Metalhead reacts to AVI KAPLAN - "It Knows Me" | First Time Hearing

[@michellecole6325]

It's part of a lot of Avi's songs...starts out with some darkness/trouble, and then he works through it to a positive. Gives us hope!

[@Sandy-be8wq]

Avi suffers from anxiety and so do I, so my take (for what it is worth is: Your mind races faster then you can make since of the thoughts going by and can be debilitating (chaining one down I suppose). I used mediation also to help me in a lot of areas in life and when one is able to quiet the mind its amazing what you visualize, no drugs required lol Not saying he has used or not, I do not know that, but for myself I do not. Secondly...we all have our sins to cart around may even weigh us down at times. This is one of my favorites of his, so meaningful for so many, and so inspiring I love this guy to pieces!

[@ellenhofrath]

The video reminds me on late Beatles videos like yellow submarine or strawberry fields. Chasing the tiger is a synonym for fighting depression. It's about the process of fighting d and the restrictions of hus former life. He got rid of the burdens, so his imagination and creativity is free again. Knowing d can come back. But he faced his path and knows his darkness and his dark parts know him.

[@DayneTreader]

With a lot of Avi's songs, I have gotten the vibe that he is fighting his inner demons, and that he has been doing so for a considerable time. I know that he was struggling a bit after he left Pentatonix, and clearly also at the time of the music video's creation.

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

I think the problem is its such a drastic jump from what he's been doing. The artist who created this uses these images in much of his work. Once you see some of his other videos you realize that these images relate much more to Mertcan than to Avi.

[@brandeemiller5646]

I see the video as what he's concentrating as he's meditating. For example, when he says that he's fighting desire, we see part of a tiger. The tiger is sometimes used a symbol for strength and willpower, so that would make sense. He's trying to use his willpower to fight the negative things in his life, but it's not a complete tiger since he hasn't won the fight yet. Just a little bit afterward, we see him surrounded by bars and walls (could be a prison of his own making/mind), and he's trying to meditate to free himself of those prison. Often in meditation, we try to cleanse ourselves of what is holding us back and push ourselves a little further out into the world. So I see the outer space/nature items as what happens when he's freeing his mind. It's trippy, but I really like the video. And I love his voice. I just found your channel. Keep making the great videos! Of course, this is just what I make of it all and could be completely wrong.

[@brandeemiller5646]

Sorry, my grammar here is horrible. I see all the typos now that I posted!

[@gregsteele806]

This is some next level, trippy, Yellow Submarine type sh*t right here.

[@fionacrouch1732]

Thank you for our dose of Avi. Love it!

[@korozcorivera]

Here's another Avi recommendation for you. He is featured on the PTX Christmas song O Come, O Come Emmanuel and he makes it completely different from all the other PTX Christmas songs. I think you would love the sound.

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

He's Jewish and his brother lives in Israel. His interpretation would be a bit different from the standard Christian reaction.

[@mrschappy8138]

Listening to the song, catching the video for the first time - waited for Jase!

[@mike_gusta2994]

You should watch ptx their "No" cover. Avi is killing it with his low and loooong notes.

[@juliemorgan7685]

Love this, the video was amazing.

[@tiger_3723]

I think the video is about a journey. Like, at first its a journey inside his mind and then he wanders space and time, but its his journey with himself- everything he likes about himself, everything he doesn't like, what he's struggled with and what he's done wrong

[@VictoriaMurray7490]

This is incredible live - I saw it in Glasgow

[@VictoriaMurray7490]

Avi told us before singing this, was that he'd struggled in the past and after soul searching and coming out on the other side (both in going solo and with himself) that he wrote this song to give us some of the strength that he found. The whole church venue we were in, ended up singing this so loudly and clapping so wildly because you could feel the strength he was trying to give us through his own journey and freeing of his chains etc. I think the chess board/ pieces/ knight is meant to be the "game of life", tertris is meant to be "how you have to fit in with society etc", the eyes could be the pressure of everyone watching, scruntinising, social media etc... and then he was literally in the prison of his mind but meditating helped to free him of that. He's been very vocal about forrests, meditation, song writing and time outside in general helping his mental health.

