An Interview With Kashmir

Led Zeppelin tribute band, Kashmir, is known for their accurate and authentic interpretation. Kashmir began in 2003 when lead singer, Jean Violet and lead guitarist, Andy Urban, teamed up. Later in 2005, drummer Paul Cooper, was added to the band and this past October, latest member, Matt Stanley on bass, keys and mandolin jumped on board. All connected by their passion for music and love for Led Zeppelin.

Kashmir plays around seventy to one hundred shows per year, performing in over 500 shows all over the country, such as Connecticut, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Northern Maine and on .

After a successful show at NARA Park last summer, Kashmir raved about the light and sound crew that NARA had provided them and last years fans.

“The fans are great - last year, they sold glow sticks, which was great because we could see the crowd even with the stage lights in our eyes,” said lead singer Violet.

Kashmir also appreciated NARA Park’s natural setting and the outdoor amphitheater. The band members agreed they prefer playing at festivals and outdoor venues, such as NARA Park, rather than clubs.

“The bigger venues allow us to jump around and move more on stage,” says drummer, Cooper.

Although Kashmir has had a successful journey and continues to grow and progress, they have faced a few obstacles through the years. Violet revealed that a couple years ago, a lot of competing Led Zeppelin cover-bands popped up. Eventually many of those bands dismembered and filtered through, allowing Kashmir’s dedication and passion for the music to hold them strong. The band members also felt that personal relationships are often difficult to manage as a musician. Violet compared a musician’s passion for music to a beagle chasing after a rabbit.

“Musicians with their music are like a beagle chasing a rabbit - no matter what happens, that beagle is always going to want that rabbit and do everything it can to get it,” said Violet.

Their passion for music has connected them, and Cooper explained that the band was like a family.

“Sometimes we fight or bicker, but in the end, we are always there for each other just like a family,” said Cooper.

While all sharing the same passion for music and Led Zeppelin, each band member has a different favorite song to play:

Lead guitarist, Urban, listed a few such as “Dazed and Confused,” “Moby Dick,” “No Quarter,” and “Going to California.” He explained that each member has a different favorite song because each song focuses on a separate band member. “Moby Dick for example, has a great drum solo for Paul.”  Kashmir’s concerts are usually long and last for around three hours so that Kashmir has enough time to play a variety of songs, allowing each member to shine.

For the future, the band members hope to continue playing and growing. They feel that Kashmir has been evolving since its start, and the members hope to continue that. The band would also like to try new songs and venues in the future. Newest band member, Stanley said, “ever since I joined the band, I have seen Kashmir progress.”

Cooper joked that he hopes to die with drum sticks in his hand while Violet agrees saying he would want to die singing.