Janek van Laak – OCTAPUSSY

Berlin based drummer, composer and producer Janek van Laak was born in the fashion-fuelled metropolis of Düsseldorf in 1995, and briefly spent time as a toddler in the music loving municipality of Leipzig before settling in the country’s capital in 1998 whilst it was in the midst of its post Berlin Wall cultural explosion.

Under the influence of his punk loving father and cabaret / comedy performing mother, Janek moved from singing in his school choir to learning to play drums and piano. Now, as well as producing music under his own name, Janek is also one of the founding members of the Neukölln based outfit Liquid Brain Orchestra, and one half of off-kilter duo Tutu Amuse with guitarist, vocalist and actor Rosa Landers.

“something at some point” and encourages the listener to “stay curious while trying to maintain a balanced and non toxic relationship with perfectionism on this discovery of new land through music, channelling self expression and learning”.

Janek’s debut solo album “Circle Of Madness” is a record that is best described by himself as a snapshot of

“OCTAPUSSY” (Release Date: January 11th, 2024) is the first single to be taken from the album. It’s an almost ten minute epic that takes the form of a rearranged and re-recorded improvisation between Tim Foley (percussion), Hal Strewe (bass), Kaspar Föhres (synths), Jonathan Braun (alto saxophone) and Janek (drums). Added to the track’s original form are guitars from Julius Conrad and vocals by Janek himself. The track begins with a delicate interplay between dreamy keys and drum rolls which are joined by silky guitars to create an effortless modern fusion sound. As the piece builds, the guitars become more discordant and brusque before a calmer moment takes over, bringing those ethereal, heavenly vocal sounds to close the show.

With “Circle Of Madness”, Janek intends to continually push musical boundaries and possibilities. Look out for him on the road, pushing those boundaries with his upcoming live shows.