Introduction
Avriel Benjamin, better known by his stage name “Avi Kaplan,” is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. He was born on April 17, 1989, in Visalia, California, and grew up in a family that was passionate about music.
Kaplan rose to fame as the bass vocalist of the acapella group Pentatonix, which won the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2011. He decided to depart the group in 2017 to pursue a solo career and has since released two highly successful albums.
In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Avi Kaplan, from his early life to his rise as a musical maverick.
Early Life
Avi Kaplan was born into a musically inclined family, and his love for music was nourished at a young age. His parents encouraged his passion for music, and he learned to play the guitar, banjo, and bass while growing up.
As a child, Avi loved listening to traditional folk and bluegrass music, and he was inspired by artists like Bill Monroe, Sam Cooke, and Paul Simon. He was also influenced by his Jewish heritage, which informed his music and his artistic expression.
Rise to Fame
Kaplan’s career in music began with his enrollment at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied vocal music.
In 2011, Kaplan along with Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, and Kevin Olusola formed the a cappella group, Pentatonix. The group’s popularity soared with their YouTube channel, and they eventually won the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Off.
Pentatonix went on to release six studio albums, all of which were commercially successful, and won three Grammy Awards.
However, Kaplan decided to leave the band in 2017 to pursue a solo career. He felt that he needed to explore the more personal side of his music, and that he couldn’t do that as part of a group.
Solo Career
In 2017, Kaplan signed with the record label Fantasy Records and released his debut EP, “Sage and Stone.”
The EP received critical acclaim and cemented Kaplan’s status as a rising solo artist. He released his first solo album, “Folkadelphia,” in 2019, which was also well-received by fans and critics alike.
Kaplan’s music is characterized by its melancholic melodies, intricate instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. His artistic vision draws from his folk, Americana, and Jewish roots.
Musical Influences
Avi Kaplan’s music is influenced by a variety of artists from different genres, including folk, bluegrass, and gospel. He has credited Sam Cooke, Paul Simon, and Bill Monroe as significant influences on his music.
Moreover, Kaplan’s Jewish heritage serves as an inspiration for his music, especially in his latest album “I’ll Get By”. The album reflects his faith, traditions, and values, and is written in Hebrew and English.
Touring
Kaplan’s passion for music is matched by his love for touring. He has toured extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia to promote his music and connect with his fans.
Kaplan is known for his energetic performances, and his concerts are a mix of his original songs and covers of popular folk and Americana songs.
Awards and Accolades
Kaplan’s contributions to music have been recognized with several awards and accolades. He won three Grammy Awards as part of the vocal group Pentatonix.
Moreover, his solo album “Folkadelphia” was nominated for the 2020 Independent Music Award for Best Folk Album.
FAQs
Q1. What is Avi Kaplan’s musical style?
Ans. Avi Kaplan’s music is characterized by its melancholic melodies, intricate instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. His artistic vision draws from his folk, Americana, and Jewish roots.
Q2. What inspired Avi Kaplan to pursue music?
Ans. Avi Kaplan was born into a musically inclined family, and his love for music was nourished at a young age. His parents encouraged his passion for music, and he learned to play the guitar, banjo, and bass while growing up.
Q3. When did Avi Kaplan leave Pentatonix?
Ans. Avi Kaplan left Pentatonix in 2017 to pursue a solo career. He felt that he needed to explore the more personal side of his music, and that he couldn’t do that as part of a group.
Q4. Which record label did Avi Kaplan sign with for his solo career?
Ans. Avi Kaplan signed with the record label Fantasy Records for his solo career.
Q5. What is the inspiration behind Avi Kaplan’s latest album ‘I’ll Get By’?
Ans. Avi Kaplan’s latest album ‘I’ll Get By’ reflects his faith, traditions, and values and is written in Hebrew and English.
Q6. What kind of music does Avi Kaplan cover in his concerts?
Ans. Avi Kaplan covers popular folk and Americana songs in his concerts. He is known for his energetic performances and his ability to connect with his audience.
Q7. Has Avi Kaplan won any awards?
Ans. Yes, Avi Kaplan has won three Grammy Awards as part of the vocal group Pentatonix, and his solo album “Folkadelphia” was nominated for the 2020 Independent Music Award for Best Folk Album.
Conclusion
Avi Kaplan is a musical maverick who has made a name for himself in the music industry. His journey from Pentatonix to a successful solo career is an inspiration to many aspiring musicians.
His music reflects his passion for folk, Americana, and his Jewish heritage, and his lyrics delve into his personal struggles and experiences.
As he continues to tour and create music, we can expect Avi Kaplan to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.