YouTube Stars “Backtrack” Performing in Spencer

submitted photo

Group will Perform on September 23

Submitted by LCTA – When Andrew John Kim created a YouTube video with friends from college in 2012, he never imaged where it would lead. It would be the start of a professional a cappella group destined to tour the nation exploring and celebrating the power of the human voice and helping others discover their own voices.

After Andrew graduated from Northwestern University, he created Backtrack as a
way to keep singing with friends. Backtrack released monthly YouTube videos and its following grew quickly. The group continues to release videos and has since gained over 110,000 subscribers and 10 million views. Since its beginnings, the members of Backtrack have changed as the goals of the group have shifted. The current lineup includes Mallory Moser, Melissa Jordano, Johnny Buffalo, Mike Hinkle and Jojo Otseidu.

These five talented musicians and entrepreneurs appear at performing arts centers, music festivals and corporate events. They infuse heart, humor and harmony into every performance and cover genres from pop to Motown to classical, as well as many original compositions. Their exciting arrangements transform familiar tunes and showcase the top-notch vocal and beatboxing abilities of all of the members.

Backtrack especially enjoys collaborating with other artists. A notable collaboration was with YouTube star Andy Signs, a deaf teenager who spreads American Sign Language and Deaf Culture in his ASL cover videos, as well as myFace, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children with facial disfigurement. With Andy Signs and myFace, Backtrack created a cover video of “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran. In the video, Backtrack’s vocals are accompanied by Andy’s expressive signing. The video includes shots of Backtrack’s visit to the myFace office in New York City where they had a fun afternoon with the employees and some of the children. Together, they enjoyed arts and crafts and dancing. The children taught Backtrack some ASL and they did the viral Mannequin Challenge, which is captured in the music video.

Backtrack also does considerable outreach at schools. During the 2017-2018 school year, they visited over 50 schools (elementary to high school) where they perform at assemblies, workshop with choirs and conduct clinics on the following topics: A Cappella Arranging, Visual Performance/Choreography, Beatboxing, Solo Performance and Group Vocal Improvisation.

In April, the group had a particularly moving experience when they performed and conducted a workshop for the choral students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. When Backtrack arrived at the school, they were given a tour by Freshman Guidance Counselor, Deborah Work. The hallways were decorated with signs, pictures and flowers remembering the students’ classmates. Upon entering the choir room, Backtrack burst into song, surprising the students who were told there would be a quiz that day. The surprise performance was followed by a beatboxing workshop, and the class period culminated with Backtrack and the students beatboxing and freestyling together. After the class, Backtrack had the opportunity to speak with students, teachers and administrators. The trip to Parkland was a humbling and inspiring experience for the musicians. They witnessed the strength, perseverance and support in the Parkland community, and they experienced the unifying and healing power of music.

The members of Backtrack never let the sights go by and always make a point to
explore and experience the communities they visit. Some favorite experiences
include driving through the gorgeous landscape towards Prescott, AZ, thrift
shopping in Portland, ME, and soaking up the rays in L.A. Along with the sights,
members of Backtrack don’t let good tastes go by either. Some of their favorite
restaurants include American Pie Company in Sherman, CT, Hammerheads
Barbeque in Louisville, KY and their staple on the road, Panera Bread. Mallory,
Melissa, Johnny, Mike and Jojo are excited for the future of the group. They hope
to bring joy to audiences of all ages and push the limits of the human voice.
This performance is being sponsored in part by: Sarah Graves & Patrick Kraus,
Mabeus Dental Office, Rembs Funeral Homes, Bruce & Cathy Wineman,
Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Tickets are available online at lucilletackcenter.com or by calling the Box Office
at 715-659-4499. Tickets may also be purchased in person by accessing the Box
Office at 300 School Street, Spencer using Door #22 on Wednesdays and
Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.