Local musician furthers career
Kristen DePalma
Issue date: 11/2/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Passion is a part of what makes us who we are, and it is what separates one aspiring person from the next as our enthusiasm and dedication shine through our work.
Michael Jordan had a passion for basketball, Van Gogh for art, and while many artists could be listed for having a passion for music, Joe Lapinski may be at the top of the list.
Lapinski is the singer/songwriter for the three-piece band Palooka, the managing chief of record label Yummy Recordings, musical director of Suitcase Point Theatre Company, and most recently, a solo artist.
"I wanted to explore ... doing something on my own, without a rock band behind me," said Lapinski. "Rather than [the music] being arranged and produced with a collective, it's 100 per cent me."
Having been active in the Niagara music scene for over five years, Lapinski decided to become even more involved by helping other local musicians; and thus, the idea for St. Catharines record label, Yummy Recordings was born in 1999.
"I've always done [recording]. These days it's more about me being able to produce something entirely by myself and to have the means to do it," said Lapinski. "You have the natural aspect of recording songs; there's nothing forceful about it."
Lapinski keeps himself busy, and for him, taking a break from music would be taking a break from life. Palooka took a short hiatus while its bass player became a father, which gave Lapinski the time he needed to pursue his solo career. Some of the songs on the record, Here are the Postcards I Forgot to Send to You, were originally written for the soundtrack of a theatre production, while others are written about life experiences.
"There are some love themes and some travel themes [on the album]. A lot of the lyrics I wrote on this album are from some traveling that I did across Canada," said Lapinski. "So there is a sense of adventure, a sense of newness and awe in the songs."
The solo record allowed Lapinski to explore ideas on his own, and also to see his songwriting in a new light.
"I follow the philosophy of, 'if it's not making you happy, don't do it,'" said Lapinski. "A lot of the music, when I'm writing it, if it's not making me feel anything, or good or satisfied, then I try a different angle with it. I try and live that in day-to-day life with everything."
Lapinski's devotion to music is notably admirable, and he won't be retiring anytime soon. Palooka will expand musically with their recently released EP and deal with Zunior Records, while Yummy Recordings continues to grow. A second solo album will be in the works in the not-too-distant future - and look out for Lapinski's live shows.
"Everything seems to be going smoothly," said Lapinski. "[At the CD-release party show] there will be a few surprises. I guess you'll have to wait and see."
See Joe Lapinski's official CD release party show on Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. at The Niagara Artist's Company, with special guests Magna Cum Loud and Edwin Conroy.
Michael Jordan had a passion for basketball, Van Gogh for art, and while many artists could be listed for having a passion for music, Joe Lapinski may be at the top of the list.
Lapinski is the singer/songwriter for the three-piece band Palooka, the managing chief of record label Yummy Recordings, musical director of Suitcase Point Theatre Company, and most recently, a solo artist.
"I wanted to explore ... doing something on my own, without a rock band behind me," said Lapinski. "Rather than [the music] being arranged and produced with a collective, it's 100 per cent me."
Having been active in the Niagara music scene for over five years, Lapinski decided to become even more involved by helping other local musicians; and thus, the idea for St. Catharines record label, Yummy Recordings was born in 1999.
"I've always done [recording]. These days it's more about me being able to produce something entirely by myself and to have the means to do it," said Lapinski. "You have the natural aspect of recording songs; there's nothing forceful about it."
Lapinski keeps himself busy, and for him, taking a break from music would be taking a break from life. Palooka took a short hiatus while its bass player became a father, which gave Lapinski the time he needed to pursue his solo career. Some of the songs on the record, Here are the Postcards I Forgot to Send to You, were originally written for the soundtrack of a theatre production, while others are written about life experiences.
"There are some love themes and some travel themes [on the album]. A lot of the lyrics I wrote on this album are from some traveling that I did across Canada," said Lapinski. "So there is a sense of adventure, a sense of newness and awe in the songs."
The solo record allowed Lapinski to explore ideas on his own, and also to see his songwriting in a new light.
"I follow the philosophy of, 'if it's not making you happy, don't do it,'" said Lapinski. "A lot of the music, when I'm writing it, if it's not making me feel anything, or good or satisfied, then I try a different angle with it. I try and live that in day-to-day life with everything."
Lapinski's devotion to music is notably admirable, and he won't be retiring anytime soon. Palooka will expand musically with their recently released EP and deal with Zunior Records, while Yummy Recordings continues to grow. A second solo album will be in the works in the not-too-distant future - and look out for Lapinski's live shows.
"Everything seems to be going smoothly," said Lapinski. "[At the CD-release party show] there will be a few surprises. I guess you'll have to wait and see."
See Joe Lapinski's official CD release party show on Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. at The Niagara Artist's Company, with special guests Magna Cum Loud and Edwin Conroy.
