Philadelphia String Quartet (PSQ), a dynamic collective of approximately 30 musicians based in Philadelphia, has long been known for their exceptional live performances at private and public events worldwide. This summer, they decided to embark on an exciting new project by recording an album, choosing the unconventional path of producing it in their very own basement. The result of this endeavor is their first single, “Oh My God,” a remarkable cover of Adele’s hit song that seamlessly preserves the essence of the original while infusing it with their unique acoustic interpretation.
As the Lead Violinist and National Events Director for PSQ, the idea to record a new album in a non-traditional setting was conceived by a member of the ensemble. The concept of a basement recording studio may seem unconventional, but it offered an intimate and unassuming space for the musicians to create something extraordinary. This approach allowed them to capture the raw and authentic essence of their music, untouched by the glitz and glamour of a high-end studio.
The choice to cover Adele’s “Oh My God” is a testament to the band’s discerning taste and the desire to reinterpret a song that has left an indelible mark on the music world. Adele’s track is known for its memorable melody, emotionally charged lyrics, and a driving rhythm that captivates listeners from the very first note. It’s a challenging piece to cover, but PSQ embraced the challenge with open arms.
The arrangement of the song, as explained by the band, was an absolute pleasure to work on. PSQ’s musicians meticulously crafted their interpretation of “Oh My God,” paying close attention to preserving the energy and emotion that makes the original so compelling. It’s evident that the quartet took great care to respect the song’s dynamics and emotional depth.
The instrumentation of “Oh My God” is minimal, comprising just four acoustic instruments and microphones suspended from the ceiling. This stripped-down approach allowed the quartet to focus on the essence of the song, with nothing extraneous to distract from the music’s core. The informal setting, with pizza boxes strewn about the floor, adds a touch of charm and authenticity to the recording.
The single’s most striking aspect is its ability to capture the distinct dissonance and rhythm of Adele’s original piece. It’s in the culmination of the track where the quartet truly shines, displaying their extraordinary skill in preserving the nuances and intricacies of the song. PSQ’s interpretation is both heartfelt and technically impressive, showcasing the depth of their musical talent.
“Oh My God” by Philadelphia String Quartet is a beautiful homage to Adele’s original masterpiece. By adhering to their mission of preserving the energy of the song, PSQ has crafted a rendition that’s equally captivating and emotionally resonant. The quartet’s decision to record in their basement only adds to the allure of the single, proving that extraordinary music can emerge from the most unexpected places.
As PSQ’s lead violinist and National Events Director, the artist behind this project encourages everyone to enjoy the single and, with the promise of more covers to come, explore the entire album as it’s released. “Oh My God” is a testament to the quartet’s dedication to their craft, and it leaves listeners eagerly anticipating what the rest of their basement-produced album will offer.
ABOUT THE BAND:
Philadelphia String Quartet, Philly Strings, Philly Q, or just PSQ. These are the names people know us by. But make no mistake – we are not just a regular string quartet. We are so much more than that.
PSQ is a community of around 30 musicians who come together in forms of many different ensembles to celebrate the joy of giving music. We LOVE performing in concerts! We also love celebrating people and important events in their lives. Over the past 15 years we have performed in thousands of private concerts, weddings and corporate parties and dinners. Some of our musicians are Curtis & Juilliard graduates, some went to jazz school, and others taught themselves how to play. We might all come from different backgrounds, but we all equally put our hearts out there, because music is our life. We are proud of our achievements and we will always give our best, whether it’s our concert or your special event.