[@charlottevan_8]

You're not alone, Jase. A lot of us are scratching our heads over the video. I know it was a stylistic choice, retro back to The Beatles for example, but it didn't quite connect to the song for me.

[@janetranslates]

Love this song so much, but I'm glad I had heard the song (many times!) before I saw the video. All I know for sure is that Avi loves dragons--and those were dragonflies flying along beside him. And those asteroids are definitely potatoes.

[@marybrown6128]

I'm right there with you, love the song but I haven't done enough drugs either to get any of the symbolism. Hopefully there will be a behind the scenes making of video from Avi to help us understand. Interesting artwork though. I think the bee is significant to the story somehow, I want to know what it represents......worries, fears, annoyances?? Or maybe it's something positive. It's the only constant besides Avi, well that and maybe the eyes. Guess we need to wait to find out.

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Fantasy records just posted something about this and lean on me. This link should get you there fantasyrecordings.com/avi-kaplan-travels-through-time-and-space-in-new-music-video-for-it-knows-me/

[@chrisabel1833]

@@Lookinforrealmusic Thanks for posting this. It's a short read, but the key paragraph is "Avi on the inspiration behind the video: “‘It Knows Me’ speaks to how we deal with the darkness that is in all of us. The video is a fantastical representation of what might go on in one’s mind when they are dealing with those kinds of emotions. It was such a beautiful experience to collaborate with Mertcan and see him bring the concept to fruition. It has always been a dream of mine to have an animated video and he truly went above and beyond what I imagined it could be.” "

[@alismith105]

Omg . Your too funny. Not nearly enough drugs!! Love you videos as always x

[@courtneyvn9824]

When are we getting a personal playlist reveal?? It'd be interesting to see what songs YOU would recommend!

[@jasenyoface7555]

Good idea. Stay tuned

[@courtneyvn9824]

Awesome!! 😁

[@sylviaschaich]

I dont know the meaning ,too but maybe its pictures from his Meditation ?

[@penny1348]

I like your honest reaction.

[@kimsowles4044]

I love this song ❤️ but I too am clueless about the meaning of the images in the video 🤣 (I tend to take things at face value and not look for other meaning behind what is said so that might be my problem)

[@calipidgious]

I think he's seeing through his third eye while meditating. Very much metaphysical. Incould be totally off though

[@darrenwilley1514]

The way you have jumped on the whole Pentatonix family, if you haven't checked out Rozzi Crane yet, it's time you do. She put out a vid with Scott and Mitch covering Sam Smith's "Stay With Me".....you HAVE to see it. Once you've heard young Rozzi, you will chase her videos down all over as well!

[@judyharrison9844]

It is a confession.

[@nathanbroshar2484]

I'd like to recommend a group/song. Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band, "You Can't Steal My Shine." Haven't heard anything from this group that wasn't amazing. They do a southern blues / rockabilly that is amazing.

[@WhiteDove82]

If you have not gotten a recommendation to view Rag 'n Bone Man, I highly suggest him. Human is the most popular, but he's got lots if great songs.

[@pamelaholcombe441]

I agree with some of the others, with the racing thoughts n so on. I also hear grace n being set free. Avi is Jewish. So I feel like the darkness being that he got away from his belief n the being back in the light. Chains being broken, which the Lord does when you live for him..

[@SC_Shemar104]

Please react to Pentatonix new medley called Home, it’s about quarantine and staying home. You’ll definitely like it.

[@tamaradarmon76]

Can you react to the Snappers feeling good, I found pretty cool and i really want to know your advise.

[@tamaradarmon76]

Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4e5aKluYsd9rqc

[@sendy3472]

Please do a reaction to NF - Nate🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@leeanne7169]

I'm with you...I didn't get it either!

[@calhoun1968]

Okay then, go watch the; The Beetles, "Yellow Submarine"......

[@colejack77]

Do a reaction to NF Returns

[@justlinsu]

I love this song and it's lyrics are very deep. But the video for me doesn't make me 'feel' ....it's interesting and I can appreciate the symbolism but ......no it's not speaking to me.... Maybe I'm getting too old and want to just see his face and feel his emotions...anyways as always loved your 'reaction' you asked as many questions as I did lol

[@karlaa5977]

Is it just me? The video seems to depict being imprisoned in some way, but in your mind you can always be free. *shrug*

[@craigchong3577]

avi was trippin

[@ilonahesseling4821]

No. Avi was going through some very difficult times.

[@debhouckscraftycottage9288]

Okay, I may not have it right either, but I get that all that weirdness is in his mind, holding him back, chaining him down so to speak. In the end, he is freed of the chains, and I guess negatives going on in his mind (whatever "it" knows about him), and is free to open his eyes and move forward. Could be totally wrong. There IS a lot going on in that video and he's been tossing pieces of it out each day this week on IG, Twitter, and Facebook. I had to watch it about 4 times so far and found different stuff every time. I think we need an interview with Avi to interpret it all. :-) Thanks for reacting. This sure was a different type of video for Avi, huh?!

[@tanyanguyen3704]

Deb Houck's Crafty Cottage - part of it is just the animator. It’s his style.

[@jeantonelle]

I don't get the video at all, but this is one of my favorite songs of his. Maybe it's him meditating on the many wonders in the world and his battles through life since at the end, he comes out of his meditation and opens his eyes. Whatever the video means, i love this song.

[@Mossy-Rock]

To me, this was introspective walk through one's life, reflecting back on what we have done, what we have felt, what we have learned and where we are heading. No drugs required here.

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

This was such a sharp change from Avi's previous videos I had to look up the illustrator. Mertcan Mertbilek is pretty famous & uses these kinds of images in lots of his work. Once I knew that I realized this is an art piece. It's as much about Mertcan as it is about Avi.

[@carolm2425]

I'm new here. I caught and liked your reaction to a Hamilton clip, and I followed your reaction videos to PTX. Love them!!! And now I'm obsessed with Avi. He brings so much to his music...that rich beautiful bass voice and insightful lyrics, to name a couple. But to me, his inwardly focused, honest, and open examination of himself is what is so healing about his music. He doesn't judge others; he's just trying to get through this life in his own truth, changing along the way as he needs to. At least that's how he makes me feel. He's mesmerizing!!! So THANK YOU AVI for sharing your gift. And thank yo Jase

[@musicalmark]

I interpret a lot of this song through the lens of a lot of the New Age spirituality and Western interpretations of Hinduism/Buddhism/Jainism that has been developing in the last few years. The pose the cartoon Avi is sitting in is nearly identical to some of the poses you see the statues of the Buddha sitting in. Several times, the lyrics use word choices I associate with that type of spirituality and so on and so forth. The art style (especially with the flowers at the beginning) is also very similar to the art styles used in Classical Indian religious art (that is the Indian subcontinent, not the American First Nations). The philosophy of the song seems to be very much leaning into the ideas of a Universal Spirit that is everything is part of and is a part of everything. I could be totally wrong, but that is what I interpret from the lyrics and artistic choices.

[@professionalvampire1]

I see a lot of Pagan themes in his music, but that's probably because I'm a Pagan.

[@tanyanguyen3704]

I love when people hear these lyrics. It’s ....it hits everyone.

[@veredwg]

What a trip in Avi's mind. Blows me away. Greetings from Tel-Aviv..

[@johnallen869]

Great song! The video reminded me of something Pink Floyd would do.

[@julyriver8851]

4:07 😂 I guess we have to talk to Mertcan Mertbilek, who's the Visual Artist behind this. "It Knows Me" is my favourite song from Avi's latest EP, btw. Sooo good! The arrangement, the lyrics, his voice. Perfect! Nice reaction! 🤘🖤

[@tanyanguyen3704]

Have you checked out his other videos. They are crazy! Good, but crazy! He has one for Santana that just looks like some 1960s drug trip. I love him now. Never heard of him before, and went on a rabbit hole last night.

[@emt40ish]

This is good. Alternate arrangement out 3 days ago. GOOD

[@ilichiregius2884]

It's just my opinion, but I think that when an artist performs a new song and has a music video associated with it, that we don't "get" at first watching it's just our chance to watch it over and over again to give it our own interpretation.

[@jasenyoface7555]

For something like this, 100% agree. I've already watched it again once!

