only to be dropped by their label days later. • 31:00 – The YouTube strategy. Their manager pushes them to go all-in on YouTube—and he was right. • 32:45 – The Christmas pivot. “Little Drummer Boy” saves the day and leads to their RCA deal. • 34:00 – Collab favorites. Kevin names his favorite collaborators (Tori Kelly, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder) and shares why Tori’s vocals are impossible to comp. • 37:30 – The Stevie Wonder moment. Stevie hits a note so perfectly, Kevin literally stops singing. • 39:30 – Behind-the-scenes magic. Kevin talks about rehearsing with Matt Sallee and how their friendship powers the rhythm section. • **41:30 – Dawn of a Misfit. **Kevin opens up about his solo debut, what “misfit” means to him, and the intention behind the project. • 43:30 – His version of “Crazy.” Kevin breaks down his cinematic Gnarls Barkley cover and the emotional storytelling behind it. • 45:00 – Miss Rachel! The inside story on how Kevin landed a spot on Songs for Littles—and why it’s his daughter’s favorite credit. • 47:15 – Game time: Beatbox the Clock. Can Kevin recreate famous beats in under 10 seconds? From “Billie Jean” to “Shake It Off,” he brings the heat. • 53:00 – Anthony’s theme park beatbox fail. A very questionable “Crazy in Love” moment from Orlando. • 55:00 – Bonus beatbox tips. Kevin teaches the inward K-snare and reveals how he breathes through performances. • 56:00 – Final plug: Dawn of a Misfit. Kevin shares his hopes for the record and where to find it.Follow Kevin’s Journey:Pre-save Dawn of a Misfit (out May 9) and follow Kevin at @kolusola on all platforms.Socials: @AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPod
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56:26
Damiano David
Damiano David is in the kitchen! From illegally busking in Rome with his band, Måneskin, to launching his powerful solo career, Damiano opens up about his emotional new record, the relationship between music and fashion, and his thoughts on that iconic “Rock and Roll never dies” moment at Eurovision. He shares stories about writing 72 songs for his debut album “Funny Little Fears’, working with Labrinth, and the differences in writing songs in English vs. Italian. Plus, he plays “Silver Lining Them Up,” a high-stakes elimination showdown where he chooses the next artist he’ll collaborate with.Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - The hosts recap their week, including a Counter Melodies–inspired drink and singing with Rachel Zegler. • 02:00 - Welcome Damiano David! The hosts introduce the Grammy-nominated artist and his upcoming solo album. • 04:00 - Damiano shares his basketball-to-band pipeline and the origin of Måneskin. • 05:30 - Illegally busking in Rome. The police came 2–3 times a day, but the band just circled the block and kept playing. • 07:20 - Damiano’s Disney debut. He chats voicing “Jeffrey” in the Italian dub of Cruella and fills us in on his acting ambitions. • 08:45 - Old Hollywood inspiration. Damiano explains why he’s drawn to classic tailoring and crooner-era aesthetics. • 10:00 - Fashion and fast fashion. Why Damiano avoids fast fashion and how his personal style evolved with his solo era. • 12:00 - Clothes and songwriting. The connection between mixing fashion pieces and musical influences. • 12:40 - 72 songs, 14 made the album. Damiano talks about writing over 70 songs and the sounds that didn’t make the cut. • 14:15 - The song he fought for. Why he insisted on including “Tango” on the album despite label hesitation. • 15:30 - Born With a Broken Heart vs. Silver Lines. Where each song fits in the sonic direction of Fine Little Fears. • 16:00 - Labyrinth collab backstory. Damiano wrote “Born With a Broken Heart” on day two of his first writing sessions. • 16:45 - The songwriting rule. “We don’t leave the room until the song is done”—even if it takes all night in Joshua Tree. • 17:30 - The realest collaborators. Damiano names his tight circle of trusted co-writers, including Sarah Hudson and Jason Evigan. • 18:25 - Writing in English vs. Italian. Why writing in English helps him express raw emotion without overthinking phrasing. • 20:00 - “I’ll lick your tears.” The now-iconic lyric from “Next Summer”—and why the room let him keep it. • 21:30 - Rock and roll isn’t dead. Damiano clarifies his viral quote and explains why pop has always been a part of his sound. • 23:20 - Will Måneskin return? Damiano shares how the band is on indefinite hiatus—but in a good way. • 25:00 - Inside the industry. Why Damiano refuses to “live” in the music industry, even while working in it. • 26:45 - How he stayed grounded. Launching at 16, his proudest achievement is keeping his head on straight. • 27:15 - What to expect from tour. No two cities will be the same. Each crowd’s energy will shape the night. • 28:00 - Game time: Silver Lining Them Up. A rapid-fire round of ultimate dream collabs—from Benson Boone to Bruno Mars to Taylor Swift. • 31:00 - Where to find Damiano. Tour info, social handles, and where to stream Fine Little Fears.Follow Damiano’s Journey:Stream the new singles and pre-save Fine Little Fears, out May 16, at damianodavid.com (https://www.damianodavid.com/) and follow him @damianodavid on all socials.Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPodCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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31:43
