London-based rapper Cap1talA has been building momentum as one of the most intriguing and naturally reactive artists coming through in the UK. Since emerging onto the scene with his debut album High on Clouds, he has established himself as a key figure to watch out for in the growing London rap scene. Now, he announces the release of a new single, “Something About Us,” a jazz-infused track laden with soft saxophone notes and smooth vocals, featuring Onivola. The track comes paired up with a beautiful music video, elevating the sonic experience for listeners who dare to take a deep dive into his art.
Speaking about his music, Cap1talA shares: “My music shows my journey within the growth and emotional experiences over the years I’ve had as a Black man in the UK. I’ve seen that my music has connected with people and has touched them, so that’s why I always try to keep a positive message – that’s why my motto is ‘keep on livin’.” Here, we caught up with him to get an overview of his musical upbringing, inspirations, and what fans can expect from his next steps.
Listen to the single…
Read the full interview…
Congratulations on your new track! Can you tell us a bit about the single and the story behind it?
The single is kinda the whole tie in of what’s going on, on the EP. It’s about holding on to things we may think serve us well, but are actually killing us. This idea is told through a relationship between me and a girl. The title and same kind of story on the track is heavily inspired by Daft Punk’s Something About Us on Discovery.
How did you first get into music, and who were your earliest influences?
My mum would always play her collection of CDs in the car, from Kirk Franklin to Kanye. She played more R&B than hip hop so I didn’t really get into it as much as I did in 2016. I discovered Tyler, The Creator and MF Doom who kinda gave me an insight on how to express your own sound through lyrics and beats. 90s Hip hop is what I really got into and still listen to till this day. I feel like it’s the foreground that’s given the influence in rap music you hear today
How do you approach the creative process when writing and producing your music?
I have to feel what ever I’m writing to. Gotta experience things in life to actually write about it. So sometimes it’s a waiting game to actually get me creating music. If I hear a sample and know there’s a story I can tell within it, then I’m making a beat out of that
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that you think helped shape who you are as an artist today?
I feel like my song Summer Whining was a pivotal moment, just because it was one of my first singles I solely produced and felt confident in. Same with the music video in directing it and taking what was an idea to a successful output
How would you define your artistic essence today?
Explorative
How do you think this new track represents your musical evolution and what sets it apart from your previous work?
It’s more grounded in what I share as personal when releasing music. Never had this many people in production on one track before.
How do you view your role in shaping the musical identity of the London rap scene, and what makes it distinct from other rap scenes?
I don’t feel like I’m shaping an identity of the London rap scene. Kinda feels like I’m shaping my own identity and it feels refreshing and interesting enough to hear in rap in general.
What can fans expect from your live performances, and do you have any upcoming shows or tours in the works?
Got no shows planned right now, but when I do it’s gonna be lit. More live instrumentals when I’ll perform.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as a musician?
Just to make an impact to people and bring something to people that’s not heard of
Finally, what’s next for you in your musical journey, and what are you most looking forward to in the future?
Got a mixtape loading next. I’m looking forward to working with more people that like my music and understand what I’m tryna conquer.