Written by: Cait Elizabeth - March 2019
Edited by: Travis Ryan

INTRODUCTIONS

Grampfather is a mixed-breed band in a sea full of purists. Stirring together a punk rock attitude, laid back folk vibe, and a few key life lessons, they’ve created their own lovable mutt. Their sound brings me back to nostalgic lazy summer days where everything is a little dusty and comfortably worn-in. Grampfather’s current lineup is comprised of James Kwapisz (guitar/vocals/bass), Rick Katterman (bass), and Dan Shapiro (drums). Originating in 2013 as a guitar-and-drums duo with a math rock focus, the band has seen some lineup changes and sound evolution over the years. These days, they blend psychedelic and surfer rock elements together with a touch of distortion that makes for a dreamy yet summery feeling.

While their first album Pipes (2015) features a heavier garage rock feel, the band changed direction somewhat with their second release, Gramps of Wrath (2017). Many of their songs deal with relationships — my personal favorite is “Free Love”, which is both a commentary on dating culture and the heartbreak of rejection. At some point we’ve all felt like we’re a commodity, always being passed up for something that looks shinier. Grampfather’s anticipated third album The Gramp Stamp builds on the themes of Gramps of Wrath but adds a mellower, jazzier tone. This third chapter of Grampfather history was recorded when the band’s roster was in particular flux. James Kwapisz, original member and songwriter, shared that “there are various musicians on this album that are not in the new lineup. I loved working with these artists and love how the album came out.”
“Para Ti”, the first track off of the soon to be released The Gramp Stamp, is their favorite song to play at the moment. In contrast to their songs about love lost or tongue-in-cheek jokes, “Para Ti” is a celebration of being in and falling in love. Aw.

TOURS & SHOWS

A Northeastern summer tour took place in 2015, stopping in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Burlington, New Paltz, and Brooklyn. With the pressures of grad school ever looming, Grampfather has been playing Long Island, Hudson Valley, and NYC at venues like The Knitting Factory and Gold Sounds in Brooklyn to stay close to home. May brings a more open schedule and Grampfather expects to be on the road again soon.

SUBSCRIBE & SUPPORT

FACEBOOK
Bandcamp
Spotify

INSPIRATION & INFLUENCES

Grampfather is often compared to Modest Mouse and Pavement, and their eclectic taste is evidenced by the many genres they explore in the music they create. The band lists The Dodos, Broken Social Scene, and Velvet Underground as some of their favorites.

The name Grampfather came from friends teasing James Kwapisz for some of his more old-fashioned ways. His habit of occupying rocking chairs with books and “whistling old jingles on the wind” caught him the Grampfather nickname, and he embraced it fully.