“This album, ETA, is more than just a collection of music; it’s a snapshot of our time together, the friendships we built, and the incredible a cappella family that is the Hyannis Sound.”
Senior music major Cameron Davis can say something only a select few of his peers can say: “Check out my music on Spotify!” Cameron is part of the professional a cappella group, Hyannis Sound, whose latest album, ETA, was released on September 5, 2025, with That’s My Mama Records. Cameron has sung with the Cape Cod-based ensemble for two summers and is a featured soloist on their latest album’s track “And I Am Telling You” from the musical Dreamgirls.
We caught up with Cameron to learn more about his experience with Hyannis Sound, their latest album, and what it’s like having an album on Spotify!
When and how did you become part of Hyannis Sound?
I was so excited to join the Hyannis Sound in 2023 and had the privilege of being part of both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The audition process is pretty thorough. It’s a five-round process we hold every year. Since most members stay for two or three seasons, there are usually about three to four spots open each year.
The first round is a five-minute video submission where I went through vocal scales to demonstrate my range, sang a solo, and gave a brief overview of my musical background. The next step was a 10 to 15-minute Zoom call with the current group, where I sang another solo live, submitted another video solo, and did a brief interview. The final three rounds all took place over a weekend in Boston, which usually lines up with our spring break.
What was the process like for recording the new album?
The process usually begins at the end of the season, when we spend hours deliberating which songs will make the cut. Then, we dedicate a full week to recording the majority of our “Arc” parts, which are the background vocals. We’re very fortunate to have several alumni who are now professional sound engineers and producers, and they generously lend their expertise to help us with the tracking.
When it comes to the solo recordings, it’s a bit more flexible. Some of us record our solos during that initial week, while others, like me, prefer to rest our voices since we can sing upwards of 40 hours a week with shows and other performances. I was especially lucky that one of our alums, Colin Eagan, a fellow UNC alumnus, was able to record my solo a few months after the season ended at his home studio in the D.C. area, giving my voice the rest it needed. After everything is recorded, it usually takes them about a year to finish mixing and mastering everything.
How does it feel to have a solo on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”?
Singing the solo for “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” feels absolutely incredible. I grew up listening to and watching the musical Dreamgirls, so getting to perform this song is a true full-circle moment for me. When the group first pitched the song to me, I was a little hesitant. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, or even if it would translate well to an a cappella arrangement. But my fellow Hyannis Sound members reassured me and helped me bring the song to life. One of my close friends in the group, Raymond Ortiz, arranged it, and he did an incredible job.
What do you hope listeners will take away from this album?
I hope listeners feel the passion and joy we poured into every song. This album, ETA, is more than just a collection of music; it’s a snapshot of our time together, the friendships we built, and the incredible a cappella family that is the Hyannis Sound. We want people to be able to hear the emotion in each track, from the powerful solos to the intricate background vocals, and feel a connection to the stories we’re telling through our music.
Anything else you’d like readers to know?
If anyone has questions about Hyannis Sound or how to audition, please feel free to reach out to me! I am more than happy to share my experience and tips for the audition process.
Listen to ETA on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream music.
Story courtesy of the Department of Music
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