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I'm really amazed by this performance. Is he using electronics to alter the tone? I'm guessing that although amplified, all the special effects are otherwise created "naturally" by the sousaphonist here. Very unique!


The band is "Youngblood Brass Band" and I think the sousaphone player is Nat McIntosh. OK, I listened again; it's very apparently altered electronically.

Nat is the real deal!

I haven't heard much from Youngblood without him, but as I quickly forwarded through the clip, I didn't hear anything unusual...then again, I didn't hear the other player's attempt at multi-phonics. I'd suggest getting your hands on Youngblood's "Unlearned", "Center Level Roar", and "Live Places" albums for some really good music.

I also really like this clip as well playing Brooklyn with Wisconsin's band.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/y-sk-H2ucsY"

I agree with MrBrasseyPants - with a decent mic down the bell of a Sousaphone (or tuba) you can learn how to generate a wide variety of sounds without any other effects. Play lightly and sing into the mouthpiece, growl, be a human/tuba didgeridoo or try some "throat-singing" - in other words: experiment! (If you DO have effects and stuff, go for that too, but it is simpler to just have a mic and some chops.)

However, the big trick is to keep it interesting and keep the music going - if you wander too far away from what is happening with the rest of the group it can get too crazy... the good groups like Youngblood can get away with it, somehow.

I've been listening to a few other clips by the Youngblood band. As hard as it is to believe maybe all the weird low stuff coming out is just false tones amplified and possibly run through a compressor, honestly it's impressive playing whatever method is being used.

I really dig this band's ensemble stuff and Nat's tuba playing is top notch but unfortunately there seems to be some weakness in the front line's soloing abilities.