April 18, 2025
In a field dominated by top university ensembles, Pearl River Community College’s The Voices secured the Best Country Song award at the annual Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA) for their recording of ‘Ain’t My Fault.’ Other nominees for the Best Country Song category included groups from Harvard, James Madison University, Tufts University, the University of Oregon, and the University of Virginia.
The Voices began recording in 2022 and have made it an integral part of the program. Their first album, ‘The Voices,’ brought them the first CARA nominations for the 2023 competition, followed by a 2024 nomination for the song ‘Country Medley.’
“At the time, it was just a way to archive our favorite songs of the year,” said Dr. LaDona Tyson. “However, we all quickly realized not only the value of having a recording for personal reasons, but the inherent educational value of going through the process.
“Each part is recorded individually; one singer at a time, without anyone else in the room. For this reason, students have to be extremely confident in their music and their vocal abilities. I have seen them grow in musicianship and confidence each year during the recording process. Of course, another byproduct is the awareness it has brought, not only to The Voices, but to PRCC.”
Soloists on ‘Ain’t My Fault’ were Noah Hartfield, Jonathan Freeman, Jack Moeller, and Garret Rester. The song is part of their Mississippi Party album with ‘Crazy on You’ and “Open Arms.” The album was produced by Wilson Smith, tracked by Henry Rhodes and Sean Murphy, edited by Henry Rhodes and Sam Baker, mixed by Sam Baker, and mastered by Eric Scholz of Eric Scholz Productions.
The recordings capture the exquisite harmonies and energy that audiences have experienced at the Brownstone Center for the Arts during ACA-Fest, the annual PRCC Fine Arts Day, the Spring Variety Show, and the end-of-the-year concert alongside the Jazz Cats. Their set was also used for the ICCA competitions they attended, with them placing first in the quarterfinals.
The Voices members say the recording process is both challenging and rewarding.
“‘Ain’t My Fault’ was one of those songs that just felt good to sing—no matter how intense the competition got, it came easy,” said Noah Hartfield. “It let each of us bring our own personality to the table and still have a blast doing it together. This wasn’t just achieved through talent—it was about every person showing up, giving it their all, and lifting each other up along the way. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. RRR.”
This school year’s group recorded a new album over Mardi Gras break. Fans can listen to The Voices’ releases on Spotify.
About CARA
The annual Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards (CARA) recognize the best of recorded a cappella music. They are the only truly global a cappella recording awards. Every year since 1992 hundreds of albums are considered in this celebration of the highest quality a cappella recorded around the planet.
The CARA mission reflects that of its parent organization, the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA): they aim to reward artists who create outstanding work and to promote innovation, creativity, and continued growth of the a cappella medium.
The Annual CARA Ceremony took place on April 13, 2025, where they celebrated the nominees and announced winners live.
About The Voices
The Voices is an elite performing group at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS. They serve as representatives of PRCC, singing at campus, community, and recruiting events throughout the year. All members participate in PRCC Singers.
In recent years, the group has performed at the Louisiana ACDA Conference, the Briarcrest Invitational, and the 2022 ACDA Southern Division Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Voices placed third at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Miami Quarterfinal in 2023 and their debut EP was nominated for a Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards (CARA) Award for best EP. They placed first at the 2024 ICCA South Quarterfinal held in Athens, GA, with Devin Jones recognized for Outstanding Choreography for the entire set.
The Voices perform an average of 25 concerts each year and each member of The Voices receives a ¾ tuition service award. The mission of The Voices is to demonstrate the Wildcat Way — Pride, Respect, Class, and Character — through meaningful performance and student leadership.
Choral groups at Pearl River also include the PRCC Singers, Currents, and Rapids.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Jacob Cochran.
