Ever since he first emerged, German artist Cris Cap has always looked to add something fresh and original to the international pop scene. And with a flurry of impactful offerings under his belt already, he is now looking to get our toes tapping with the infectious new single ‘Young Gun’.
So with the new single out and about, we joined him in conversation to find out more about his origins and where his sound is heading next.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing the piano at age seven with classical training, which gave me a strong foundation in harmony and technique. Around the same time, I joined a children’s choir in my small town, where I developed a love for singing and harmonizing. Growing up, my home was filled with pop, soul, and classical records—my mother loved The Carpenters and Tom Jones, and that certainly influenced my early musical taste. But it was my teenage years that really shaped me as a musician. I became fascinated with the sophisticated sounds of 70s and 80s session musicians and bands like Steely Dan, Toto, and The Crusaders. That blend of soulful grooves and complex harmonies became the blueprint for my own sound.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My influences span across different genres, but there’s a common thread: soulful, harmonically rich music with strong grooves. Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, and The Crusaders have been major inspirations. Their music taught me how to craft arrangements that feel both intricate and effortless. I also admire artists like Tom Misch, who blend modern production with vintage sounds. I think that’s what I’m trying to do—capture the essence of timeless grooves while keeping the music fresh and relatable.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There were several key moments, but one of the biggest was when I bought my first Fender Rhodes Mk1 piano in 1985 from a blues band in Frankfurt. That instrument, along with experimenting with synthesizers, opened up a whole new world of sound for me. Playing in bands and jamming with other musicians was electrifying—it made me realize that music wasn’t just something I enjoyed, but something I needed to do. Later, my career as a TV director took up a lot of my time, but music always remained my true passion. Now that I have the opportunity to focus on it again, I’m embracing it fully.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
My process is a mix of instinct and craftsmanship. I usually start with the lyrics—I write down experiences, thoughts, or even just phrases that stick with me. From there, I develop them into verses and choruses. Once I have a lyrical structure, I sit down at my Fender Rhodes or piano and start experimenting with melodies and chords. Sometimes, I find a groove or harmonic progression first, and that inspires the lyrics. I love blending classic elements like jazz chords with modern R&B and pop influences, so my songs often evolve organically as I layer in textures and rhythms.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Life itself is the biggest inspiration—memories, relationships, the feeling of nostalgia, and the complexity of emotions. I’m fascinated by the bittersweet beauty of youth, the way certain moments stay with us forever. Sometimes inspiration comes from a conversation, a movie scene, or just walking through the city and observing people. I also draw a lot from personal experiences—love, self-discovery, and the constant search for meaning.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I want my music to resonate emotionally, whether it’s a groove that lifts you up or lyrics that make you reflect. A lot of my songs explore nostalgia—not in a sad way, but in a way that celebrates the beauty of past experiences. I also love the contrast between deep emotions and light, danceable grooves. If a listener connects with a lyric or finds themselves lost in a melody, then I’ve done my job.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Breaking through the noise is always a challenge. The industry is saturated, and getting people to truly listen—not just for ten seconds on a playlist but to really engage with a song—isn’t easy. Balancing artistic integrity with the realities of music promotion can also be tricky. But I believe authenticity stands out. If you create something true to yourself, it will find its audience.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
The moment when someone tells me they love my song and keep listening to it on repeat. Knowing that something I created resonates with someone else on a deep level is the most rewarding feeling. Also, collaborating with amazing musicians and vocalists from different parts of the world—it’s incredible how music can connect people across distances.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
By focusing on what truly moves me and not chasing trends. Music is an ever-evolving process, and I embrace change, but my foundation—my love for rich harmonies, soulful grooves, and authentic storytelling—always stays the same. If I stay honest in my songwriting and trust my instincts, then I know I’m on the right path.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I’m currently working on my first full-length album, which is set to release in January 2026. It’s a collection of songs that blend everything I love—soulful grooves, jazz influences, and strong storytelling. I’m also collaborating with some incredible vocalists from the UK and the US. And of course, more music videos, new songs and live performances are in the works.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I see myself continuing to create music that feels authentic and timeless. Hopefully, my audience will have grown, and I’ll be performing on stage. But more than anything, I just want to keep evolving, collaborating, and making music that moves people. As I often say—I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but honestly, I don’t care. I just have to do it.
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Listen to Cris Cap’s new single ‘Young Gun’ below.
