After following up his much-loved debut EP 'Like A Rose' with his stunning comeback single 'Show My Love' earlier this year, Germany-based artist Cris Cap is back once again to offer up his woozy new offering 'Angel In My Room'.
Capturing more of that smooth and breezy aesthetic he has been cultivating since his earliest beginnings, 'Angel In My Room' makes for a wonderfully sweet and shimmering listen. With his heartfelt vocal performance spread across a laid-back production throughout, he is certainly looking to sweep us off our feet with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with is still my favourite today. My Fender Rhodes MK 1, which I bought second-hand for a few hundred dollars from a blues band in Frankfurt in 1985. The pianist said that there was now a Yamaha DX7, so he didn't want to lug the heavy thing around any more. Well, that was my job at my bands' gigs for years after that.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
After discovering all the pop and rock bands like Toto of the 70s and 80s as a student, I quickly got drawn into the currents of soul, funk, and jazz through Al Jarreau, The Crusaders and Chaka Khan. For a few years afterward, jazz rock and fusion rock became my thing, especially in my first two bands. For instance, I discovered Steely Dan and Steps Ahead for myself.
What was the first album you remember owning?
That was probably the live album "Paris" by SUPERTRAMP from 1979. I wallpapered my room with the photos on the inner sleeves of this double album...
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are hundreds of these! But it could be “Peg“ by Steely Dan, or “Skate“ by Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Usually I start with the lyrics. I write down experiences and ideas in a notebook. When I have leisure time, I develop the text further into choruses, verses, and with rhymes. Once at least the chorus is finished, I sit at the piano and play, groove along until I have a hook idea. Then I take the lyrics and sing along, further developing the melody and harmonic structure. Next, I work on more elements of the song, such as the verse. Simultaneously, I start building the arrangement with drum beats, bass, and other elements. The entire process usually takes several weeks.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Here is just a small excerpt from my current playlist of my favourites: Reuben James, PREP, Cory Henry, Geyster, Ed Motta, Benny Sings, Childish Japes, Aaron Taylor…
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tom Misch
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
That is when people tell me that they love my songs and that they listen over and over again. And playing live with a great audience is wonderful, of course.
And what is the most frustrating part?
That is probably the part of making money with music, which is not easy as an indie artist.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Keep it simple".
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Cris Cap's new single 'Angel In My Room' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.