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

A reference really helps. The artist has a really strong resume. His work uses these symbols a lot, not just for Avi's video. This is an art piece created by Mertcan Mertbilek. If you look at his work for Santana or Billy Strings,'away from the mire' you will see Mertcan's work and have a much better reference fro what he did for Avi

[@richtsje9961]

I love the song and the video , eventhough I don't get every part of it ( you're not the only one :) ) . I think/hope he's going to explain things in a Behind the Song .

[@PegDemaine1]

The video reminds me of Yellow Submarine from the Beatles.

[@gailseatonhumbert9199]

Very much like it.

[@juliemorgan7685]

Since you watched a bit of one musical, Hamilton, how about Superfruits take on Defying Gravity from another, Wicked, Mitchs voice is amazing on it.

[@livus3787]

"It" is everywhere and watches your every step and 'know you' / the insects as I see is a returning motiv in the video/illustrator artist's other works as well, and in my opinion it's very much like a firefly, which in this case could symbolize hope (what many of his songs are about) and they are picking up and helping carry useful pieces of past, but I could be wrong of course and it's just a fun colorful video with the video artist's own, free interpretation (knights coming in when Avi sings "I've held the sword") universal symbols to universal lyrics 😊 the jurney, self awareness, etc. plus we don't necessarily need to understand evvvverything 😋 What I like is that the songs lyrics sounds heavy what he made it light and hopeful with the whistles, and this simplistic, almost "childish" drawing style absolutly brings that light feel (with all the weight of the universe and experiences and memories and worries) HA sorry for rambling I love that it makes people think, both song & video also yo face in the thumbnail is priceless 😂💚 Oooff one more sorry: I think the vid would 'match more' to the song if he were to march with the beat (not like am a world renowned music vid maker 🤪🙃)

[@carolm2425]

I have a suggestion: take a look at PTXs live video of "Standing By." It's from March of 2015 and Avi is featured. Stunning!

[@hd.s.7722]

Imagination is a such personal thing! Sometimes it's hard to explain your thoughts and feelings using words and presenting your minds in visuals can be odd and insane for other people. Especially if they know nothing about you!

[@sylviaschaich]

Every day he was posting another pic of this clip.

[@suzanneleblanc858]

I need to go find the original. I am getting "yellow submarine" vibes but also the restlessness of a mind filled with anxiety and depression.

[@professionalvampire1]

I also don't completely understand the video but I love the song.

[@nneichan9353]

Ever watched 'The Yellow Submarine"?

[@bethatkins9439]

You need to check out Pentatonix...Mary did you know.

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

You can put an arrow on Turkey with this one. The illustrator is famous and is Turkish.

[@tanyanguyen3704]

The animator is crazy. ;) he did videos for Santan, for other folk and new style artists. This is just him. He talks to the musician, for some elements, but the. Runs with it. It’s not really supposed to make sense, or,it’s sense is unique to each person. For the artist, his animations are just about letting images run.

[@fordsmolko872]

Hey!! Long time no see ;) I love Avi Kaplan

[@teresawilson1313]

I’m with you...the video is over my head, too, but I love the song and Avi a lot so it’s in my most played playlist.

[@skylarktsuki]

I think the imagery relates to his journey through life so far and what he has learnt (BTW there r 5 dragonflies early on in his journey.. 🤔 Is that supposed to be Pentatonix?)

[@livus3787]

& before less and later more 5 just happens to be inbetween

[@Bonofox1]

Love this song and AVI'S VOICE IS 😍

[@swimmergrl23100]

I recommend the home medley or something else pentatonix has posted since being in quarantine! These new covers are so great!

[@debbierhodes4479]

It's a lot like the stuff put out in the late 60"s and 70's. Pre "Videos" but they made movies like Yellow Submarine and Some Strange Stuff to go with Acid Rock Music like Iron Maiden and such. And yes, they were on Good Drugs!😂 Please!!! Play Thunderstruck by 2 Cello's! You'll love it!!!!

[@edjuancho6597]

If you want to listen to more rock try IV of Spades which is a rock band from the Philippines, they’re all young people early 20s and their most popular single is “Mundo” but IMO everyone of their songs are good.

