Music Teacher Reacts: AVI KAPLAN - Change is on the rise 

Not so brief history of Avi Kaplan's musical development leading up to "Change on the Rise" (pandemic quarantine is good for scholarship at least 🙂) I think this should answer all the questions you asked. What alot of people are unclear about is 2 members of Pentatonix were not just coming out of high school but already had quite an extensive musical performance background. Avi was one of them and Kevin Olusola is the other. Avi Kaplan had been writing music since high school. First composition I am aware of is "Collision" written in 8th grade after an automobile accident his family was in. Favorite music of his has always been folk. Strong musical influences that he has mentioned are Simon & Garfunkle, John Denver, Iron and Wine, Bill Withers, Bon Iver. He is signed with Fantasy Records which includes such artists as Paul Simon and James Taylor. While in Pentatonix he and Kevin Olusola were the main song writers even of ideas brought in by other members of the band also very involved along with Ben Bram an arranger in arranging music for the band. "Run to You" and "Standing By" would be a couple of Avi's and you can hear a similar approach as in "Change on the Rise". This is not a stretch for him at all. He did not start singing much until after his voice dropped and the high school music director was excited to hear it and became a mentor for his sound. Prior to the Pentatonix opportunity Avriel (Avi) Kaplan, was a student of classical music and opera trying to decide between being a choral director or an opera singer. He had according to a patreon discussion that he did had just decided to go with opera before the Sing-Off opportunity came up. However he has also said in an interview after leaving Pentatonix that he was going to be a choral director so pick one I don't think he had decided yet. He plays guitar and composes and arranges music for choral and a cappella to this day. In 2008 he joined Fermata Nowhere, a group that became the first community college a cappella entrants to win the ICCA. Avi won an award for “Best Rhythm Section.” which the ICCA had changed to allow them to award it to a vocal bass. Avi later joined Sincopation, a jazz ensemble that won the Monterey Jazz Festival Competition in his first year. He had performed at venues worldwide, including New York City's Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. In 2014 he, along with Ben Bram and Rob Dietz, founded the A Cappella Academy in Los Angeles that accepts students from around the world. Fund raising live streams by Avi have always been a major part of their financing. His original composition "The Seed" was arranged by Rob Dietz for choir and performed by them. Due to the reneging on the award of a record contract to Pentatonix after the Sing-Off competition that they won at the end of 2011 Avi and Kevin Olusola became roommates. This actually was a happy accident because they wound up composing music for Pentatonix together. Kevin Olusola, the group's beatboxer, is a Yale graduate (pre-med). He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, loves classical music, and plays piano, cello, and saxophone. He had performed at Carnegie Hall twice as soloist on the cello and saxophone and has appeared on NPR’s “From The Top.” In 2009, he won second place in an international cello competition hosted by Yo-Yo Ma. In 2011, his “Julie-O” RU-vid video was featured by CBS, AOL, Huffington Post and the Washington Post, among others. He was named one of 100 “History Makers in the Making” by TheGrio and was chosen by Quincy Jones to represent him in concert at the 2012 Montreux Jazz Festival alongside Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea. I include Kevin's musical background as an influence on Kaplan over 6 years of composing and arranging together. Avi Kaplan was burned out with the pace of Pentatonix and exhibiting all the usual signs of that including anxiety, depression etc. plus his mother had cancer and he was flying home between performances all over the world to be with her. It got to be too much and he quit Pentatonix and took a full year off from music entirely beginning in September 2017 and moved from L.A. to Nashville. Change On the Rise's background vocals, clapping etc were all done by Avi layered he disclosed in a livestream. He has rearranged Change on the Rise for live performance with drums, guitar and organ with a less intense vibe as a popular audience sing along component of his sets. Additionally Change on the Rise is the theme song for a new documentary Apple podcast series, Relative Unknown. Avi has written and released quite a bit of music beginning in 2017 while still with Pentatonix under the name Avriel and the Sequoias. Still very into harmonies although written for 3 parts instead of 5 now. His "Fields and Pier" is interesting and at one point he is harmonizing himself with Kevin's cello. His vocal range the last time anyone tried to determine it from his published work through this year of 2020, developed 9 months ago, is C1 - C#5. His composition varies widely in style within that "Americana" category. He has one "The Summit" that seriously reminds me of Seals and Crofts for example. His first E.P. "I'll Get By" under his own name did quite well on several Billboard charts reflecting that diversity. Alternative New Artist Albums Sales chart at #2 and its Top New Artist Albums Sales chart at #3. The 7-track set landed at #6 on the Americana/Folk chart, #13 on the Current Alternative Albums chart and #16 on the Current Rock Albums chart. He has done only 2 covers. One of "Hey Ya!" done in bluegrass of all things while still with Pentatonix and one just recently of Bill Withers "Lean on Me" Avi's proceeds on that last one being donated to the Equal Justice Initiative. Several acoustic versions of songs have been released during quarantine from his home. Then the pandemic shutdown hit and his touring was canceled from April on so we will see what happens next.

