Sonos

about

The Los Angeles-based a cappella quintet Sonos has few rules, but those it abides by are ironclad. “We do our best to defy stereotypes,” says Jessica Freedman. “The whole approach has been to distance ourselves from kitsch,” chimes in Ben McLain. “And we don’t go ‘dow,’” adds Rachel Bearer. Dow? “That’s one of the words vocal groups use to emulate an instrument, like a guitar, with a made-up syllable,” Freedman explains. “We steer clear of that in arrangements.” With a cappella vocal groups proliferating madly on college campuses and infiltrating the mainstream via TV shows like Glee, Sonos couldn’t have emerged at a more propitious time. But the three women (Freedman, Bearer and Katharine Hoye) and three men (McLain, Chris Harrison and Paul Peglar) who produce its tapestry of tones are swimming against the tide of jukebox set lists, doo-wop inflections and collegiate shtick in their quest to take a cappella music to a new, more sensual, more musically adventurous destination. They’ve already won plaudits from such tastemakers as Chris Douridas of L.A. bellwether station KCRW-FM, who praised Sonos’ “innovative vocal arrangements” and “inspired repertoire, supremely delivered.” “Prepare to be stunned,” advised the U.K. newspaper The Guardian, while Campus Circle lauded their “unaccompanied magnificence.” Beyond admiring the group’s sonic achievements, critics also noted its “sexual tension” (L.A. tastemaker outlet The Deli Magazine) and “sex appeal” (Pasadena Weekly).

top songs

albums

SONOSings

December Songs

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The Sing-Off: Season 3: Episode 4 - Current Hits & 60's Favorites

The Sing-Off: Songs of the Season

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The Sing-Off: Season 3: Episode 2 - Signature Songs

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SONOSings (Bonus Track Version)

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The Sing-Off: Season 3 - The Swan Songs

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Sing Six: Sunny Side Up

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White Winter Hymnals

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SXSW 2011 Showcasing Artists

Sound Bullets

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Miscellaneous Covers

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