[@robertphillips8142]

I'd love to see your reaction to Michael Hedges, possibly the greatest accoustic guitarist ever. This video is a great start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4vMnqljgL6lbq8

[@Zahnlachs]

Can you react to Citizen Queen? I think every song is great enough to hear it :P

[@jillianj1231]

Please react to the band steam powered giraffe they are really fun and they are one of my favorite bands, they are not super famous so it's a good opportunity to introduce people who watch your videos to a really good band :)

[@dragonlove1]

OK, I like the song. Not so sure about the video. It was making me think too hard, and I don’t like to think too hard🤪

[@amandamurphy8307]

Please react to the new PTX songs. They have released a new EP, and have released three new videos. There will be a new one each week from this EP.

[@AbbyInTexas]

Love his voice 💜 The video reminds me of LSD's Genius or Mountains videos kind of.

[@nneichan9353]

Avi has been going with a spiritual feel since he left PTX. It is beautiful.

[@eveleenb]

You HAVE to see Avi's new alt version of 'It Knows Me' it is so COOL!!!!

[@roryren.2240]

Did you know that Avi is an ex member of Pentatonix?!?!

[@BrendanZanitCoen]

The alternate version is good too. No need for the video. It’s soul searching and I love it

[@jeanthonioliveira4038]

Psychedelic stuff rocking sz

[@elenahume8295]

I LOVE AVI AND I ALSO LOVE YOUR REACTIONS, YOU ARE GREAT

[@ellaellaey]

I have not done enough drugs for this music video, either

[@bethatkins9439]

Avi...a change is comin

[@jasenyoface7555]

Change On The Rise? 😂

[@bethatkins9439]

@@jasenyoface7555 lol thanks Love it

[@davidphillips4476]

Video..???...Love the voice...

[@jc6270]

It looks very dream like.

[@caitlinseaton7546]

Home Fries miss you😭

[@AzaleaLala]

Have you listened to the Rightous Brothers' "You've Lost The Lovin' Feeling"? You reacted to Unchained Melody beautifully sung by Bobby Hatfield. The other half of the Rightous Brothers' Bill Medley has a deep baritone. they compliment each other perfectly. I'll definitely be listening to this song by Avi Kaplan again.

[@mjh8237]

Any steam Powered Giraffe coming soon? I recommend one of their new ones - shattered stars or ya ya ya, they have fun videos!

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Don't watch the video, just listen to the song. It's excellent without the visuals, bleary and strange with. As you said, I haven't used enough drugs. Looks like something out of the Beatles' Maharishi Yogi days. There's a reason we all abandoned that more than forty years ago; it's more tiring than enlightening. But the song is excellent, and we even get a couple of bass bombs.

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

The artist who did this has a very impressive current resume. NIKE, Concord records, Sony records, The John Lennon Foundation, Santana, Ray Charles, on and on. His aesthetic includes a lot of the images you see here, its an art piece he and his people created. Its weird because Its such a jump from what we are used to with Avi. But I imagine it wasnt a random choice

[@livus3787]

it's not tiring for many, could be even new for younger people ("for a newborn every joke is new" / "there's nothing new under the Sun") I enjoyed the vid thank you very much 😊

[@JamesWoodTN]

Please enlarge the video's screen. You were referred to in another reactor's video I watched. Sorry I can't remember who it was, I watch so many, including yours several times over. Avi's video is strange. I hope it isn't foreshadowing something dire. Thank you for your fun reactions and being you.

[@jasenyoface7555]

I can look into making the video larger. Who's talking about me!? I need to know! 😆🤘

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Nope, no foreshadowing. The images used are common in all of the illustrators work. If you are familiar with Mertcan Mertbileks other work you see he's pretty famous and this is just his style.

[@JamesWoodTN]

@@jasenyoface7555 It was either Jerod M or SingerDad Reacts. (yes, SingerDad is one word) By the way, he is an a capella singer and says what Pentatonix & Superfruit does is incredible. As I said, I watch a lot of these videos, so finding the one in which you were mentioned would be impossible. Be assured, I will be on the lookout now because I will eventually watch some of these again, as I've watched your Daft Punk dozens of times.