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Avi Kaplan

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Avi Kaplan
Kaplan performing at The Ready Room in St. Louis on August 19, 2019
Born
Avriel Benjamin Kaplan

(1989-04-17) April 17, 1989 (age 35)
Visalia, California, U.S.[1]
Other namesAvriel & the Sequoias
Alma materMt. San Antonio College
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2009–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Labels
Websiteavikaplanofficial.com

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

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Avriel Benjamin Kaplan was born and raised in Visalia, California, on April 17, 1989. He has an older brother, Joshua, and an older sister, Esther Koop (née Kaplan), who was Pentatonix's tour manager for seven years.[4] Kaplan is Jewish of Ukrainian and Russian descent,[5] and has spoken of the antisemitic bullying he suffered in his youth.[6]

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.[7] The college is known for its strong choral and a cappella programs.[8][9]

Career

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Early career (2009–2011)

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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.[10] In 2009, the group became the first community college act to win the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs).[11] 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.[12] In his first year as a member, the ensemble won the Monterrey Jazz Festival Competition.[4][13]

Pentatonix (2011–2017)

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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.[14] The group successfully auditioned for the show and eventually went on to win the season.[15] 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.[16]

During the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Pentatonix won their first Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for their Daft Punk medley.[17] They won the award again at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for their rendition of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”.[18] 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.[19]

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

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On April 29, 2017, Kaplan released his first solo song, "Fields and Pier", under the name Avriel & the Sequoias.[20] His debut EP Sage and Stone was released on June 9.[20]

On May 12, 2017, Kaplan announced that he would be leaving Pentatonix following their scheduled tour.[21] 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.[22][23] His final show with Pentatonix was held at the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction, Vermont, on September 3.[24]

Kaplan announced his first solo tour in October 2019.[25] 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.[26][27][28]

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.[29] Its second single, "All Is Well" featuring singer Joy Williams, was released alongside the album's announcement on February 15, 2022.[30] The full album Floating on a Dream was released on May 20, 2022.[31]

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

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Kaplan resides in Nashville, Tennessee.[32]

Discography

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See also: Pentatonix discography

Albums

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums and details
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Heat.
[33] 		US
Sales
[34]
Floating on a Dream 19 57

Extended plays

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List of extended plays and details
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Sales
[35]
Sage and Stone
(released as Avriel & the Sequoias) 		—
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

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As lead artist

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Title Year Album or EP
"Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair"
(with Peter Hollens) 		2014 Peter Hollens
"Fields and Pier"
(released as Avriel & the Sequoias) 		2017 Sage and Stone
"Quarter Past Four"
(released as Avriel & the Sequoias)
"Hey Ya"
(released as Avriel & the Sequoias) 		Non-album single
"Change on the Rise" 2019 I'll Get By
"Otherside" Non-album singles
"The Summit"
"Aberdeen"
"Get Down"
"I'll Get By" I'll Get By
"Lean on Me" 2020 Lean on Me
"Song for the Thankful" Non-album single
"First Place I Go" 2021 Floating on a Dream
"All Is Well"
(featuring Joy Williams) 		2022
"I Can't Lie"
"On My Way"
"I'm Only Getting Started"
"Healing" 2023 Non-album singles
"Good Good Love" 2024
"Feel Alright"
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Title Year Album or EP
"Ring of Fire"
(Home Free featuring Avi Kaplan) 		2014 Crazy Life