Avi wrote and sang this. He fought depression and came out stronger. Sadly missed in pentatonix, but such a gift

All voices/harmonies are his. He was in high school, and college choir and special smaller ensembles. Who would not want him as a bass in their choir? He had no idea he could sing until he was studying for his bar mitzva. His Rabbi heard him and told him he had a great voice. Thanks to his Rabbi, we can hear Avi today!

Can't remember where it was, but I saw a comment where someone described Avi's voice as a flowing river of dark chocolate.

I've read that all the background vocals are his layered. The only instruments are the tambourine and organ, and yes, he wrote and composed it all. Most of his solo stuff is in more of the folk genre as that is the music he was raised with and has taken the most influence from. Much of his music is basically him doing it all, and because he has such a ridiculous range for someone who is a true bass, it makes it that much more impressive... Thanks so much for the reaction..... loved it, as always!

I think he did it all on his own. Im pretty sure all the singing is done by him only, it’s crazy. This is my favorite song from him. This feels like it could be part of a Viking soundtrack

I swear he is calling Viking breathren and the Norse gods with that voice

Yes he composed it, arranged it, did most of the backing vocals himself. My wife and I have seen him live and he does a nice show along with several members of Street Corner Symphony as his backing band. He has a number of singles on his channel here on YT.

I don't know how many realize that this song is about the Underground Railroad. Avi really knocks this one out of the ballpark!

"Change On the Rise" is the first song on Avi's EP "I'll Get Bye". The whole EP is a work of art!

Love Avi Kaplan, i looked him up and found that his two biggest influences were Simon & Garfunkel and John Denver which you can definitely here in the words of the songs he does. His vocals are so good, you hear the emotion in his voice and his work is just outstanding.

It wasn't his health issues it was his mothers. She had breast cancer and he was very close to her and couldn't be with her as much as he wanted.

To me, this song should be played at EVERY protest march! It jazz you up!

He did write and arrange this. He sang opera in college and was very under-used in Pentatonix. I love his solo work! The richness and passion in his voice just shake the soul!

This is a war chant. Jubilee, as a historical concept, happened every... I want to say 50 years? And whatever historical land your family owned that you had been forced to sell was returned to you. In theory. Sometimes whoever had bought the land didn't want to let it go. So to me, I hear this war cry to fend off the enemy, sing out the jubilee, and take back our modern day 'territory' of treating human beings like incredibly precious and unique treasures. I have this song on a playlist, and I listen to it when I feel like I need to join the fight against people thinking any person is worth more or less than anyone else. Love Avi, love this song. Check out 'Otherside' the official music video is great.

Yes, Avi wrote, arranged, did all the layering of vocals, and all sounds except for the organ and tambourine in the bridge. He wrote several songs while he was still in PTX, and recorded them before he left, releasing the EP shortly after announcing he'd be leaving. That EP was under the name Avriel & The Sequoias, some of the cuts done with 3 friends (such as his cover of "Hey Ya!"). After departing PTX in September 2017, he took off almost a year to travel and hike the mountains and forests, to recalibrate himself and determine his path. He returned to his cabin in the woods near Nashville and began to work past the depression he'd been feeling, pouring it into the music he began writing, including "Change". All of the songs on his 2019 EP "I'll Get By" are mini-masterpieces, and show not only his opera and composition training from college, but they also serve to bare his soul . My personal favorite on the EP is "Full Moon", a haunting piece that he changes up when he does it live (The studio version has beautiful instrumentation.). But pick any of the 7 songs, and you'll be blown away. By the way, Avi is awesome live. I went to 3 of his shows in 2019, recording all 3 (they're on a playlist on my YT channel). When he's able to reschedule the tour that had to be cancelled this year, if he plays anywhere near you, go. Just go.

Please react to Avi & Peter Hollens “Black is the Color of my True Loves Hair”

Avi loves playing guitar, composing and arranging music (including choir and a capella) and is training in opera. Along with classical music, Avi's singing voice was low in several vocal jazz and contemporary a capella groups in the last 7 years.

Avi started writing and performing in coffee houses when he was 16 or so. Taught himself to play the guitar. And has created an amazing body of work so far. I would recommend Quarter Past Four Hey Ya Fields and Pier From his Avriel and the Sequoias EP to get an idea of his tremendous range. Then absolutely everything from then on. You won't find a more eclectic, singer/songwriter anywhere. And it's all powerful...all of it.