Scott Hoying (of Pentatonix)
Scott Hoying of Pentatonix is in the kitchen! From singing on Star Search to winning The Sing-Off, Scott shares his incredible journey and the experience of building a Grammy-winning a cappella empire. He opens up about his solo music, creative anxiety, queer joy, and a heartfelt behind-the-scenes story of his wedding day with Christina Perri. Plus, the ultimate pop star test: can Scott correctly guess which iconic artists once sang a cappella?Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - He’s here! Scott Hoying joins the show. Anthony and Jonathan fangirl immediately • 5:00 - Scott, Jonathan, and Anthony chat the Snow White premiere, working with Rachel Zegler, and meeting Jon M. Chu • 12:00 - Scott’s beginnings. Texas, Star Search, and Maren Morris • 14:00 - How Pentatonix got their start • 17:45 - Winning The Sing-Off and immediately losing a record deal • 20:00 - PTX takes their momentum to YouTube • 21:15 - Working with Dolly Parton • 24:00 - Working with Tori Kelly • 25:30 - Posthumous work with Whitney Houston • 27:00 - PTX Christmas albums and tours • 30:00 - Producing for Brittany Broski • 33:30 - Scott’s dream producing projects • 35:00 - Christina Perri officiating and singing at Scott’s wedding • 36:45 - Mel Robbins, bowling, and Sabrina Carpenter singing Justin Beiber • 39:40 - A surprise guest drops by (hint: our first “pod dog!”) • 41:45 - Chatting Scott & Mark’s children books • 43:30 - “Rose Without The Thorns” and Grammy-Award nominations • 47:00 - Game time! “Land of the Free, Home of the Rank”: Scott blind-ranks the most iconic National Anthems • 55:00 - Final thoughts and where you can find Scott online!Follow Scott’s Journey:Listen to Parallel and find Scott on all socials at @ScottHoying!Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:https://pods.to/countermelodiesCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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56:21
Sam Nelson Harris (of X Ambassadors)
Sam Harris of X Ambassadors joins the guys in the kitchen today—and he’s telling all the stories you want to hear! From the random drumhead brand that inspired the band name to how a one-line fadeout turned into a billion-streamed hit, this episode is packed with career surprises, emotional songwriting, and laugh-out-loud moments. Sam talks about working with Rihanna, co-writing for Lizzo, how Imagine Dragons changed everything, and the surprising story behind their massive Jeep jingle (Renegades). Plus, he joins Anthony and Jonathan for the ultimate performer’s challenge: rank all of the possible live show fails that can happen.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - catching up with the guys + a family affair! Anthony’s parents surprise the team with custom mugs and wooden spoons.04:00 - Welcome Sam Harris! From mistaken identity (he’s not the neuroscientist) to the backstory behind his full name.06:00 - The “X” in X Ambassadors. How a copyright issue, Photoshop, and Dan Reynolds led to a last-minute rebrand.09:00 - The real origin of “Ambassadors.” Hint: it involves a drumhead.11:30 - Upstate New York roots. Sam and Anthony bond over small-town New York, from Ithaca to Albany.13:00 - VHS turns 10. Sam reflects on the album that changed everything.14:30 - How a ballad got them signed. A five-minute sad song caught fire on Virginia radio, leading to a chance encounter with Dan from Imagine Dragons.17:30 - Label rejections and a surprise call from Alex Da Kid. The real start of X Ambassadors’ record deal.19:00 - Opening for Imagine Dragons. From schlepping gear to performing for arenas with no crew—it was chaos.22:15 - Why collaboration changed Sam’s life. How writing with others freed him from perfectionism.23:30 - The Sucker for Pain saga (full story). Featuring Lil Wayne, a hotel bathroom, and 7 million artists.26:45 - Working with Lizzo. From writing Jerome and Cuz I Love You to co-producing her latest single.31:00 - Writing with artists from different