The Octaves nominated for three a cappella awards

The University of Richmond Octaves have been nominated for three 2014 Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards. These awards are considered one of the highest achievements of the a cappella community, and are thought of as the "Grammy" of a cappella, senior Jared Feinman, music director of the Octaves, said.

The Octaves have been nominated for best male collegiate album, "Ricochet," best male collegiate song, "Never Close Our Eyes," and best soul/R&B/hip-hop song, "No Church in the Wild."

Junior Chase Brightwell, a member of the Octaves, said he was proud that the group was even nominated because it is a national recognition.

Their album, "Ricochet," came out in spring 2013 and took about two years to complete, Brightwell said.

He said for "Ricochet," the group had decided to consult with many producers instead of just one. The producers are based out of various locations in the U.S., and at least one is from Singapore.

"Using many producers gave us more to work with and provided a more diverse assortment of perspectives on the album," Brightwell said.

"It's an amazing honor. It feels great to be recognized for something I have dedicated my life to for two years," Feinman said about "Richochet."

The Octaves are competing against some of the best a cappella groups in the country for the CARA awards, such as groups from Tufts University and Cornell University.

Feinman said it was truly remarkable to be compared to these other prestigious groups. "Two years ago we would have never dreamt we would be here today," he said.

The Octaves have previously been nominated for five CARA awards. In 2006 and 2007 the group was nominated for best male collegiate song and best male collegiate album. They were also nominated for best male collegiate arrangement in 2007.

Feinman said he would be attending the CARA red-carpet banquet in April with former Octaves President Jackson Taylor, RC '14. The event will be in Boston.

The Octaves will host their annual spring concert Spring Fever XX at 7:30 p.m. March 28 in the Camp Concert Hall, where they will sing pieces from "Richochet."

Contact reporter Mary Rossiter at mary.rositer@richmond.edu