Avi Kaplan Explained

Avi Kaplan
Other Names:Avriel & the Sequoias
Birth Name:Avriel Benjamin Kaplan
Birth Date:17 April 1989
Birth Place:Visalia, California, U.S.[1]
Alma Mater:Mt. San Antonio College
Occupation:Singer-songwriter
Years Active:2009–present
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Avriel Benjamin Kaplan (born April 17, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. He is known for being the former vocal bass of the a cappella group Pentatonix from 2011 to 2017. As a part of the group, he released five studio albums, won three Grammy Awards, and sold over six million albums.[2] [3]

In June 2017, Kaplan released his solo debut EP Sage and Stone under the name Avriel & the Sequoias. The EP served as his departure from the pop-based sounds of Pentatonix to folk-oriented styles. After retiring the stage name and signing with Fantasy Records, Kaplan released his second EP I'll Get By in February 2020. His debut studio album Floating on a Dream was released in May 2022.

Early life and education

Avriel Benjamin Kaplan was born and raised in Visalia, California, on April 17, 1989. He has two older siblings; brother Joshua, and sister Esther (now Koop). Koop served as the tour manager for Pentatonix from 2012 to 2019.[4] Kaplan is of Jewish descent. [5]

Kaplan loved folk music, and frequently went to the nearby Sequoia National Park, which became an inspiration for his music. He considers his earliest musical inspirations to be Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Bill Withers. Later inspirations include Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, Ben Harper, and José González.[1]

After graduating high school, Kaplan attended Mt. San Antonio College, where he studied opera and choral studies.[6] The college is known for its strong choral and a cappella programs.[7] [8]

Career

Early career (2009–2011)

Before joining Pentatonix, Kaplan was already an accomplished a cappella artist, performing in the styles of jazz and opera among others. During his time in college, he joined the all-male a cappella group Fermata Nowhere.[9] In 2009, the group became the first community college act to win the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs).[10] During the finals, he won the award for "Best Rhythm Section", making him the first vocal bass to receive the award. Before his victory, the award was called "Best Vocal Percussionist". In his junior year of college, he joined the vocal jazz ensemble Singcopation.[11] In his first year as a member, the ensemble won the Monterrey Jazz Festival Competition.[4] [12]

Pentatonix (2011–2017)

Kaplan joined Pentatonix in 2011, when original members Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying were searching for a bass singer and a beatboxer. The group met the day before the auditions for the third season of The Sing-Off began.[13] The group successfully auditioned for the show and eventually went on to win the season.[14] Kaplan acted as the group's vocal bass, but frequently sang lead parts as well.

In 2014, Kaplan co-founded A Cappella Academy, a summer camp for 12–18 year-old kids to learn about a cappella music and performance.[15]

During the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Pentatonix won their first Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for their Daft Punk medley.[16] They won the award again at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for their rendition of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”.[17] The group won their third Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards for their cover of "Jolene", which featured Dolly Parton.[18]

Solo projects and Floating on a Dream (2017–present)

On April 29, 2017, Kaplan released his first solo song, "Fields and Pier", under the name Avriel & the Sequoias.[19] His debut EP Sage and Stone was released on June 9.

On May 12, 2017, Kaplan announced that he would be leaving Pentatonix following their scheduled tour.[20] In a video announcing his departure, he stated that although he loved being in the group, it was difficult for him to keep up with the group's demanding schedule, which required him to spend less time with his family.[21] [22] His final show with Pentatonix was held at the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction, Vermont, on September 3.[23]

