‘Sing-Off’ Judges Ben Folds & Sara Bareilles: “Season of Innovation”

We’re just hours away from some of the most anticipated premieres of the Fall season and the inclusion of The Sing-Off to the primetime schedule this early into the season has many fans excited. Not only has the show added more talent to the stage, but the show has brought artist Sara Bareilles as the latest judge to join Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman on the panel. Last week, the Yak had the opportunity to participate in a conference call with Bareilles and Folds and we picked up their thoughts on the upcoming season, as well as with each other and fellow judge Stockman. Read on below for all the details and don’t forget to watch the premiere of The Sing-Off TONIGHT on NBC at 8/7c! We even got wind of who Ben credits the musical era of Reality TV to!

Meet the A Capella Groups here!
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On What Turned Them On To The Show’s Premise
Joining the show was an easy decision for Sara. With an a capella background and having performed on the season 2 finale, Sara admits that “It was a no-brainer for me. It’s a special show with lots of heart.” The decision wasn’t so easy for Ben. He initially told his management no because he didn’t know much about the show. What convinced him was that the show was a capella in nature and that was unique and could be very musical.

On Their Thoughts on Pentatonix
Both Sara and Ben are excited to see what they and the other groups bring to the competition. This is especially unique in that 3 are from Dallas area and 2 connected with the group members via internet.

On Connecting With The Judges
“As much as you can when working with a couple of a**holes {laughs}. I can’t say enough good things about Ben and Shawn. They made it really comfortable to join up with them in the panel. There was natural chemistry that started from Day 1.” Sara has known Ben for a while now and has no qualms on talking to either of them regarding what they’re seeing. She believes that conflict between judges takes away from what the show should be about. “It’s been nice to have solidarity behind the panel and focus on the music.”

On The Show’s Success
Ben attributes the show’s success to the amount of talent. “The singers are really talented and dedicated.” Ben thinks it makes people feel good about people working well together. “You can watch TV and see people not getting together well. The show doesn’t have to be artfully put together. As soon as they walk on stage and sing together, it’s not just a lot of work, it’s really a lot of art and craft. It counters to what we’re told about our culture now – that everything is dumbed down, all reality shows, etc. I like to see some a** kicking myself, but to see the harmony this show provides for a couple hours is cool.”

On Comparing The Different Kinds of Diverse Groups This Season

Ben claims that there is more of a range this year. He says you must take personal preference aside and hone in on what the groups are attempting to do and how effective it is. “I don’t like all records, but a record is a record. You try not to make it personal, but make it about how they’re working together and how effective it might be for their audience.” On the other hand, Sara has nothing to compare it to. She knows it helps to keep in back of her mind that this is a competition for who can make a great record and connect with a mass audience. She looks forward to the complexity of what they’re capable of.

Thoughts on the Fannin Family

The Fannin’s are this season’s all-family group, so they are unique in that sense alone. Even more, the youngest contestant on the show is one of the lead singers from this group. “She sings good, shows a lot of potential and heart,” Sara claims. The judges go on to agree that there is something really sweet and innocent about seeing a family sing together and doesn’t come across as hokey.

On Groups Biggest Challenge When Searching For a Piece to Perform

Ben thinks this is different for every group. “The story behind it is interesting. For example, you have an all female group – no bass. They have to find ways to make it work, they’re off the beaten path. Sometimes you keep them [groups]. They may not have done their best show, but we may see something that will develop and surprise us. It’s in how they surmount their weaknesses.”

On What Makes This Season Different

“This is the ‘Season of Innovation.’ As it evolves, everyone will see the innovation to be second nature. Everyone will look for heart; it marks this season. We have a lot of stand out groups this season.”

Sara: On Joining As a Judge

“Last finale, I was such a nerd – giddy and excited to be on the show. I had to put on my facades and be totally cool about it. On a lot of levels, I’m still geeking out and love that it highlights genre of music. I have the best seat in the house. I’m getting to impart my experience and wisdom on them and I’m learning a lot as well.”

On Preparing For The Show

“Before the show, we have our sit-down and listen to the songs that the groups will sing. We don’t listen to their version; we listen to the original. We know who will be singing what. We all probably take mental notes about what we expect and that provides a framework. If the group comes and surprises you, you had what you expected and what they did, and it gives a range of what to do [in terms of elimination] and what the group has changed from the week before.

On Giving People Second Chances

This season there are groups made up of superstars from previous seasons. “We actually encourage it,” Ben states. “It’s about groups working together. The show has become a hub of talent. One fellow on the Dartmouth Aires never contemplated being a musician.” Well, look at him now…

On What An A Capella Singer Is About

As the one with experience, Sara had a lot to say about this question. “There is nothing to hide behind. I wouldn’t answer that I’m always looking at the purity of the music. Connection with the audience can transcend minor technical issues. It’s about being moved by an expression of art. It’s all voices and sometimes your jaw is on the floor with the amazing talents of these people on stage. I can’t imagine how they’re making the sounds they do make. I look for depth, diversity and range on stage. Looking for technical skill and the ease.” Ben echoed Sara’s sentiments.

Ben’s Thoughts on Similar Reality and Primetime Shows
Ben has never seen Glee and has only seen 5 minutes of American Idol, just to see what Simon Cowell was all about. “Simon will be remembered as how music industry is integrated into the pop culture. He’s got a whole chapter. This world he created is not really what we do. We live in the form – he partially invented. We’re really very different because the show itself is about harmony.” He does plan on watching Glee sometime.

On A Ben Folds/Sara Bareilles Collaboration
Without hesitation, Ben stats, “Let’s do it.” Ben is actually producing an EP in November for Sara. The plans have been in place to go to Nashville and collaborate on a song. The plans were in place before Sara even joined The Sing-Off.

On How Being In a Group Prepared Sara
“This show gives me nostalgia for a time in my life that I’m proud about. I’m one of the more emotional ones. I get sucked into the story, into their [the group's] journey and it’s part of the fact that I’ve been in their shoes. I do feel very connected. I felt like I wanted to jump on stage and be a part of the all-girl group.” As for Ben, “one of the main reasons I got into this show was high school music programs. Sometimes they are one of the first cut [with budget revisions]. I did an a capella record with a University group and money went to music education charities. One of the great things about the show is despite the cut of music in school, you’re seeing an increased number of kids getting together on their own dime with no class credit at universities. It’s becoming a social event. They’re having to learn harmony and voice leading and they have various levels of education.”

On The Changed Dynamics with 16 Groups
Adding more groups to the mix makes it hard for everyone. Ben admits it is “more than a challenge even from our point of view. Competition is heavier because there is more talent. You have to hone your ear in more. Finding creative ways to take 16 groups and have them all sing together in one opening number is pretty amazing stuff. It’s nothing but better, it’s just more difficult.”

There you have it. Remember, the premiere is tonight, so you don’t want to miss it! The talent promises to be unbelievable! Thanks to Sara and Ben for their time!