Project Overview:
Created during the early months of COVID-19, Crapapella was a comedic music project developed with fellow comedian Kimi Tayler. With live performance opportunities disappearing, we created intentionally terrible a cappella covers of popular songs — each backing track made entirely with our own voices. “Siren Song,” based on Maruv’s Eurovision 2020 entry, became the flagship music video for our one-night live show. We recreated the original video shot-for-shot on a minimal budget, blending accurate parody with deliberately inferior production choices for comedic effect.

Recognition:

The video generated significant buzz and led to one of the most well-attended theatre events in Reykjavík at a time when audiences were hesitant to leave their homes. Its popularity helped revive interest in live comedy during a challenging period, and all profits from the show were donated to the theatre to support them through COVID-related difficulties.

My Contribution:

• Co-created the concept of Crapapella, including the comedic premise of a cappella “bad covers.”

• Broke down Maruv’s original “Siren Song” video shot-by-shot to design a faithful but intentionally low-budget parody.

• Produced and directed the three-day shoot, sourcing locations, costumes, background performers, and props.

• Worked both behind and in front of the camera, directing while performing.

• Used Logic Pro to create the full vocal-only backing track.

• Edited the video in Final Cut Pro to mimic the original’s pacing, lighting effects, transitions, and shot structure while keeping the parody intentionally scrappy.

• Delivered the final piece as the core promotional asset for Crapapella’s debut live show.

Creative / Technical Notes:

• Three filming days, each dedicated to one major setup from the original Maruv video.

• Used split-screen review on set to match camera motion and choreography to the reference.

• Parody aesthetic built through deliberately imperfect lighting, props, and performance choices.

• Vocal backing track constructed from layered recordings of non-musical vocal effects.

• Balanced accuracy and comedy: close enough to the original for recognisable homage, but clearly chaotic and self-aware.

• Shot with a small crew during early COVID conditions, prioritising safety and minimal contact.