The Legend of Kaptain Karnival is a glorious musical book from artist and musician Jem Panufnik.   Ostensibly the psychedelic pursuit of an ancient, once-revered icon, your journey will prompt questions of love, faith and temptation as your inner mischief awakens.

The luscious 96-page hardback book of illustrations is accompanied by a specially-composed soundtrack, streamable on all platforms and on the bonus CD included with the book.

Find the book here,  stream the music here

The Musical Book

Take a deep and colourful dubfunk-jazzical trip in the quest to discover the truth behind the galaxy’s most elusive and mysterious icon, Kaptain Karnival.

Deity, Confucius or downright cheeky monkey?  Immerse yourself in a highly original musical-visual voyage as you seek to unravel the mystery behind this tantalising and symbolic enigma, once worshipped, now lost to time and modern sensibilities…

Voyage through fantastical worlds and bizarre scenarios in a psychedelic Hero’s Journey of thrilling and surreal art accompanied by a luscious deep electronica soundtrack from the mind of celebrated artist and composer Jem Panufnik, the creative force behind Finger Lickin’ Records and more.

This highly original 96-page, lavishly illustrated hardback book includes a CD of specially-created music (streamable also), with an array of incredible musicians including Ben Castle (Quincy Jones, Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Radiohead) and Dominic Glover (Incognito, Primal Scream, Brand New Heavies, Orbital).

KK_PACKSHOT_1
Kaptain-Karnival_rejoice_WEB
KK_PACKSHOT_3
Kaptain-Karnival_Laundrette_WEB
KK_PACKSHOT_2
Kaptain-Karnival_spandex_WEB
Kaptain-Karnival_moose_WEB
KK_PACKSHOT_5
2_KK_horse_1_web
11_temptress_2_web
KK_volup_1_WEB
KK_PACKSHOT_4
4_cardiac_web
Kaptain-Karnival_temptress_WEB
KK_PACKSHOT_extra
Kaptain-Karnival_CAREFUL_2_WEB_amnd
15_KK_goodnight_1_web
Kaptain-Karnival_TUXEDO_WEB
Kaptain-Karnival_is_alive__WEB_2
KK_PACKSHOT_6

Book with CD out now on Velocity Press, order here right now

The Album

The fifteen-track musical album The Legend of Kaptain Karnival, as well as on a decorative CD beautifully incorporated within the book, is simultaneously released digitally by Bona Fido Recordings

Stream or download on all platforms including Spotify, Apple, Deezer, Tidal, JunoDownload, Beatport etc by clicking here.

Three monstrously funky singles have already been released: Moose Knuckle Sandwich,  Everybody’s Hugging The Horse and Rejoice & Shake Ass (click respective titles for all streaming platforms)

The Art Show

The Kaptain Karnival art show, with pieces derived from book including paintings, prints and sculpture, travelled around UK throughout 2024 with resounding success and a welcome, renewed willing for mischief and mayhem.  Starting with a huge launch and a summer stint in West End London at the stunning Farsight Gallery, Bristol’s family-friendly Ardagh Community Centre, glorious Digbeth Art Space in Birmingham and the very funky Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton…

If you would like to host the explosive art show at your venue, around 22 pieces in all shapes and sizes, please get in touch.

The pieces would suit galleries as well as social spaces and venues.

Art & Merch

You can buy exquisite glicée limited edition prints of images from the book here, each of them are numbered and signed by Jem.   They are printed onto rich textural Hahnemühle German Etching paper and look vivid and fabulous.   Click here to see, if there is an image you want that’s not listed please enquire.

You can buy a fabulous glossy A2 poster here

 and a really VERY special edition t-shirt here.

Click the social media icons at the bottom of the page to keep up to date with all the Kaptain’s news and adventures

The Author

Artist and composer Jem Panufnik is possibly best known as co-founder of internationally-renowned, pioneering dance music label Finger Lickin’ Records for which over a decade provided a springboard for his talents as a DJ and record producer as well as creating the distinctive sleeves and iconic branding.

Since then Jem has further established himself as a distinguished visual artist, exhibiting solo shows in the US and UK. His inimitable and often surreal comic-funk style can be seen on everything from record sleeves, t-shirts and tattoos to rock posters and beer labels. As a musician and producer Jem has a huge repertoire of club hits and remixes under his various aliases including Soul of Man and of course Jem Stone, as well as scoring for film, TV, immersive experiences and live events.

“Jem’s work leaps out at you. Whether it’s pouncing from the speaker or jumping off the canvas, there’s a vivid playfulness and sense of adventure across both of his disciplines. It’s very rare you see such artful dexterity in dance music culture.”  

Dave Jenkins (Bandcamp Editorial/International DJ Mag)

 

“Jem “Stone” Panufnik’s contributions to the party movement never cease to inspire. He continues his joyously unpredictable groove assault with awesome graphics over a laid-back slab of fun-poking, swaggering beats. Predictably tasty.”

Junodownload.com

 

“Where do you start with Jem Panufnik?! Without a doubt one of the most talented and ground-breaking creatives I know. His musical legacy (even before you look at his family tree) took the world by storm and continues to resonate now. A true force of the art world, this incredible new album/book as expected is testament to his musical/visual passion.”

Chris Bailey (Ministry of Sound Radio)

Contact Information: info@velocitypress.uk