Belgian artist Capoon makes deep, hypnotic, melodic house and has previously released on labels like Rebellion, Natura Viva and MoBlack. Drawing inspiration from emotion rather than function, the rising artist makes music with a palpable mood and story-telling aesthetic, evoking a heady atmosphere with every release.
Connect with Capoon on Soundcloud
Thanks for talking to us today – how’s the year been treating you so far?
One word, crazy. I never received so much support and love from all over the world for my music as right now. The last year had such an impact on my life, I spend a lot of time in the studio lately and can’t wait to share the new Capoon tracks.
First of all, we want to get to know you “from the beginning”. How did your history with music begin?
My parents had amazing taste in music. Whether it was electronic or typical 4-piece band stuff. I started playing the guitar at the age of 10, if I’m not mistaken, and started making music at the age of 14 by playing in a local band.
At a certain point, I couldn’t attend the rehearsals for several weeks due to an accident and was looking for something to keep me busy.
At that point, my parents gave me a loan to buy a laptop and a DAW and voila.. I started writing electronic music on my computer because I didn’t have anything to record with, only inputting midi with my keyboard and programming electronic stuff.
I started playing as a DJ soon after that and at the age of 17 I achieved a residency at the infamous Café d’Anvers in Antwerp, Belgium, every Thursday for the next 7 years. From that moment on I developed a love for music and the connection with the people on the dancefloor. And let’s be honest, when you play long sets at a young age, that’s the moment you learn the tricks of the trade.
Let’s be honest, when you play long sets at a young age, that’s the moment you learn the tricks of the trade.
I started studying at SAE audio engineering Bachelor to improve my skills in studio and live engineering to get my productions next level….
For you, what is the magic of music? The thing that makes it such a big part of your life?
It’s the perfect outlet to transmit your emotions, everything I do is with music. Starting with an empty page and letting your mind guide you to a written story, letting your creativity go wild while still being technical in the studio.
Welcoming people in your mind by communicating via the energy and story in each and every one of my tracks, making us feel connected on the dancefloor. That’s just an amazing and unique feeling.
You’ve said your sound is influenced by cultures and countries from across the world. Is there any place in particular that holds a special place in your heart, and creativity?
For a few years, I worked for a non-profit organisation that focussed on helping refugees without papers in Brussels. They made music together and I was mixing in the front of house for the whole tour. The music was filled with eastern influences that included for example Oud and Santuur (the instruments) which widened my view on music a lot. I fell in love with the number of eastern influences and I love to put them in my music.
How important is harnessing and evoking emotion in the music you create?
I’ve had a really rough time during covid. Being in the studio, just not being productive the whole day, for 1,5 years without making any music.
Not feeling well reflects on your music, which makes it even harder to be productive musically. But I turned that around as soon as the world started to live again. At that moment I learned to dive into the studio when I feel healthy and happy. That’s what you hear in the tracks as well, passion, love, creativity, warmth, it all reflects in the vibe and energy you feel while listening.
What does your current studio set up look like? Lots of hardware, or are you mainly ‘out of the box’ type producers?
I work via MADI to an external 32CH sound card and Analog Desk that’s been touring with Nirvana for a long time (and it looks like that as well haha).
Most of the synths I’m doing in the box are running through the desk which gives it the character they need. My Rhodes stage 73, Philicorda, DX7 and Hammond synth finish most things up musical-wise.
I mix mostly all processing out of the box where I’m the nerdy vintage outboard guy having: Tube Tech CL-1B’s, Avalon 747SP, Avalon 2022 pre’s, UA DCS pre’s, SSL4000bus, 1176A and AB, 160A’s, PA-1 and HEDD192 conversion :-). I love it!
What should we be looking out for from you in the next few months?
Musically I got some of my best productions made in the last couple of months. We got several EP releases in the pipeline and can’t wait to share those.
Touring-wise I got some really exciting gigs on the agenda: Mexico, France, the US, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Turkey. Playing alongside some of the greatest artists. Really exciting stuff!
What is the best advice you ever received as an artist?
It was from Danny Van Wauwe (Daniel Bovie, The Moon, Cubic22,… one of the greatest Belgian producers of all time):
Stop listening to the music. Just play the track again from the beginning and go grab a coffee in the next room. Stay there and just feel the music through the walls. When the low end is right you’ll get the vibe spot on the dance floor.
Anything else you’d like to tell us…?
There is so much Capoon music being released this year. I just can’t wait to share my journey and story with everyone.
If you spot me somewhere one day, be sure to come to say hi :). Love to get to know everyone and share a drink!
Thank you.
THANKS TO YOU ALL!
