INTERVIEW
EXCLUSIVE WITH ZEROTHREE'S CaPa
Capa, hailing from
Sweden comes fully equipped to take the dance scene by storm. Studying hard for a qualification in musical engineering, his production skills and techniques are well polished, bringing new ideas and constantly changing sounds to a mature progressive vibe. Having co‐written tracks for major label releases (
Icona Pop) and personal projects on larger independent labels, Capa is more than ready to show what he is made of. With the release of his new track
From Here on
Zerothree we decided to have a chat with him and find out where to from here
Hello Caweh! Thank you so much for taking the time out to do this interview with us we are so excited!
This is a staple TIE question what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear South Africa?
First thing, or rather person, that comes to mind is Nelson Mandela.
1. Where does the name CaPa come from, there has to be a story behind it, so share…
Well, when I was in the war in… Nah just kidding, it’s the first two letters of my first and last name. Caweh Passereh, easy!
2. What inspired your passion for music and what are some of your fondest musical memories from growing up?
I don’t have any musical background other than my older sisters brainwashing me with R&B in the late ’90s. I think it was when I heard ’One More Time’ by the legends Daft Punk I thought ”What’s this?!” and I was hooked. Also, the cool animated video helped!
One of my fondest memories must’ve been when I used a fake ID to get into a club when I was 16 and I immediately fell in love with the whole scene. The loud music, the smiles and the overall good mood.
3. At what age did you start producing and what did the first song you ever produce sound like?
I started playing around with a music program called ”DANCE EJAY” when I was 13 but it was more drag and drop samples so it didn’t feel like making my own music. Later on, I discovered Ableton, I think I was around 15 years old, but I didn’t make music consistently until I was around 17.
It’s Hard to remember what my first song sounded like but I can guarantee you it sounded absolutely horrible.
4. Your sound is so reminiscent of the “Pryda” sound. How long did it take you to find your sound?
Yes, they’re in the same style! I love all kinds of music, as long as it’s good. I’ve played around a lot in the dance music scene with different styles. But in the end I always came back to my progressive sound which you can hear today. I guess it took a few years before I really knew what style I wanted to produce. But I do still play around with different genres in my cave, you might hear something some day!
5. Is Eric Prydz one of your favourite DJs and if you had the opportunity to collaborate with him what would you approach to producing the track be?
Yes, he definitely is, he’s stayed consistent and true to his sound all the way which is inspiring. If I were to collaborate with him I’d respect his expertise but I wouldn’t be afraid to say what I think.
6. What encourages/ inspires you to produce music e.g. other music, surroundings, feelings, emotions? Do you ever feel like you have to stay restricted to just one genre?
Everyday life inspires me, but mostly good times and sunny days. I get inspired from all kinds of music and I think it’s important not to restrict yourself just because you produce one specific type of sound. I don’t feel restricted necessarily, but it’s important to be consistent. That’s why I choose to do the music I love so it doesn’t feel like a job.
7. During the course of your career, you have released your music on various big labels, Toolroom to name, what advice do you have for young ones trying to get signed to big labels?
There are many different answers to that question but I’d say make 2-3 tracks you’re really pleased with and write a good presentation about yourself so they know a little about who they’re listening to.
8. What elements make a truly unique progressive track?
Melodies and chords really do it for me, trying to evoke a feeling in the listener. Combine that with a counter bass line and you’re set!
9. In the last few months you have had a stream of releases on Zerothree, your latest one being From Here, tell us more about the track.
It actually started out as a fun thing for myself. I was listening to music on youtube and came across The Alan Parsons Project and their track ’Games People Play’. I hadn’t heard the track before as it’s a bit before my time but I immediately fell in love with the track and especially the vocal. I played around with it and thought to make a bootleg but it ended up as a single which I’m very pleased with!
10. In From Here you sampled a classic 80’s vocal, what meaning does the original song hold for you?
Well, I knew of The Alan Parsons project but I hadn’t heard the track before. But I am truly in love with the track now and have it in my playlist.
11. There has been an endless debate about ghost producers and big names making use of ghost producers. If you had to find out your favourite produces didn’t produce his own music, what would your reaction be?
I’d probably find the ghost producer and follow his music instead.
12. Who are some of your favourite producers?
Max Martin (this guy is a machine!),
Grum, Eric Prydz, Todd Terje, Andre Sobota to name a few.
13. Sell us your music in 3 words?
Uplifting, melodic and bassy.
14. If you had only 5 minutes to play one track that could leave a great impact on the world, what track would you play and why?
Tough one! I’d have to say ”Earth, Wind & Fire - September” because it’s impossible to be sad while listening to this.
15. What can we expect from CaPa in the future?
A lot of new music, i have been honoured to be a part of the upcoming Anjunabeats family (another dream come true), some killer singles for sure! Watch out!
Rapid Fire
1. When you are not doing music what can you be found doing?
Hanging with friends, reading a book or playing FIFA 15
2. 3 things you absolutely can't live without?
Snus (Swedish tobacco), my phone and of course music.
3. Eyesight or hearing?
Hearing.
4. Your favourite item of clothing and favourite scent…
My simple one coloured T-shirts and Dolce & Gabbana ’The One’
5. 3 things you would like to change about yourself (physical or personality wise)
My perfectionism, my incredible talent of being able to chill and my lack of spontaneity.
Any last messages for your fans
I’d like to thank every last one of you for being so amazing and supportive, it really means a lot!