Ben Folds Scouting A Cappella Group For Next Album

Ben Folds is feeling a bit ambitious it seems. Inspired by the many university a cappella videos he found on YouTube of his music, Folds' new album, scheduled for spring '09 release, will be "a cappella versions of his music performed by the best university groups." Here's a couple I found just by typing "ben folds a cappella" in the You Tube Search box (University of Chicago's is off the hizoook!):


"Magic" University Of Chicago



"Still Fighting For It" University Of Washington




Saying he believes that the a cappella versions are "an improvement" and bring to "light unique nuances and perspective that is necessarily absent from the original recordings as the songwriter and singer happen to be the same guy." Folds, for his next 12-15 track album, is becoming an "old fashioned talent scout."

Folds wants video submissions via YouTube of unaccompanied groups singing one of his songs. In addition to posting the video by the November 14th deadline the a capella groups must fill out the form on this page. The videos will be linked up to benfolds.com, MySpace and Facebook so the public will be able to see the competition.

Or here's how Folds himself put the instructions:

1) VIDEO TAPE YOUR GROUP SINGING ONE OF MY SONGS (NO ACCOMPANIMENT)
2) POST VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
3) FILL OUT AND SUBMIT THE OFFICIAL FORM @ benfolds.com/acappella
4) GO BOWLING

Wow. Talk about going from being in the geeky group that sings to touring with Ben Folds. That is the type of thing that will get some nerdy college dude some major ass.