The Sound Collage mixes tech-infused a cappella tunes with retro style
Fusing a cappella vocal harmonies with high-tech vocal loops and a fetching retro look, Joshua Danger, Elly Brown, Jaclyn McSpadden and Shannon Joyel are The Sound Collage (thesoundcollage.com). But they put just as much thought into their look as they do their unique tunes.
How would you describe Sound Collage?
Joshua: It’s got a definite throwback charm to the sound and look, but it also incorporates cutting-edge tech with the looping and vocal effects being triggered. The best word I have found to describe it is “tech noir,” a term from director James Cameron. It’s a retro-meets-the-future kinda thing.
Elly: It’s as though our hipster, beatboxing DJ went back in time, scooped up the Andrews Sisters, and brought us back to make the coolest modern a cappella tracks you can imagine. We sing everything from Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift to Pharrell. But, unlike the Andrews sisters, we wear cigarette pants and crop tops.
What inspired you to start the group?
Elly: Our vocal looper/beatboxer Josh started the group. I was on a modeling job with his girlfriend Teresa, who remembered I was a singer, and she told him about me. Right place at the right time!
Josh: I’ve always been a noisemaker. What I used to get in trouble for as a kid has now become a way to earn a living. The Sound Collage really combines all of my collective interests: vocal harmonies, sound production and vocal looping. This group ties that all together.
Jaclyn: I like to think the idea for the group sprouted somewhere in the depths of his beard.
You really dress the part. Is that a conscious group decision, or are you all just naturally stylish?
Jaclyn: It was a group decision, and one I am glad we made! For a lot of performers, there is a “switch” that gets turned on when they take the stage — an alter ego, if you will — so, why not dress it up?
Shannon: Our style evolved with our music. We put such a fun retro/tech noir spin on our sound, we thought it would be great to dress the part as well.
Josh: I totally dig the look of the ’40s and ’50s for women. It was a sexy yet classy era for women, to reveal just enough to keep the imagination going. Less is more, and there’s nothing sexier than a victory roll. I think it ties into that tech noir vibe. The girls are the noir, and I’m the tech.
Elly: The ladies are “vintage badass.” Josh’s look is the most modern, since he’s the one beatboxing and delivering the technical vocal looping. He’s more of a hipster DJ.
Designer or vintage?
Elly: Vintage all the way. When I’m not with The Sound Collage, I want to wear skirts, brooches, and hats. But I can’t get any hats over my victory rolls!
Jaclyn: I’m more of a T-shirt and jeans kind of gal, but when I dress up? Vintage. I’ve always loved old Hollywood glamour.
Shannon: Vintage.
Josh: Can I choose Tech? I’m all about the equipment.
What icon best embodies both music and fashion?
Josh: I’d have to say David Bowie. He was fearless in his choices to rock a dress or dress like a rock star. I admire that quality in an artist. What I’m saying is, I’m going to start wearing dresses.
Elly: Lady Gaga. She is fearless about making distinct choices. Personally, though, I’m more influenced by the movie musical stars of the ’40s—’60s. When I dress up, I like to strut around like Jane Russell in figure-hugging dresses and high heels.
Jaclyn: In today’s world? Lady Gaga. Two words: meat dress. Any time you have an artist that passes the Halloween test — you can dress up as them for Halloween and everyone immediately recognizes who you are — you have an icon.
Favorite place to perform?
Joshua: Well, I will scandalously admit that all four of us have sung in my shower.
Jaclyn: Our first performance was at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. That moment was surreal! Josh, not that yours wasn’t special, but we have sung together in several different showers.
Shannon: We sang in a beautiful museum in Barcelona. That was cool. But I’m looking forward to the Hollywood Bowl. I’m not sure when that will happen, but one of these days!
Any pre-show rituals?
Elly: We pray together before every show. We really love each other and have great gratitude for what we do, so giving thanks is a huge part of our ritual.
Jaclyn: Prayer huddle!
Shannon: Yep, prayers and hugs.
Five Things they can’t live without
Jaclyn
Crop tops from Forever 21 are the perfect way to tie in our look from retro to modern.
Forever 21 back self-tie crop top, $12, Forever 21 in Downtown Summerlin and Fashion Show Mall
Josh
There’s only one oil for my beard, and that’s beard oil. It’s amazing what a drop of that oily goodness does for my face fur.
Jack Black Beard Oil, $24, Sephora in the Fashion Show Mall, Downtown Summerlin, Town Square, Miracle Mile Shops and The Forum Shops at Caesars
Elly
The look wouldn’t be the same without Sephora cream lip stain in Always Red. It’s perfect for that pinup pout, and lasts all the way through two entire shows without reapplication. Obsessed!
Sephora Collection cream lip stain in Always Red, $14, Sephora in the Fashion Show Mall, Downtown Summerlin, Town Square, Miracle Mile Shops and The Forum Shops at Caesars
Shannon
As the midget of the group, I love wearing my Steve Madden stilts. The taller the shoe, the better!
Steve Madden black glitter heel, $99.95, Steve Madden in the Fashion Show Mall
The band
Our hair needs a lot of love to form these rolls and curls. Big Sexy Spray and Play Harder are our go-to choice! We can even get travel sized for our carry-ons!
Big Sexy Spray & Play Volumizing hair spray, $17.95, and Big Sexy Spray & Play Harder Firm Volumizing Hair Spray, $17.95, ULTA locations