By: Staff
Harry Kappen's highly anticipated 12-track album, "Time Will Tell," is an explosive and deeply personal musical journey that serves as an emotive diary, brimming with raw passion and captivating showmanship. The album opens with the high-energy track "Cool Down," featuring sustained, attention-grabbing guitars that perfectly complement the impassioned lyrics. As the track progresses, the energy builds, mirroring the sentiment that "it keeps getting harder until it boils over," before ultimately urging the listener to "slow down and cool down." Next, we are treated to the invigorating and beautifully crafted "Where the Volcano Is Awake," a true testament to Kappen's skill as a performer and songwriter. The album is a stunning compilation of powerful songs showcasing Kappen's exceptional vocal abilities and his profound talent for lyrical expression. As we delve deeper into the album, we are struck by the chill, melancholic energy of "One Life," which showcases Kappen's ability to transition between moods and emotions seamlessly. The artist's empathetic and thought-provoking lyrics leave a lasting impression, inviting the listener to reflect deeply on their own "thoughts, fears, love, and dreams." Hailing from the Netherlands, Harry Kappen is not only a gifted musician but also a producer and music therapist, a combination that undoubtedly contributes to the album's eclectic and unique sonic tapestry. A five-time nominee for the prestigious ISSA and Josie Awards, Kappen has delivered a true gift with "Time Will Tell," a collection of songs that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners on a profound emotional level. Playlist, stream, and share "Time Will Tell" by Harry Kappen today.
Wait, there's more! We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist in “The Cage” to discuss music and much more.
Here’s how it went:
Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you and why you create music?
I make music because I enjoy it and because I can express my creativity in it. It has been with me all my life, just like eating, drinking, talking and sleeping. Well, I'm not an easy talker by nature and I was a bit shy and introverted. In a musical environment this doesn't bother me at all and I can express myself as I want. That is why I became a music therapist later in life. Music is a universal language that everyone relates to in a personal way. A beautiful and safe world, a training place to work on personal issues.
What first sparked the passion for you to create music?
I don't remember how old I was, but my sister suddenly had a Spanish guitar and I was attracted to it. I was 8 or 9 years old I think. It was a time when modern pop music was developing, when you saw artists and bands appearing on television, and a little later I played in a school band and received a lot of attention. I found that attractive. Playing together in a band, practicing with each other, developing a sound and style and developing yourself at the same time, that made and still makes me happy.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
It usually starts with my guitar on the couch, just playing around. Something always arises that I record directly on my phone, often small ideas, sometimes complete verses and chorus. The music always comes first and I work it out completely in my home studio. Then I play it endlessly in my car and vocal melodies automatically appear, sometimes fragments of lyrics. For the final texts I really have to sit quietly, sometimes for weeks at a time. I get my inspiration from the events around me, from the news of the day, my experiences, from my feelings, something I see on the street, but also larger issues such as climate change and technological developments.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
So I do everything myself, I play and sing everything, compose, produce, mix and master everything from start to finish. At the very end I only let a few confidants hear it, who can give feedback. Sometimes I do something with that, but sometimes I don't. And so I do that at home and in my car, when I go to work (job as a music therapist in youth care). Then I partly do the promotion myself (my website: www.harrykappen.com ) and partly it is done by MTSmanagement group from Pittsburgh. I also consider that part of the creative process. After all, promotion helps me reach more people. That's part of it.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
There are always challenges, but never annoying challenges, I like a systematic approach, everything in due time and also taking my time. Time should not be a limiting factor in the process. Over the years I have learned to trust myself that things will turn out fine. And that's what happens. I first of all enjoy the process.
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
I don't want to impose my opinion on anyone, or become known as a musician with a certain pedantic message. I do share what I think about things and everyone does what they want with it. It's nice to hear sometimes that someone else feels the same way, but it's not a must.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
That could be anything, sometimes it is current events, sometimes it is boredom and I realize that it is time to write something again, sometimes it is love, sometimes anger or fear. It can be anything. Its not about becoming famous or rich, like many people think, it’s just me who needs to create, its telling stories I like, it’s living my life this way.
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?
Because I do everything myself and therefore choose my pace and accept and surrender to how the process develops, I experience no stress. I decide how it goes, or rather: the music determines that. I'm not bothered by deadlines.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I still have many musical ideas that I want to develop further. Many songs that are not completely finished yet. We'll see what the future brings, I'm actually not much of a planner. I have been nominated 5 times this year for the ISSA Awards and Josie Awards, I would never have thought of that last year. Creatively speaking, I am far from finished, but of course I don't know yet what the side effects of this are. I think it would be fun to play live again, but how and with whom and where I can't think of yet. The unknown future also has something attractive and adventurous. I'm open to it.
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
I mainly play guitar (my favorite), but I also play drums, bass and keyboards and all derivatives thereof. I also mix my analog skills with my digital know-how. As a music therapist you must also be able to respond to and connect with every type of client you treat. This requires that you have a very broad musical development. That also comes in handy when creating my own music.
Where do you currently reside and what is the live music venue scene like there?
I'm not really aware of where the live music hotspots are at the moment. I live in the center of the Netherlands and therefore often have to rely on Amsterdam or Rotterdam. I don't perform often anymore, in recent years I have only done studio projects. But to be honest, it has started to itch again lately. Also because the songs from my latest albums lend themselves well to being played live. (‘Escape’ and ‘Time will tel”)
Tell us about the last time you performed. Where was the show, and what was your experience like?
I used to play a lot with bands at home and abroad. From clubs to stadiums. This sometimes included tours, but mainly one-off performances. Sometimes main act, sometimes supporting act. I really enjoyed playing live; contact with the audience can give you wings and I love the vibe that often arises. Nowadays I sometimes still play with an acoustic trio in small venues, for fun, 2 guitars and a singer, my own music too and therefore simple, direct and intimate. That certainly has its charm.
What is your favorite quote?
“We became the victim of our inventions instead of controlling them” by Aldous Huxley, author of 'Brave New World'. A quote from almost 70 years ago and more current than ever. On my last album “Time will tell” I was inspired by it and wrote a song about it: “Not all of us agreed”.
Taylor Swift has many breakup-based songs.
How do you feel about writing one based on an ex?
As long as you keep it anonymous and you don't literally share everything with everyone about what you experienced with that person, I don't think it's a problem. As long as it doesn't become a 'diss'. And I think that in the case of Taylor Swift, perhaps it is time after so many break-ups for a thorough self-reflection instead of writing about someone else. (I know a music therapist :))
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other world-known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
If I could choose from my favorite music heroes (dead or alive)? That would be nice! Then I would immediately invite Paul McCartney to come to my audition first, of course he doesn't have to perform; he gets a cup of tea and I'll hire him right away. So Paul on bass. Jeff Beck on guitar, David Grohl on drums, as a choir: Whitney Houston, Genevieve Artadi and Aretha Franklin, on piano/hammond Corey Henry and on rhythm guitar John McLaughlin, supplemented with the horn section of the Tower of power. Well, that seems like something to me. And of course we only play my songs; We put all egos aside and go, hahaha!
Check out his latest release and listen to more of HARRY KAPPEN on Spotify & YouTube.
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