Jonny Kaplan

My name is Jonny Kaplan. I was born Jonathan Kaplan, but as soon as I picked up a guitar at age 13…people started calling me Jonny. It fits, it works, it’s rock and roll. Afterall, you wouldn’t call Tommy Lee…Thomas Lee would you? I didn’t think so. I’ve been involved with music my whole life. Playing guitar, singing, writing songs, producing other artists…etc., etc. Everywhere I go, people are compelled to ask: “Are you in a band?” Of course they do…look at me. But, this is when it always gets confusing. YES, I’m in a band, and I dearly love the people I play with…but, at the end of the day, I’d still call myself a solo artist. The Band is called: Jonny Kaplan And The Lazy Stars (see what I mean?...solo artist) This is how it works…old school baby, Bob Dylan And The Band, Neil Young And Crazy Horse, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers. You get where I’m coming from right? Do you like the musical company I keep? Me too. Kind of rootsy, classic, rock and roll…that is and will always be ..timeless. All of those labels for the type of music you are supposed to like….like, alternative, pop, polka, emo….I say fuck ‘em. All they do is keep you from finding the good shit. AND, if you are an artist yourself, they tell THE MAN exactly what box to stick you in…forever. Remember… art is creativity. I’ve been doing this my whole life…working hard for you folks. I’ve been luckier then a bunch…and maybe not nearly as lucky as few others. I’ve been amazed, I’ve been high, and I’ve been low. I’ve gotten to work with a lot of artists I dearly love and respect. Watch out…I’m gonna drop a few names (someone may be reading this you know):Keith Richards, Nora Jones, Dee Dee Ramone, Dwight Yoakum, Kings Of Leon, Turbnegro , Shane McGowan, Wilco, Ben Harper…just to name a few. I feel blessed. As you can see , the list is a very varied, you might say “eclectic”mix….see above reference to timeless…..and it all makes sense. I’ve been practically living out of suitcases for what seems like a pretty long time. The way I see it is this: you want to play music? You travel…luckily for me, I love to travel. I’ve been all over the world in the past few years, supporting my first two records: California Heart and Ride Free. After the last batch of touring, I holed up in a one room flat in Madrid…to finish writing songs for my new record…SEASONS. I’ve been technically “living” in Los Angeles for the past few years ,really just stopping in periodically to collect my mail…but after Europe I needed a change so I headed to Nashville , where I finished recording my new record in any kitchen, toilet, backyard , and garage that would have me. It came out great …it has a real, nice, organic feel to it. It makes me proud. It’s coming out in the next few months…and we (remember…the band and I) will be out there playing for you…..everywhere that will have us.