Kaplan announced his first solo tour in October 2019. He announced his second EP I'll Get By on November 5. The project, originally scheduled to be released on January 24, 2020, alongside an accompanying tour, was postponed and later released on February 28 due to Kaplan signing to Fantasy Records.[24] [25]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bio . April 30, 2017 . Avriel & the Sequoias' official website . https://web.archive.org/web/20170424054151/http://avrielandthesequoias.com/bio . 2017-04-24 . live .
  2. News: Grammy Awards Winners. February 8, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150209053502/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/grammy-awards-2015-the-complete-winners-list-20150208. 2015-02-09. live.
  3. News: Grammy Awards 2016: See the Full Winners List. December 10, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161122091234/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6875260/grammy-awards-2016-full-winners-list. 2016-11-22. live.
  4. Web site: Welcome to the a Capella Revolution . February 11, 2014 . April 30, 2017 . Forward . https://web.archive.org/web/20170808073318/http://forward.com/schmooze/192525/welcome-to-the-a-capella-revolution/ . 2017-08-08 . live .
  5. Web site: 'The Sing-Off' winner shares his story. August 8, 2017. St. Louis Jewish Light. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170610053226/http://www.stljewishlight.com/special_sections/ohr_chadash/article_bd8e04e0-71f2-11e1-bf21-001871e3ce6c.html. 2017-06-10.
  6. Web site: Fermata Nowhere . 2023-03-24 . Mt. San Antonio College.
  7. Web site: STAFF – A Cappella Academy. live. 2021-05-10. A Cappella Academy. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20131206034307/http://acappellacademy.org:80/staff/ . 2013-12-06 .
  8. Web site: Stories . Local . Meet Bruce Rogers of Mt. San Antonio College in East Los Angeles County (Walnut) - Voyage LA Magazine LA City Guide . 2023-03-24 . voyagela.com . December 2, 2019 . en-US.
  9. Web site: 2017-01-23. Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan to Headline High School A Cappella Workshop. 2021-05-10. News. en-US.
  10. Web site: 4 ICCA Moments That Caught Us All By Surprise. 2021-05-10. College A Cappella. english. May 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210507172945/https://www.collegeaca.com/content/4-icca-moments-that-caught-us-all-by-surprise. dead.
  11. Web site: Foothills Reader – Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan From Mountie Maroon To Grammy Gold. live. 2021-05-10. npaper2.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510022513/https://npaper2.com/foothill/2015/06/07/ . 2021-05-10 .
  12. Web site: 2010-04-16. Mt. SAC presents ninth annual Spring Thing concert. 2021-05-10. San Bernardino Sun. en-US.
  13. Web site: Bentley . Jean . 'The Sing Off' winners Pentatonix on YouTube, Nick Lachey and recording an album . zap2it.com . November 29, 2011 . August 25, 2012.
  14. Web site: Gallo . Phil . 'The Sing-Off' Finale: Pentatonix Takes The Trophy . Billboard.com . November 29, 2011 . August 25, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131230013845/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/464941/the-sing-off-finale-pentatonix-takes-the-trophy . 2013-12-30 . live .
  15. Web site: Two Cherry Hill pals picked for A Cappella Academy launched by former Pentatonix singer . Berkery . Sheri . MSN . January 29, 2021 . February 10, 2021.
  16. Web site: Christopher. Rosen. 2015-02-08. Grammy Winners List For 2015 Includes Sam Smith, Pharrell, Beyoncé & More. Huffington Post. 2017-05-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150209033006/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/08/grammy-winners-list-2015_n_6600948.html. 2015-02-09. live.
  17. Web site: Pentatonix Just Scored Their Second Grammy In a Row! . 15 February 2016 . 2017-05-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170808075156/http://whatstrending.com/creators/21405-pentatonix-wins-second-grammy . 2017-08-08 . live .
  18. Web site: Dolly Parton and Pentatonix win country duo/roup performance award for 'Jolene' . . February 27, 2017 . 2017-05-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170705171417/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-grammys-live-updates-dolly-parton-and-pentatonix-win-country-1486939222-htmlstory.html . 2017-07-05 . live .
  19. Web site: Media. April 30, 2017. Avriel & the Sequoias' official website. https://web.archive.org/web/20170424054246/http://avrielandthesequoias.com/media. 2017-04-24. live.
  20. Web site: Levy. Piet. Pentatonix salutes departing member Avi Kaplan at sold-out Wisconsin State Fair show. 2021-05-10. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. en-US.
  21. Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan Announces He's Leaving the Group in Emotional Video. 2021-05-10. Billboard. en.
  22. Web site: Avi Kaplan Exits Pentatonix in Tearful Goodbye Video . Nyren . Erin . . . May 12, 2017 . May 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170515082048/http://variety.com/2017/music/news/avi-kaplan-leaves-pentatonix-video-1202425063/ . 2017-05-15 . live .
  23. Web site: ICYMI: Avi's Last Show With Pentatonix – FloVoice. 2021-05-10. www.flovoice.com. September 7, 2017 . en.
  24. Avi_Kaplan. 1191741048462204934. Today's the day! Beyond excited to share a new song, new TOUR, and an EP coming in January! Truly can't wait for you all to hear the new EP and play it for you live. Thank you all so much for all the love and support. It's fuel to my soul pic.twitter.com/hahrmNd3KI. Kaplan. Avi. 2019-11-05. 2020-02-25.
  25. Avi_Kaplan. 1219635995408322560. A message from Avi.pic.twitter.com/dhH2uNIjcn. Kaplan. Avi. 2020-01-21. 2020-02-25.
  26. Web site: 2021-11-12. Avi Kaplan Finds Inner Strength on the Hopeful "First Place I Go". 2022-02-25. Fantasy Records. en-US.
  27. Web site: Avi Kaplan To Release Floating On A Dream, His Full-length Debut Solo Album Produced By Shooter Jennings On May 20th Via Fantasy Records . February 15, 2022 . February 16, 2022.
  28. News: Former Pentatonix member Avi Kaplan releases debut solo album 'Floating On A Dream' . en . NPR.org . 2023-01-10.
  29. Web site: Leimkuehler. Matthew. Nashville songwriter Avi Kaplan debuts soulful new folk tune, 'Sweet Adeline Pt. 2'. 2022-02-25. The Tennessean. en-US.
  30. Billboard Heatseekers Albums: Week of June 4, 2022 . . July 2, 2024 . subscription.
  31. Billboard Top Album Sales: Week of June 4, 2022 . . July 2, 2024 . subscription.
  32. Billboard Top Album Sales: Week of May 14, 2020 . . July 3, 2024 . subscription.
  33. Web site: Avi Kaplan's "Nashville Residency" at The Basement in Nashville, TN . March 2, 2019 . July 14, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190714210549/https://www.thebasementnashville.com/calendar/?cal-month=4&cal-year=2019 . July 14, 2019 . live .
  34. Web site: Avi Kaplan's "Otherside Tour" . April 22, 2019 . July 14, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190507090826/https://www.avikaplanofficial.com/tour-1 . May 7, 2019 . live .
  35. Avi_Kaplan. 1191764482688798721. I'll Get By EP out January 24. Pre-order bundles available now – http://smarturl.it/AKIGBpo pic.twitter.com/pJZgjZFIEN|last=Kaplan|first=Avi|date=2019-11-05|access-date=2020-02-25}}[25]

