We caught up with South African indie folk superstar Cape Jay who released his new single ‘Brazilia’ on 18 October via Sound Foundry. The track has received support from esteemed tastemaker’s NOTION, The Indy Review and Music In Africa, as well as US-based radio station KEXP 90.3 FM, along with being playlisted on prominent South African radio station Goodhope FM. In the interview, we chat to Cape Jay about his musical background, what inspires him and what to expect in future.
Stream Cape Jay – ‘Brazilia’ while reading the interview
1. Tell us about you, how long have you been making music? What inspired you to start?
I am a writer, artist and sailor that loves film and making music. I’ve been writing music since I was 14 years old. I guess I always found it helped me understand my experiences/feelings and place in the world and that what inspired me to keep going.
2. The music industry is super competitive these days, was there a moment in your life that you wanted to give up on music? How did you manage to stay focused and achieve what you want?
There has always been doubt – I think that is natural. We move in and out of phases of wanting to move forward or give up. All I can say is that I am glad I haven’t ever stopped and always felt the need to keep going. What keeps me going is my passion and my love for making music.
3. How would you describe your creative processes? Who writes the lyrics to the songs? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately?
Hmmm, great question! It’s hard to fully define a creative process. I find that the constant theme is trying to put myself into a meditative state when I am creating – to really feel the emotion or message of what I am trying to say. I usually find a feeling in chords or sequence first and then the lyrics tend to follow.
4. Where did the inspiration come from?
My inspiration has always come from finding an antidote to the emptiness of existence. To give life to life. Music is my catharsis.
5. What’s next for you?
Hopefully – playing live shows. Recording more albums and loving every second of it!
