The Yappers bring another milestone show to the APK

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: STEW SPARKS
The Yappers will light up the stage in London on April 26 with a show at the APK.

The APK has seen its share of monumental moments, from bands taking their first steps together to exciting touring acts making their first appearance here in town. Later this month on April 26, the APK will host another noteworthy gig as The Yappers bring their eclectic new blend of ska, rock and country to London for the first time.

Composed of songwriter and guitarist Ray Yap, bassist Stew Sparks and drummer Laney V, The Yappers are blazing a new trail in music fusion, one that is limited only by their imagination from conception to performance.

“When I sit down to write, I really have no idea at all what's going to come out,” said front man Yap, when asked to describe his style and direction. “The way this all started was by writing and recording music to listen to for myself, my band mates, my friends ...and all because I couldn't really find anything out there that got me excited.”

“I have a recording studio that I utilize as my own personal space, and all the music is written and recorded by myself,” he continued. “It comes from influences from my background, growing up in California and then moving here to Canada when I was 20 years old... I have a lot of east and west coast influences, but I haven't heard anybody blend them together like we do.”

“We believe it's a new genre of music,” said Sparks. “If you look at any band that plays a ska fusion, they'll go over to the punk side, where we've taken that reggae ska and fused it with rock and a little bit of country.”

Audience response has been overwhelming. In their hometown of Toronto, the trio has been leaving a lasting impression on audiences since forming a little over a year ago — the first Yappers show took place in January 2013, with Sparks and Laney V rounding out the lineup by the spring.

The band is still performing to support their first release Ride My Music, however, they've already got a sophomore record in the can for release when they feel the time is most opportune. To get a taste for their music, check out their most recent single on Bandcamp called “Peace Of Mind” or visit their profile on CBC Music for a broader selection of their recordings to date.

Their show at APK this month was originally planned to feature another band, but they unfortunately had to pull out early last month. They enjoy sharing the stage — performing with other bands gives them the opportunity not only to see what their contemporaries are playing and producing, but also to see first-hand how unique their music and stage show really is, however, the band is far from deterred, preparing two sets for their big night in London.

“We've been getting a great response from audiences,” said Yap. “It hasn't been that long — it feels like such a long time because of how much ground we've covered, but when we look back, we've only just been doing this for a year.”

“I think sometimes we're almost up there for each other,” said Sparks. “We just figure if we have fun on stage, that's going to grow infectious with the audience. Most of the time when we go there, people are left standing with their mouths hanging open — Ray can really play guitar.”

The Yappers' April 26 gig at the APK is a 19-plus presentation. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door, and the show starts shortly after 9 p.m. with the first of two sets by the Toronto group. For more information, visit theyappers.com or theapk.ca.