Please do a reaction to Peter Hollens and Avi Kaplan singing Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair - absolutely stunning vocals!

This is not only one of my favorite songs of all time, but it is also my favorite song to cover. Lyrical genius. Avi is a personal hero.

Yes he wrote it and does the backing vocals. It is, I think, his anthem for his impetus to move past Pentatonix to greater fulfillment.

"Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair - Peter Hollens & Avi Kaplan" is a must, it's brilliant.

I could listen to avi all day

Saw him live in London in January 2020 Just right before the whole Rona really hit bad... He is Just glorious live!

I saw Avi live in a small venue just before quarentine hit. His voice and stage presence are mesmerizing.

Avi wrote most of his solo music, excluding such obvious covers as Lean on Me, House of the Rising Sun, and Hey Ya, in this and in most of his newer solo music (excluding the music recorded under Avriel and the Sequoias, released before he left Pentatonix). He does sing all the parts on this and most if not all these newer releases. His major musical influence growing up was folk music.

I'll Get By, is another, his music says so much and if you had it on repeat would still be working listening to it. so gonna get his album as soon as i have some money.

Was then first song of Avi that I was listening too solo and it gave me goosebumps. For some reason it reminds me of a song about revolution.For people to stand up again the lies and the darkness the ones in power put upon us.Strong and powerful song.

When Avi wrote this song, not even he knew what kind of awful year 2020 was going to be for most of the world. I think of the last part of this song as a call for a positive change in 2021. As if we were all refined by the fire so to speak, and we will be better for the experience to appreciate all of the blessings coming soon. It is hope that fills my heart to keep me wanting to continue this journey called life. I myself cannot get enough of Avi's music. His voice and music heals my soul like none other. I suggest "Chains", "Otherside", "I'll Get By" or "Born in California" for you to experience.

I recommend you listen to his other solo works, also - every single song he does has a different vibe, but it's all AVI. The Summit, Hey Ya, Aberdeen (original as well as his alternative version), Field and Pier, Get Down, I'll Get By, his cover for Lean On Me, etc. I don't believe you'll be disappointed!

This is closer to who Avi is - and always was - as an artist. He was amazing as part of Pentatonix, of course, but he had to fit in with their vibe rather than express himself, and I think that was what fed into a lot of his anxiety, even before his mother was battling cancer (which was the other reason he left, so that he could be there for her during that time.)

you should watch his behind the song videos. short and sweet but really let you know where he was coming from and how he was feeling when her wrote these songs.

I REALLY hope you'll react to more Avi's originals! Thank you for this one ☺️

Yes, he did write and arrange it as well He was the choir-assisted harmony as he laid down tracks himself. He also wrote It know Me and Chains. They are on an EP released back in Feb when he signed with Fantasy Records. On the EP, he did a phenomenal cover of Lean on Me. Bill would be proud! So please check those out as well.

Holy shit, i just clicked on a random reaction and it's Avi. I haven't heard him for a long time, years since i even listened to Pentatonix. I love it.

I read somewhere that Avi wrote this before he joined PTX in 2011, so around 2009/2010 maybe. His deep rumbling bass on the backing track is awesome. I also read he does a similar thing for the Bladerunner 2049 soundtrack too.

He sang all the layered vocals, even the high ones. He also composed it. His others songs are more like folk, but I love it. I would watch quarter past four.

If you want to hear another solo song that from him I recommend Otherside. He again has a backing chorus with minimal instrumentation but it’s cool to contrast with this song because Change on the Rise is very intense and heavy, while Otherside sounds much more light and airy.

Hey DJ! Glad to see you getting back into reaction vids even with your electronic trials. It was this song and arrangement of Avi's that caused me to look deeper, and much like another poster has very eloquently shared, has a massive history prior to PTX. He did burn out with road life, and personal struggles. It was a sad day when he left PTX, but I think both he and PTX have benefited from it. Matt, the new bass seems a better fit, and Avi has returned to his passion of folk, thought provoking music. His music is very emotional, ethereal, and personal. It makes you feel. Another great reaction boss, keep it up. When time allows, check out more Avi. You won't be disappointed.

Now ...for a really masterful display or harmony ...layering ..chords and almost discordant sometimes startling work ....you simple MUST see Avi's colab with Peter Hollens. The did a duet ( though tracked and layered but strictly vocal) masterpiece called "Black is the color of my tru love's hair" ... dont miss it. It is very different but a really technical piece ...though it takes a bit of familiarity and training I. Music to not just dismiss it as a nice folk tune.

