Interview: Jonny Kaplan, Shining Sparkles & The Lazy Stars.

It’s hard to believe that Jonny Kaplan And The Lazy Stars have been around since 1997. Almost three decades of music brought three strong albums and countless shows played all around the globe. Don’t get fooled by the name. They’re not lazy at all. In fact, they are titans of work.

They are involved with many different bands and side projects, this pack of friends loves to jam and spend time together. Bonded by the love of music they share passions and influences. Lucky for us they love London and their paths once again crossed with the capital’s streets.  Just like “the stars hanging lazily in the sky” a phrase that inspired their name they gave us one sweet slice of the zodiac.

On the 20th April 2016 Jonny Kaplan And The Lazy Stars gave an amazing performance in a small London venue, Cafe 1001. It was very intimate show with free entry and some amazing guests on stage.

It was much more a way of celebrating music and also a wonderful jamming session with a group of friends, then just an ordinary show. Edyta K talked with the band leader, Jonny Kaplan after the show.

First of all, thank you for giving us the time to chat. I saw your two last performances in London Borderline and in Cafe 1001 and they’ve been absolutely brilliant!

Hahaha! Thank you so much!

On Sunday, your band opened for Joseph Arthur and just two days after you play a free show with special guests in Cafe1001. Is that your way of touring? Jamming with friends in local clubs or was it just a one-time thing?

Well, normally we are on tour: a different club and city every night, but, we all love to play …so we are always playing shows … in between “proper” tours as well.

Do you like playing in the UK, how is our audience compared to other places you play, do you have your favourite city or venue to play?

I love playing and being in The UK, both Rami Jaffee and I decided we want to spend as much time here as possible this year. I don’t have a favourite place to play … but our fans in Spain and Argentina …. are definitely the craziest.

It’s been a while since your last record, can we expect something new coming out soon?

I am writing songs now … but, we are still supporting the Sparkle And Shine record (2013). It actually has never really been released in Europe.

Could you tell us how songwriting process looks like in your case, is it always music first, then lyrics or maybe opposite way or it just doesn’t really matter to you?

They usually come at the same time…. always based on a feeling. Sometimes I have the entire song in my head before I even pick up a pen. It is truly magical. I love when that happens.

You called yourself shaman and renegade. Is that something that grows slowly on you along with the music or is it your philosophy, the way of living in a first place?

There is no difference in the way I am musically …  or the way I live my life. I live as an artist. I create perform and travel constantly … and when I am not traveling for music … I am almost always “somewhere else” on another adventure.

I know you’re due to the US tomorrow, when can we expect you back in Europe?

I will see you all again in June! Early June will have me in Japan! I have a weeks’ worth of acoustic shows, and then we will have five or six in and around the London area … then July we will be on tour all month in Spain, France, Italy, Germany and others. We are super-duper excited!

Thank you for your time and see you in June. 

Yes!

While waiting for their upcoming tour, give your life a touch of Shine And Sparkle. Listen to Jonny Kaplan And the Lazy Stars, When You’re Down feat: Daryl Hannah

https://youtu.be/zoQmHxGjR1I

 

Jonny Kaplan and The Lazy Stars are Jonny Kaplan with vocals and rhythm guitar, Matthew Crozer playing lead guitar, Daniel Selway on bass guitar, Rick Kent play the drums and Rami Jaffe on keyboard and accordion.

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Interview and Photography by Edyta K.

Edyta has her own great photo website http://www.edytakphotography.co.uk/