worlds. Sam’s approach to helping artists stay authentic, especially with voices as big as Lizzo’s.33:00 - The Rihanna story. How American Oxygen took a year to write—and why it wasn’t the hit they hoped for.37:30 - The myth of the “sure thing.” Sam reflects on the unpredictability of the industry.40:30 - Writing Unsteady. How a song originally intended for Zedd became one of the band’s biggest emotional anthems.46:00 - Fans and trauma-dumping. Sam opens up about the intensity of fan interactions and what it means when people say “your song saved my life.”49:00 - TikTok and TV revivals. Why Unsteady lives on, and how Anthony may have helped reignite the trend.51:00 - The Renegades twist. How Sam accidentally wrote a jingle for Jeep—and why he’s now proud of it.58:00 - Game time! Sam and the guys rank all of the possible live show fails that can happen57:00 - Game time: What’s the Rena-grade? Sam gives letter grades to live performance challenges: no soundcheck, broken packs, untuned guitars, and more.1:11:00 - The rubber band trick. A therapy technique Sam uses to stop the spiral of self-blame.1:12:00 - What’s next for X Ambassadors? Sam announces (exclusive!) that a VHS 10-year rerecord is coming, with tour dates to follow.Follow Sam and X Ambassadors:Stream their new releases and keep up with the band on all socials @XAmbassadors and at xambassadors.comSocials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:CounterMelodiesPod.comCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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1:13:15
Haley Reinhart
Haley Reinhart has entered the kitchen! From American Idol powerhouse to Postmodern Jukebox queen, Haley joins Anthony and Jonathan for an episode packed with career surprises, full-circle moments, and iconic vocals. She spills the behind-the-scenes story of how her version of Can't Help Falling in Love became the soundtrack to a globally beloved gum commercial, shares how her Aunt’s psychic vision predicted one of her legendary Idol performances, and reveals how choosing then-unknown drummer, Anderson.Paak, for her band led to an unexpected Grammy win. Plus, the pressure is on for Haley in this episode’s game: American Idol or American Impostor—and let’s just say sports trivia might not be her thing.Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - Haley Reinhart is here! The crew dives straight into introductions and iconic moments. • 04:00 - The Extra gum commercial. How a last-minute call turned Haley’s cover of Can't Help Falling in Love into an ad that ran for over five years. • 09:00 - Voice acting secrets. Haley shares how a homemade audition tape led to voicing Bill Burr’s cartoon alter ego on F Is for Family. • 13:00 - From music to movies. Haley talks about starring as a superhero in Robert Rodriguez’s We Can Be Heroes. • 14:30 - Lady Gaga's perfect advice. How Gaga pushed Haley to bring more drama on American Idol and how it changed her performances forever. • 20:00 - American Idol memories. From her first audition to her game-changing performances of Bennie and the Jets and House of the Rising Sun. • 24:00 - Why third place was perfect. Haley shares why not making the finale was actually the best-case scenario. • 28:30 - Justice for Free. Haley talks about her debut single and the surprising reality star cameo in the music video. • 30:00 - The Postmodern Jukebox era. How Creep became a viral sensation and why touring the world with PMJ felt like a second chapter of Idol. • 33:00 - What's next? Haley teases her fifth studio album and shares the inspiration behind her new single Danger. • 35:45 - Grammy winner?! The wild full-circle story of how Haley’s old drummer, Anderson .Paak, brought her into a Grammy-winning project. • 38:00 - Game time! Haley takes on American Idol or American Impostor—can she spot the fake contestant or is she stumped by sports stars?Follow Haley’s Journey:Stay up to date on Haley’s latest music, including her upcoming album, on all socials @HaleyReinhart.Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:CounterMelodiesPod.comCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Hosts Jonathan Tilkin and Anthony Gargiula, the duo behind the wildly popular “Kitchen Singing” social media series, have sung with some of the biggest names in the music industry, racking up hundreds of millions of views. Now, they're inviting listeners to join them for the candid conversations with their special guests that unfold during the recording process—diving into industry insights, upcoming projects, and sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes stories. New episodes premiere every other Tuesday!
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