Starting to research Avi Kaplan's music is a one-way journey. Wonderful musician, singer, songwriter and more. He is fantastic!

He has a very different style than PTX but both are amazing. Avi works more in the folk genre, very much connected to nature which is where his heart belongs. One of the reasons he left PTX was because they were going such a fast pace and due to that he wasn't able to be at home and in nature as much as he needed and wanted to be. Him leaving was heartbreaking for sure but listening to the music he created after that (basically all his solo stuff - highly recommend) just shows that this was the right choice for him. And as a big Avi fan I want nothing more than for him to be happy. His music is so heartfelt, pretty deep at times and hauntingly beautiful. Listening to it feels like it's setting you free from all the struggles you have. And his music videos are absolutely STUNNING. Please check out more of his stuff, he deserves it. My favorites are "I'll Get By", "Sweet Adeline Pt. 2", "Chains" "Aberdeen". Not all of them have music videos but they are worth a listen nonetheless.

I highly recommend some of his earlier solo music as well. Try Aberdeen (Alt version vinyl spin), and I'll Get By.

Avi can sing anything...one of the best..

I was fortunate to see Avi live 2 years ago. Hands down one of the best live shows I have attended. This song was one of my favs live! Cannot wait to see him live again!!

Omg! First time hearing Avi on his own. WOW! I stopped what i was doing. Enthralling! 😍 Thank you for doing this one. WOW

So tribal! Yes he wrote it. He is a great composer! He layered it all. I think I read somewhere he layered more than 4 times. Could be mistaken, so don't quote me on that. I love this and all of his songs and poems. Scott tried to get him to record this when he was in PTX. But as it turned out it was a great starter for his own story! Avi is a special, talented spiritual person. See some of his other songs. Thanks for reacting! Happy Holidays!

"Otherside" is probably my favourite of his solo work so far, it's incredibly beautiful, even the video is wonderfully shot. I'd absolutely recommend a listen.

Yes, it's all him. He wrote the song, composed the music, and sang all the vocals.

I am 100% in love with this song. I can imagine this song being in a lord of the rings movie. I have no doubt that this song will be used in future movies.

You need to watch his live version. Avi and that voice 😍

Ooh! I can feel his Jewish soul searching for meaning and purpose - crying out for change brother - very Jewish boy temple singing vibe ❤️😍

Great reaction. I love Avi and I love to watch others who appreciate his work. You might take a look at It Knows Me. I thinks it's his best piece and it doesn't get reacted to very much. Really deep lyrics.

haha, all Avi, all the time! Great reaction, thanks so much! I only hope it's just the beginning of your exploration of Avi's solo work.

Yes, I believe he composed, arranged, sang backups, did the clapping percussion stuff, all of it as far as I know.

Yes, this is an original by Avi. Almost all of the songs in his solo catalog are originals, with only a couple of covers. He does all the background vocals in this song as well. I have listened to all three of Avi's solo albums about 20 times each over the last few months. They are all mini-masterpieces, and I have found what I keep describing as a "kindred spirit" in his solo music. I loved him in PTX, but I REALLY believe that leaving the group was the best thing for him. The "group dynamic" was holding him back in my opinion, and I don't think PTX could have done any of the songs on his solo work the way he has been able to do on his own, as it is VERY personal and introspective music.

Avi ROCKS God Bless Him

You've got a massive amount of background in the comments here. Can you tell how much we love this man😊. To add just a little Avi studied opera and composition (and graduated I believe), in college. He had been selected to join L.A. Opera when he got the call to be part of Pentatonix for The Song Off third season, which they won. The studies may account for the complexities of his music and skill.

Love this music. The summit and Aberdeen are favorites as well as it knows me

As usual, your reaction is enlightening regarding the technicalities of music. Very interesting.Oh...by the way;; his name is pronounced "Ah-vee". I've followed him since his departure from PTX and have loved every season of his solo work. If you listen carefully, you will definitely hear and see the differences; what he develops, and what he lets go. I hope to have the opportunity to see him live!

Check out his stripped down version of Born in California (his original) where he just sits on his bed, plays guitar, and sings. Amazing!

You should also check out his song Other Side. Easily one of my favorite songs to put on when I'm stressed out.

The alt version of his his song Chains is unbelievable too.

Love your take and dissection of this piece. It's instructional and compelling.

Between Pentatonix and his solo career, Avi released a few songs with a group called Avriel & The Sequoias. Their cover of Hey Ya! seems to be the most popular of their songs, and definitely my favorite. In fact, it's my favorite version of Hey Ya! as well.

