Cris Cap is an artist from Düsseldorf, producing music with an old school vibe to it. His latest EP release, Howlin’ At The Moon combines the best elements of soul, r&b, pop and rock into one amazing package – give it a go at the end of this interview if you like what you read here!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new record titled Howlin’ At The Moon. What can you tell us about the record?
The idea for the lyrics of the song comes from a very personal experience. I had fallen deeply in love with a truly wonderful girl who also gave me very positive signals, but at a certain point, it just didn’t progress any further. I eventually had to admit to myself that it was futile to continue pursuing this woman. Many years later, I suddenly had this image in my mind of a wolf howling at the moon for no reason, because the wolf wants something from the moon, which, of course, doesn’t respond. It’s a very apt image for the situation I was in and a good proverb. That’s when I started working on the lyrics.
As I sat at the piano trying out lines of lyrics for the verse, I got hold of this piano lick that starts the song. Later in the arranging process I got hold of a synth sound that reminded me of a steel guitar, and this gave me the idea of putting some country vibe into this music. I was very happy with Gary’s vocals, with his concise, warm, and powerful voice on Howlin’ At The Moon. His distinctive voice takes the track into the realm of country-infused pop. Don’t miss the breathtaking guitar solo by Wolfram Tippl, a guitarist and friend of mine, who poured his heart into the song, adding a layer of intensity that’s hard to ignore.
How has the reception to the EP been so far, and where can it be purchased?
I’ve received many beautiful and positive reactions, especially from the UK and Australia. Of course, the EP is available on all platforms. In April, there will be an EP with six songs available for purchase on Bandcamp as well: criscap.bandcamp…leases
Are there any plans for a full-length album anytime soon?
Yes, I’ve been thinking about it because I’m currently working on four new songs that will be ready soon. Let’s see what the rest of the year brings!
Do you have any singles planned from Howlin’ At The Moon?
No, but I released another song in February and I have two more in March and April. They will all be on the EP that I mentioned above. The next release, Wings Of Love, is also a birthday present for my daughter – the song is dedicated to her.
Your music has a bluesy country sound. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?
Well, the country sound isn’t typical for my music, more of an exception. But I do love the warmth and sweetness that country music often has, and that is reflected in my sound as well. I just noticed that some of my very new songs that I’m currently writing are soulful, but this time more of a mix of r&b with a strong touch of a West Coast sound. That probably comes from the old influences. As a student in the ’80s, I listened to a lot of music from the Eagles, Little River Band, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Toto and Bob Seger. Later, I discovered jazz and fusion, and to this day I love Steely Dan, my favorite artist. The journey then continued to soul songs. Currently, I’m listening to music from Tom Misch, PREP, Olivia Dean, Carrtoons and Kurt Elling, just to name a few of my many, many loved artists. So, my range in listening and making music spans from jazz through soul and r&b to pop and rock/blues.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
It is simply a work of love for me! I can never stop working on my music, no matter if it is writing, arranging, recording or mixing. I love all steps of the process but probably the initial creation moments the most.
What I mean are those moments when I suddenly feel that a new piece of music, a new song, is truly being born, which wasn’t there before, and the initial idea keeps generating more and more ideas. Then my objective is to find out what fits and what doesn’t, and how can I develop a good structure. In the end I start muting things, because most of the time I record too many elements.
Lately, this process has become much quicker and more streamlined. I now know better which motifs and inspirations come from my soul, my mind and my fingers.
You’re based in Düsseldorf. What is the local music scene like?
Oh dear. In Düsseldorf, unfortunately, there aren’t as many live music clubs as in Berlin or Cologne, something I miss in our otherwise very pleasant city. However, I studied at the Institute for Music and Media in Düsseldorf, so I have many contacts with talented people. There’s a pretty good jazz scene here.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
Well, I think I told you all about it above.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No, though I would love to do this.
Any last words for the fans?
Yeah. If you wanna do something for your favorite artists, go and get their music from Bandcamp! That’s the best you can do! Thank y’all!