Texas band ACTVE CAPTVE makes a form of indie-pop that is undeniably catchy, due to its disco-esque vibe. I reviewed his funky track Safe N Sound, and found myself feeling really impressed! If you liked the track, why not find out more about this captivating act below?!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Safe N Sound. What can you tell us about the record?
Safe N Sound embodies an electrifying fusion of disco and hard rock, channeling the magnetic allure of artists like Dua Lipa while infusing the raw energy reminiscent of iconic bands such as Foo Fighters and Muse. The song was originally written as an r&b ballad, but took on a more aggressive and edgy sound in the studio, reflecting the uncertainty of the global climate at the time of recording.
How has the reception to Safe N Sound been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The track has been the most well-received song we released so far, gathering almost 10,000 plays within the first month of its release. It can be streamed on every major streaming platform and purchased on Bandcamp or Apple Music.
Do you have any more singles planned for release?
We’re actively crafting our next two singles slated for release in March and May. Our intention is to unveil a new single every two months throughout 2024, with each composition pushing the boundaries of our musical expression, weaving together unexpected influences and ideas to create something familiar yet new.
Safe N Sound is taken from your debut EP, Saudaze. What can you tell us about the record? Is it out yet?
The title is a play on the Portuguese word Saudade, meaning the bittersweet longing for someone who you subconsciously know you’ll never see again. Saudaze is an EP about losing the most significant relationship of my life in NYC, and the fallout over the next 6 years as I dealt with the relational and personal issues that came to light in the aftermath of the loss. From confusion, to denial, to bargaining, to grief and acceptance, the EP touches on the cocktail of emotions that seem to be the lot of every human being who experiences love and loss in this life.
Are there any plans for a full-length album anytime soon?
We are focusing on releasing singles every two months this year, to build momentum and iron out our writing and recording process. If all goes well, this will set us up to write and record a full length album in 2025.
Your music has an electro-pop/disco sound. What/who are you most influenced by?
We are influenced by everything, everywhere, all at once – literally. Our music draws inspiration from a myriad of sources, reflecting a desire to explore the vast expanse of musical possibilities still untapped in the modern world. We embrace diversity in sound and genre, seeking to transcend conventional boundaries and conventions.
You’re from Austin, Texas. What is the local music scene like in your area?
The local music scene in Austin shares a lot of similarities with the music scene in NYC, where I got my start as a musician and artist. There are many small pockets of musicians and performers who don’t communicate or mingle with each other, and as a result most people I talk to feel like the ‘scene’ is small or nonexistent. As a response to this, we created the Music Mixer ATX – a live music event for musicians seeking bandmates, which we host every month at an iconic Austin venue to bring musicians of all backgrounds together to find connections in unexpected places, just like in our music.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up in the next few months?
We are bringing the Music Mixer event to NYC for the first Music Mixer NYC on March 27! This is an exciting development for the band and our community at large, as we begin to create connections across our country that will lead to new creations, music and relationships that weren’t possible before.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We have plans to play shows in the UK next year, as well as creating the Music Mixer LDN! We welcome suggestions for venues that align with our vision and ethos.
Any last words for the fans?
We want to thank each and every one of you who’ve rocked out with us on this wild ride so far. We’re all in this groove together, and we couldn’t do it without your love and vibes. Keep spreading that good energy, and we’ll keep cranking out tunes that hopefully make you smile just as much as they get stuck in your head.