I love Avi's voice soooo much, he is one of the best bass' around. If you want to check out a great band, react to Icon For Hire. They are a completely independent band with a loyal fan base. Hollow, Waste My Hate, Enemies, Venom, Suppsed to Be(I prefer the acoustic version), Fight, and Only A Memory are a few of my favorites.

It is a multi layering of just him. Good call there.

I am so very glad I woke up when I did! I clicked so fast on the link in my other comment. I am so glad you finally did this and loved it! I love me some Avi.

I am so thrilled you are doing this song. And your reaction didn’t disappoint

If you don't feel this is in your soul you don't have one only song I have listened to over and over

His voice is so pure!! ❤️❤️

Now that you've heard this one by Avi, go back and listen to Pentatonix "Standing BY". I think Avi and Kevin wrote it together and you can tell.

I'm happy that finally you've watched and reacted to Avi my Love's Change on the Rise🤧❤️

My favourite song of his is Otherside, it's so ethereal

Thank you. More Avi is always welcome. Others have already given the answers to your questions and comments similar to what I would make, so I won't repeat!

Now that it's officially Christmas season I wanted to request "Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame" by Voctave. An original Mashup that they absolutely killed.

Down here in South Georgia in the fall we burn off our pine needles. It is an incredible sight and with this song it makes it even more magical

This song would have fit in with the protest songs of the '60s. Do a search of him doing overtone in live Pentatonix concerts-Amazing! Have had this CD (I'm old!) in my car for 6 months running nonstop. Obsessed...

I mostly know Avi Kaplan from Pentatonix, but love to see the path he has chosen. Thanks for breaking it down!

Thanks for doing a great reaction to one of my favorite Avi songs!

Sounds like you may have a Gremlin /leprechaun. You may need a blessing or cleansing of the room. Sorry you're having trouble there. Glad you got to finally hear this. It was an amazing new song for his starting solo career. He did all the singing and it was him multilayered. That is such a powerful song. Good luck getting your equipment fixed.

Welcome back! I'm so sorry about your tech issues! IIRC, the only stuff in there that ISN'T Avi is the thrumming moment of organ and the tambourine.

This song should be part of Lucifer's OST for season 6!

He sings from his spirit,i to feel this change on the rise the Bible calls it the end time mortal quickening of mankinds flesh. Avi is gifted highly. Awesome review .

Everything you said - agree! The more you listen to his stuff, the more you realize how different it was from PTX. His choral and operatic background brought a special depth and richness to their music. A couple other Avi favorites for me are Quarter Past Four, posted right after leaving PTX, Aberdeen, another original, and Hey Ya, an Outkast cover. If you want to hear him say why he left PTX, there is a short video with all 5 of them sitting together while he explains it. It took about a month before I could watch it. Here's the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jCpg_GM6_l0.html If you want a good sense of how he fit into the group, check out PTX Evolution of Michael Jackson or PTX Thrift Shop or PTX Silent Night.

Please do a reaction on his earlier non-PTX songs, particularly the song called "Quarter Past Four". He had a group called Avriel and the Sequoias (which only lasted for some time) right after leaving PTX. And his songs there were so underrated but were really, really, really, good!

What to hear something really different? Check out the The HU - Wolf Totem. They are a Mongolian group and they make a sound like a didgeridoo. I think it is called throat singing. A link to their official video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jM8dCGIm6yc.html

Avi has matured in his voice.

Wow beautiful. Have you reacted to Dan Vasc singing Rollong in the deep? That’s too one of my favorite Love from Norway ❤

AVI KAPLAN has a new track out called FEEL ALRIGHT it’s more blues and the lower voice is back

Also check out Chains, Full Moon and Aberdeen. And check out Avi's appearance with Home Free on Ring Of Fire.

Please check out Aberdeen by Avi

You’ve got to see the video that Home Free did with Lee Greenwood and the singing sergeants. They’re revised version of God Bless the USA

Reminds me of the movie Glory and the soldiers prayer session.

look forward to your reactions. Take a listen to Avi's It Knows Me.

I miss him so much 😢😢😢

Its really "Southern Blues Gospel" vibe....sounds awesome!

Avi was in another group before he joined Pentatonix. He also appeared at Carnegie Hall with them...it may have been while at college. Anyway someone who knew him from that recommended him to Scott Hoying when PTX needed 5 members to qualify for The Sing Off. Scott invited Avi and Kevin and it all worked out. The PTX original 5 members were cast. Now about this video: Great !! I wish the video was just a shade lighter, I like watching the performance and much was lost in this lighting. I'll be listening to the song again...worth several plays.

Avi's cover of Hey Ya would be a great reacts video