Tours

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  • Nashville Residency (2019)[36]
  • The Otherside Tour (2019)[37]
  • 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)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bio". Avriel & the Sequoias' official website. Archived from the original on April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  2. ^ "Grammy Awards Winners". Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
  3. ^ "Grammy Awards 2016: See the Full Winners List". Archived from the original on November 22, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  4. ^ a b "Welcome to the a Capella Revolution". Forward. February 11, 2014. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  5. ^ Wilkinson, James. "Avi Kaplan — Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024. The California bass vocalist and singer/songwriter of Ukrainian and Russian descent...
  6. ^ Rubin, Jennifer (March 19, 2012). "'The Sing-Off' winner shares his story". St. Louis Jewish Light. Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  7. ^ "Fermata Nowhere". Mt. San Antonio College. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  8. ^ "STAFF – A Cappella Academy". A Cappella Academy. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  9. ^ Stories, Local (December 2, 2019). "Meet Bruce Rogers of Mt. San Antonio College in East Los Angeles County (Walnut) - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide". voyagela.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  10. ^ "Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan to Headline High School A Cappella Workshop". News. January 23, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  11. ^ "4 ICCA Moments That Caught Us All By Surprise". College A Cappella. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  12. ^ "Foothills Reader – Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan From Mountie Maroon To Grammy Gold". npaper2.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  13. ^ "Mt. SAC presents ninth annual Spring Thing concert". San Bernardino Sun. April 16, 2010. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  14. ^ Bentley, Jean (November 29, 2011). "'The Sing Off' winners Pentatonix on YouTube, Nick Lachey and recording an album". zap2it.com. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  15. ^ Gallo, Phil (November 29, 2011). "'The Sing-Off' Finale: Pentatonix Takes The Trophy". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  16. ^ Berkery, Sheri (January 29, 2021). "Two Cherry Hill pals picked for A Cappella Academy launched by former Pentatonix singer". MSN. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  17. ^ Rosen, Christopher (February 8, 2015). "Grammy Winners List For 2015 Includes Sam Smith, Pharrell, Beyoncé & More". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  18. ^ "Pentatonix Just Scored Their Second Grammy In a Row!". February 15, 2016. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  19. ^ "Dolly Parton and Pentatonix win country duo/roup performance award for 'Jolene'". Los Angeles Times. February 27, 2017. Archived from the original on July 5, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  20. ^ a b "Media". Avriel & the Sequoias' official website. Archived from the original on April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  21. ^ Levy, Piet. "Pentatonix salutes departing member Avi Kaplan at sold-out Wisconsin State Fair show". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  22. ^ "Pentatonix's Avi Kaplan Announces He's Leaving the Group in Emotional Video". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  23. ^ Nyren, Erin (May 12, 2017). "Avi Kaplan Exits Pentatonix in Tearful Goodbye Video". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on May 15, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  24. ^ "ICYMI: Avi's Last Show With Pentatonix – FloVoice". www.flovoice.com. September 7, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  25. ^ "European Tour Announcement" on YouTube
  26. ^ Kaplan, Avi [@Avi_Kaplan] (November 5, 2019). "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" (Tweet). Retrieved February 25, 2020 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ Kaplan, Avi [@Avi_Kaplan] (November 5, 2019). "I'll Get By EP out January 24. Pre-order bundles available now – http://smarturl.it/AKIGBpo pic.twitter.com/pJZgjZFIEN" (Tweet). Retrieved February 25, 2020 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ Kaplan, Avi [@Avi_Kaplan] (January 21, 2020). "A message from Avi.pic.twitter.com/dhH2uNIjcn" (Tweet). Retrieved February 25, 2020 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ "Avi Kaplan Finds Inner Strength on the Hopeful "First Place I Go"". Fantasy Records. November 12, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  30. ^ "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. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  31. ^ "Former Pentatonix member Avi Kaplan releases debut solo album 'Floating On A Dream'". NPR.org. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  32. ^ Leimkuehler, Matthew. "Nashville songwriter Avi Kaplan debuts soulful new folk tune, 'Sweet Adeline Pt. 2'". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  33. ^ "Billboard Heatseekers Albums: Week of June 4, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  34. ^ "Billboard Top Album Sales: Week of June 4, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  35. ^ "Billboard Top Album Sales: Week of May 14, 2020". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  36. ^ "Avi Kaplan's "Nashville Residency" at The Basement in Nashville, TN". March 2, 2019. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  37. ^ "Avi Kaplan's "Otherside Tour"". April 22, 2019. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
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