By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
January 16, 2024
Three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They also earned their fifth Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for “Holidays Around The World” – a 12-track collection that includes collaborations with a range of artists, including Broadway star Lea Salonga and classical musician Lang Lang. Pentatonix’s Mitch Grassi took time out during the group’s recent tour to talk with us about the Grammys, how he stays healthy and some of his favorite places in the world. To keep updated on the group, check out their website.
Q: Congratulations on your Grammy nomination! Have you already planned out your outfit for the awards show?
A: Thank you! No, not yet, but I’m keeping an eye out for special pieces.
Q: You have said that performing “That’s the Way of the World” with Stevie Wonder at the 2016 Grammy Awards was one of your favorite performances. Can you share a bit more about that experience?
A: That was an unforgettable moment for us. We rehearsed with him the day before the performance and he was so gracious with his time. A total professional. We only practiced the song with him one time and he sang it perfectly. I was like wow, now that is a true musician. To even be able to share a stage with such a legend, let alone the Grammy stage … I have no words. Just immense gratitude.
Q: Touring can be tough on the body and rough on your vocals. What do you do to maintain your health on the road?
A: It’s really important to listen to your body, in general. As I’ve gotten older, my body has set harder physical limits for me and expresses its needs very clearly. On tour, it needs a good amount of quality sleep, a hefty amount of water and time away from thinking about work. Relaxation and reflection time is very healing for me.
Q: Your bandmates Kevin Olusola and Kirstin Maldonado are parents now. Do they bring their children on the road?
A: Kirstin has been traveling with her gorgeous daughter since last Christmas. It’s been such a joy. She really is our little mood booster on tour!
Q: Where have you toured that has stood out?
A: We always love to tour in Japan. The Japanese culture itself is so beautiful and welcoming to us, and the crowds are so full of love.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I’d say maybe Joshua Tree. It’s got a really powerful energy. It’s quite beautiful and very quiet. It’s one of my favorite places to recharge and reset.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I hope more people get to experience Fiji! I had so much fun there.
Q: Tell us about a trip you took as a child.
A: I remember driving from Texas to upstate New York with my family when I was a kid. It was definitely a lot of fun and also pretty stressful at times. We didn’t even use GPS back in the day. I got to spend some Christmases in snowy New York, though, which I loved.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: It really opened my eyes to the vast differences the world’s cultures have. There is so much to celebrate and appreciate in this life.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: That’s such a tough decision to make as a foodie! I’ve had some incredible, authentic food at food trucks, especially in Los Angeles. I guess I’d have to choose food trucks!
Q: What destination stands out for good music?
A: It depends on what kind of music you like. I like electronic and experimental music, so Berlin is my recommendation.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Los Angeles, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, Barcelona.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I would love to visit Tbilisi [the capital of the country of] Georgia.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: I can’t go anywhere without headphones, my iPad and something to journal in.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I like to get advice from locals, as well as my travel agent, and do a little bit of Googling on my own. I’m usually looking up the best eateries, the most beautiful nature spots and the upcoming live music shows.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: One of my favorite trips ever was a trip I took with my best friend [and] creative director, Austin, when we went to Paris for the Balenciaga runway show. Paris is our favorite city to visit together. It was a beautiful bonding experience and we laughed so much. Laughter is very important!
© 2024 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
2 thoughts on “Go Away With … Mitch Grassi of Pentatonix”