Interview - Blue Capricorn

Having already cemented himself with a string of vibrant releases over the last few years, Blue Capricorn is back with a beautiful offering 'MAKE ME BELIEVE'.

So with the new track out now, we sat down with him to discuss all things music.

Can you share more about how you first connected with Adieu Anais and what drew you to collaborate with her on this track?

I found Adieu Anais through a Facebook group for musicians based in Dallas. This was a year ago as of now. At the time, I was gearing up for my EP release and I was putting together an EP release show on the night of the release. I was still looking for one artist to take an opening slot and I somehow came across a post she made on the group, and I dived in and automatically considered her an excellent addition to my show. I reached out asking if she wanted to open for me and sure enough, she agreed. The rest is history of course.

What was the collaborative process like while creating “MAKE ME BELIEVE”? Did you have any memorable moments during your improvisational sessions?

Working with Anais was actually a really fun experience. During our rehearsal sessions, I felt like we got to know each other on a much deeper level. In other words, we didn't take the process so seriously. There were moments where we would spend five minutes dying laughing and trying to get over some lyrics that clearly couldn't fit the rhythm of the song. I felt like moments like that allowed us to not get so caught up on trying to complete the song quickly. We really took our time with it. We spent two sessions experimenting with chords, different sounds, kicks, snares, etc. It was an organic, bonding experience. 

The song explores themes of vulnerability and yearning. Can you elaborate on the emotional journey that inspired these themes in your songwriting?

When the song was in its early stages, I sort of felt like this song would have themes regarding love and yearning. Before writing the song, I had curated a playlist of songs on Spotify to really understand the song I was looking to write with Anais. There were some Olafur Arnalds in there. James Blake, Julianna Barwick, Bon Iver, and ROSALÍA to name a few. All these artists listed have written about love in some shape or form. It's a territory that is often visited with musicians, but I think you can get some of the best, most heart wrenching lyrics that are rooted in love. I love songs about love. 

You mentioned being inspired by atmospheric songs like “Blue Hour” and “Nothing's Special.” How did these tracks influence the sound and tone of “MAKE ME BELIEVE”?

Nosaj Thing and Oneohtrix Point Never are both artists that have influenced me in various ways. Nosaj Thing helps me consider space + atmosphere, and how to make it your own. OPN's music has taught me to challenge myself. To be unpredictable, but interesting. I wanted 'MAKE ME BELIEVE' to be an examination of both mine and Adieu Anais' worlds combined, and the result is something ethereal, atmospheric, and celestial. 

Your music blends a variety of genres. How do you approach genre experimentation, and what do you think it brings to your sound?

My goal is to never repeat myself in my music. If I have two songs that sound similar, I have to reconsider what I'm doing because the most important thing for me when I write is to be multifaceted. I'm a Latinx artist that listens to electronic, R&B, hip-hop, house, salsa, reggaeton, jazz, indie rock, psychedelic, dream pop, experimental, lo-fi, and everything in between. I put myself in a headspace that pulls from all those genres I mentioned when I write. I simply don't want to be an artist that boxes themselves in one category. I want to be known for being unique, so if I want to write a song that is atmospheric, with a touch of dream pop and warped beats with Spanish lyrics, then I will because it's untraditional. It's music that I would want to hear. 

Working with producer Michael Briggs, what elements did you focus on to create the ethereal ambience in the track?

Michael Briggs is a really talented producer, and everyone that has worked with him could say the same. To create an ethereal ambience, we mainly focus on how vocals and instruments are mixed. We need to amp up the reverb and delay to really get that dreamy feeling we looked for with this song in particular. Every element of the song was manipulated, from the vocals to the drums to the keys to achieve that feeling of unreciprocated love.  Having worked with him for two years now, he just knows how I like my music to sound. He's really good at experimenting as well. I could be laying something down, and then he'll suggest something that turns out to be better than my idea. He's a great mentor too. He's incredibly knowledgeable and well connected within the Dallas music scene. 

Can you talk about the lyrics in “MAKE ME BELIEVE”? What story or message do you hope listeners take away from it?

Anais had written the lyrics to the song, but she had mentioned that 'MAKE ME BELIEVE' was an exploration of patience in love and sometimes having to wait for that person you love to meet you halfway. It's about wanting an equal amount of love from your lover, but not receiving it in return. It's quite interesting because I was so fully on board with that idea. I'm more of a realist with my songwriting as well, especially now. 

With this single marking a significant moment in your career, how do you see your music evolving in the future?

I never truly know what to expect next with my music. I feel like it just comes to me. I have to be in a certain headspace to even be inspired to write. I'm not the kind of artist that spends everyday writing. As much as I would like that, I just can't. What I can say though is that my next couple of songs will be me getting closer to that sound I want Blue Capricorn to be known for. I'm just now getting started.

What do you hope listeners will feel or experience when they listen to “MAKE ME BELIEVE”?

Anything really! I've gotten several different reactions from people who have listened to 'MAKE ME BELIEVE'. Some people have reported feeling like their hearts were wandering. Some people have wanted to cry to it. Some people have pictured scenes from films with the song. I think that's one of the most interesting aspects of being an artist. Being judged by the general public and listening to others' opinions about your music and how they perceive it. I never expect the same reactions from everyone, but it has been rewarding to hear that both Anais's fans and my fans have been responding well to it. Perhaps Anais and I will write another song together, who knows.

Are there any upcoming projects or performances you’re excited about that you can share with us?

I like to keep my future plans with music a secret, but as of now, all I will say is that I'm not quite done releasing music for 2024. I'll be back again sooner than you think. 

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