    On February 15, 2022, Kaplan formally announced his debut solo studio album Floating on a Dream, which was released on May 20. The album was produced by country musician Shooter Jennings. Kaplan released the album's lead single "First Place I Go" on November 12, 2021.[26] Its second single, "All Is Well" featuring singer Joy Williams, was released alongside the album's announcement on February 15, 2022.[27] The full album Floating on a Dream was released on May 20, 2022.[28]

    Kaplan and Shooter Jennings recorded the 4 episode commentary series Behind The Dream to accompany live recordings of "I'm Only Getting Started", "All Is Well", "I Can't Lie", and "When I'm A Fool" from the album Floating on a Dream at Sunset Sound Recorders.

    Personal life

    Kaplan resides in Nashville, Tennessee.[29]

    Discography

    See also: Pentatonix discography.

    Albums

    Studio albums

    Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
    DetailsPeak chart positions
    US
    Heat.
    [30]     		US
    Sales
    [31]
    Floating on a Dream 19 57

    Extended plays

    Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
    DetailsPeak chart positions
    US
    Sales
    [32]
    Sage and Stone
    		 —
    I'll Get By
    • Released: February 28, 2020
    • Label: Sequoia Summit, Fantasy
    • Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
    		64
    Lean on Me
    • Released: August 21, 2020
    • Label: Sequoia Summit, Fantasy
    • Format: Digital download, streaming
    		—
    "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

    Singles

    As lead artist

    TitleYearAlbum or EP
    "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair"
    		2014Peter Hollens
    "Fields and Pier"
    		2017Sage and Stone
    "Quarter Past Four"
    "Hey Ya"
    "Change on the Rise"2019I'll Get By
    "Otherside"rowspan="4"
    "The Summit"
    "Aberdeen"
    "Get Down"
    "I'll Get By"I'll Get By
    "Lean on Me"2020Lean on Me
    "Song for the Thankful"
    "First Place I Go"2021Floating on a Dream
    "All Is Well"
    (    		2022
    "I Can't Lie"
    "On My Way"
    "I'm Only Getting Started"
    "Healing"2023rowspan="3"
    "Good Good Love"2024
    "Feel Alright"

    As featured artist

    Tours

    • Nashville Residency (2019)[33]
    • The Otherside Tour (2019)[34]
    • I'll Get By Tour (2020; cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
    • European Tour (2022)
    • Floating on a Dream Tour (2022)
    • Feel Alright Tour (2024)

    Touring members

    • Daniel Ellsworth (piano, vocals)
    • Jonathan Lister (drums, vocals)
    • Jeremy Lister (guitar, vocals)
    • Kaleb Thomas Jones (bass guitar, vocals)
    • Noah Denney (drums, vocals)
    • Dakota Holden (pedal steel guitar)

    External links

    ]

    .

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