Avi Kaplan recently released his latest album titled Floating on a Dream, and Off Record chatted with the singer about his works and upcoming headline tour.
ORB: How did you navigate the transition from a highly collaborative, a cappella setting to crafting your own distinct, often folk-inspired, solo identity? What were the biggest creative shifts or challenges?
Avi Kaplan (AK): Before I joined the group I was doing the type of music that I’m doing now. Digging back into the music that I grew up writing and listening to was a dream! The biggest shift was artistic freedom and all the big decisions being on me. This was something I craved for awhile but when it came to it my indecisiveness was a bit of a struggle. The deeper I get into my career the easier it is for me!
ORB: Your most recent album, Floating on a Dream, incorporates elements of country and Americana. How did working in that specific musical environment influence your songwriting and overall sound?
AK: I grew up listening to 60’s-70’s Americana and Country so I really wanted to capture that beautiful sonic texture the records had back then in my own recording process. I also wanted to achieve the sound that they did vocally without any tuning of vocals. We used vintage instruments and recording equipment throughout the whole process. It was a beautiful experience going to a famous old studio like Sunset Sound in LA where legends like Prince, CSNY and the Beatles recorded.
ORB: Your live performances are known for their almost spiritual energy. How do you cultivate that connection with your audience in a live setting, especially given the often intimate and reflective nature of your songs? What do you hope listeners take away from experiencing your music live?
AK: To me it’s about the intention. Before I go on stage I take a moment of silence and set my intention with the rest of the band. We go out on stage and really try to give our souls to crowd. The music is the vessel.
ORB: You’ve openly discussed prioritizing your mental health and well-being, particularly after leaving Pentatonix. How has that personal journey influenced your creative process and the messages you convey in your music?
AK: It’s made my creative process so much better. I have the time and space to be creative without the pressures and stresses of a fast paced life. In that way of life my mind and spirit just couldn’t keep up. These days I have what I need to be able to open my heart and let the music flow through.
ORB: What unexpected lessons have you learned about the music industry, and perhaps more importantly, about yourself as an artist and individual?
AK: This is always something that I’ve known but being in an industry where people will try and tell you who to be, where to go, what to make. You have to trust yourself deeply and follow your heart.
ORB: Many of your fans have followed your journey since your early days. How do you balance honoring your past work and the expectations that come with it, while continuously evolving and exploring new artistic directions? What does “growth” mean to you as a musician?
AK: This is something I deal with every time I get into another writing season. I really try to leave myself open to wherever my heart wants to go musically. I don’t let my past musical decisions define me but I do find it important to keep glimmers of my past music in my current works.
ORB: What are you looking forward to trying / doing while in Texas?
AK: First and foremost the Texas crowds! There’s nothing like playing a show in Texas… That being said, a very close second would be Texas BBQ! I love food almost as much as I do music and BBQ is at the top of that list. Thank goodness for Texas BBQ, y’all really do it right!
Avi Kaplan’s Floating on a Dream is out now on all platforms. Catch Avi Kaplan on tour this Summer, get your tickets here.
Off Record Blog is a digital music publication who focuses on all efforts in the industry.
