A Chat with Cris Cap (23.04.24)
From Chaka Khan to Steely Dan, Marvin Gaye to Tom Misch, singer-songwriter and composer Cris Cap weaves a unique blend of funk, jazz, pop and rock. Dragging old-school vibes to modern-day audiences, Cap emphasises the fact that good music transcends distance, time and space. We speak with the Germany-based artist about his EP Wings of Love, collaborations and plans for the future.
OSR: A lot is happening on the world stage right now that’s pretty negative, and there is a lot of fear because of it. Some would argue that now is the perfect time to cry. What gave you the notion to write a song about hope?
Cris Cap: You know there is always hope. No life without hope. When I have a bad and sleepless night, I know that it’ll end sometime, usually when I get up in the morning. I know that I will recover. I wanted to transmit this feeling in my song and give a little hope and solace. I can’t save the world or solve any of the big issues you refer to, but I can try to help somebody who listens to my song and help brighten up their day (or night).
OSR: What are some things that you look to personally that give you hope during dark times?
Cris Cap: These things are: music, especially my own music or the music I play in other bands. What I am talking about is mostly the experience of creativity and thinking about the process, planning things for the future making music that helps me out of any bad carousel trap.
OSR: A lot of your songs have themes of finding love or optimism during challenging situations. Do you think it takes courage to write a song about looking forward to better days even if things, personally or globally, look pretty bleak?
Cris Cap: I really appreciate that you checked out more of my lyrics and see this common point in them. No, I don’t think I need courage to write a positive song during difficult times. It just helps me get out of it. Here we go again, there is always hope!
OSR: Your singles feature several different collaborations. What is it about working with other musicians and singers that you enjoy?
Cris Cap: I enjoy having different inputs of creativity. As I am writing the songs by myself, at least the production should be also inspired by other musicians. I would even love to have more collabs with artists and musicians who like the same style of music.
OSR: Imagine you’re hearing a singer for the first time. Walk us through what you’re hearing when you decide you want to work with that person.
Cris Cap: If that is the case, I surely hear something unique in that voice, some cool expression that I like and that I don’t come across every other day. Then it’s of course a question of style, if they fit well to my music. There are also technical questions like can that singer easily reach the highest and lowest note of my melody.
OSR: You’ve collaborated quite a bit with Tyla Raé, including an EP and a single in 2023. Why did you decide to reunite with her on ‘Don’t You Cry’?
Cris Cap: She is just a wonderful singer with a great voice. She has a low and warm register but also some crispness in her voice that I love. And she has the skills and talent to add something special and new to all the ingredients that I have already put into the song.
OSR: Once you’ve worked with a singer, do you keep them in mind for a potential fit with future songs?
Cris Cap: Sure – if I liked the result (that was always the case til today). Of course, each one is always on my list for the next song. I also repeated working with UGENE NGHT and made two more songs with him that will come out next year on my 2025 album.
OSR: A lot of your songs resurrect a dance feel from the ‘70s and ‘80s. What attracts you to that era of music?
Cris Cap: I just love the feeling of that style and the era. It’s the kind of music I grew up with and it gives me good vibes. Today, so many artists refer to that golden era, and there must be some reason for it. The ’60s, ’70s and ’80s were so rich in new ideas and styles.
OSR: Your recent singles make use of electronic and acoustic instruments like the combination of stand-up and synthesized basses on ‘Wings of Love’ or acoustic and electric piano on ‘Howlin’ at the Moon.’ What are some influences on how you arrange your songs?
Cris Cap: I really appreciate that you delved into more of my songs. There are a lot of influences from jazz-related music like jazz-rock or fusion, and there is a strong influence from funk music. I adore the arrangements of Steely Dan, especially on Aja and Gaucho. They also combined electric and electronic sounds with acoustic instruments, this method is so rich and opens up the language of music!
OSR: Finally, what plans do you have for the future?
Cris Cap: Writing more great songs for my album that will come out in 2025! I am already working on six songs and more to come.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Cris Cap: Follow your favourite artists! Buy their music on Bandcamp if you wanna help them create more great music! Go to their concerts, because that is always a great experience!
Many thanks to Cris Cap for speaking with us. For more from Cris Cap, check out his Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustianablecurator
