Yiannis Kapoulas

Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Yiannis Kapoulas is an artist that is impossible to define. He continues to break new ground with his infectious blend of ethno-fusion – a unique sound that runs the gamut of influences from Latin, Jazz, World, Classical and Funk. He tours extensively with a 6-piece ensemble comprised of top-talent from Toronto and Montreal; and plays a multitude of stringed instruments with agility, speed, precision and a passion that has been awing music fans at countless festivals across the Province.

A Hamilton native of Greek decent, Yiannis Kapoulas’ earliest memory of music is of the many hours he spent deconstructing a traditional Zeimbekiko melody and mapping it out as a mathematical pattern – it seemed to be a puzzle that simply needed to be unraveled. He was 4-years old at the time. Soon after, Yiannis came to discover the special connection he has with the music. Never having imagined doing anything other than making music, Yiannis has always approached music with a single-minded focus, an obsession to perfect his skill level to match the music he hears within and around him.

This musical drive was fostered in a thriving family of musicians. Yiannis’ paternal grand-father played the Mandolino and wrote songs right until his death at age 104. At age 5, Yiannis first took to the stage along side his father George, and elder bother Angelo. The Kapoulas’ band was a popular ensemble engaged for Greek weddings and festivals across the country. Many years later, George parlayed his ear for music and knack for wood-working when, at Yiannis’ request, he went on to design and hand-craft a one-of-a-kind instrument that would optimize Yiannis’ unstoppable versatility and speed. Now identified as Yiannis’ signature instrument, the Ethno III is carved from spruce wood and features ebony inlays in both the neck and fret boards. The three distinct, exotic sounds afforded by the E-III emulate the lush and melodies tones of the Bouzouki, Saz, and Cumbus.

After high school, Yiannis set out on his own, leaving his home and family in Canada and moving to Greece. Night after night was spent honing his skills by performing for Greek audiences who refused to consider that this Canadian transplant could actually have a feel for their traditional music. Yiannis persevered and eventually came to the attention of Greece’s crème de la crème of music. A move to the country’s bustling capitol saw Yiannis quickly establish a reputation as a sought after session player, a reputation that lead to multiple opportunities to write and produce for high-profile artists. At the height of his career, Yiannis’ beloved mother Rosalia passed away. It was a traumatic event that changed the trajectory of not only his musical success but which continues to inspire everything Yiannis has written and recorded to date.

MEDIA TESTIMONIALS
”Toronto concert-goers got a chance to experience Yiannis' trademark eclectic sound and witness his fiery-finger work, augmented by two expressive dancers, at a rare club performance at the temple of Latin music, the Lula Lounge last night.”

Douglas Brown, Photographer / Editor, Torontowide.com

“North York's Kapoulas masters many instruments - and makes his own.”
Fannie Sunshine, The North York Mirror / insidetoronto.com

“An immense musical talent and virtuoso.”
George Trialonis, Producer Edo Kai Tora, OMNI 1 TV

“Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Yiannis Kapoulas is an artist that is impossible to define.”
Victoria Lord, VLPR, Publicist

“A one-man fusion band...... His fingers are so fast and versatile that no single instrument can accommodate them.”
John Goddard, Staff Reporter, The Toronto Star / thestar.com

“Primarily self-taught, the speed and accuracy with which Yiannis moves from instrument to instrument is awe-inspiring, particularly when performed on his signature instrument, The Ethno III.”
Kiki Serdaridis, The Greek Press