Since the Japes released their first album in 2017—a mix of indie rock, jazz, and hip hop featuring three singers, a rapper, and instrumental tracks—the Japes established that defining them by genre would be futile. The following year, they released Salamander, an indie rock album featuring Dave Vives on vocals that the band wrote and recorded in a month while together touring in Australia. In 2019, the Japes released the radically different Downbeat Editors’ Pick, Book of Japes, an edgy and exploratory jazz album featuring NYC heavy hitters David Leon on Saxophone and Christian Li on keys.

Opening Act - Julia Zivic:

Julia wants you to stop what you’re doing and listen.

With inspirations ranging from the Beach Boys to Amy Winehouse, her music walks the tightrope between gentility and power, and it makes that balancing act look easy. Zivic’s simple chord progressions allow introspective lyrics and haunting melodies to shine in a way that rewards attentive listeners. And her multi-layered harmonies provide enough ear candy to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Zivic, a Taurus, was raised by a touring musician and a writer. Her Connecticut childhood, spent wandering through forests and bending the wind with her voice, trained her in creativity and self-expression. That training shows up everywhere in Julia’s music, which follows the listener like a kind spirit that reminds you everything’s going to be okay. 
 Julia Zivic was the vocalist, guitarist & lyricist for Progressive/Soul Band, Vinegar Mother, who decided to split in 2021. 
 She features on other projects & albums as well, lending her writing and vocals to friends she holds dear. Carrtoons, Jak Lizard, Yoh, Joanna Teters and more...