Q&A: Unpacking Cairo’s ‘Double Love’
CAIRO IS A RISING STAR IN THE NORTH LONDON MUSIC SCENE, BLENDING HIS PASSIONS FOR R&B, SOUL, AND JAZZ TO CRAFT A UNIQUE AND TIMELESS POP SOUND. With his soulful voice and genre-bending style, Cairo is set to release his debut EP Double Love on September 27, tackling themes of love, sexuality and the Queer experience from a UK-focused perspective.
On August 14, ahead of the release of his debut EP, the talented singer-songwriter released his lead single of the same name. Like the rest of the project, “Double Love”, is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the complexities of navigating a hidden relationship intertwined with the experience of being queer. Cairo battles his own feelings of betrayal, disappointment and affliction from being in a relationship that he cannot fully embrace.
Cairo, a rising songwriting sensation, weaves harmonious melodies and crafts catchy, innovative lyrics. His debut single showcases his charismatic storytelling and skillful layering, balancing depth with lighthearted charm. This double-entendre title defines Cairo's creative flair. Produced by Jonah and co-written with Bradley Palmer, “Double Love” soars to new heights through a resolute soundscape. Cairo's vocal delivery is equally impressive, as he expertly navigates dynamic contrasts that reflect the subject matter. His voice crescendos with emotive intensity then ebbs into soft, intimate tones. With playful variety, he seamlessly shifts between tender falsetto and rich, full-bodied tones.
With Double Love, Cairo announces himself as a bold new voice in British music, one that is both deeply rooted in tradition and unapologetically vulnerable. His music invites listeners to immerse themselves in the rich emotional landscapes he creates, and to join him in capturing the essence of a community and unique experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
Luna had an insightful conversation with Cairo about his “Double Love” single and upcoming project, his sonic influences and the experiences that have shaped his music.
LUNA: Your debut EP Double Love explores the tension of being in the closet and navigating one's sexuality. Can you share what inspired you to address this theme in your music? Further, what other themes are most prevalent in your music?
CAIRO: I was inspired by my own experience with DL men or with someone that’s not fully comfortable with their sexuality. It’s a tricky topic to talk about as I feel we should give people the grace to explore and understand their sexuality but there is a toxic side to that, which leaves people like me [out of the closet] to become an experiment and a secret. This is an ongoing thing in my life and community, it can become very tiresome. I talk a lot about identity in my music, I feel like I’m still identifying myself now and it’s a journey I know a lot of people go through. I also talk about my complex relationship with love, whether it be romantic or platonic.
LUNA: How do you feel your North London upbringing influenced your artistic perspective and sound?
CAIRO: Growing up in North London is bittersweet, mostly sweet, but that 10% of bitterness is what counts as my grittiness and the 90% of the sweetness is the cutesy, vulnerable side I have. For someone like me North can be very hostile, and that in itself plays a huge part in my artist perspective and sound. Because being unapologetically myself is an act of rebellion. In other words I like to take risks and break out the mould.
LUNA: Your music blends R&B, Soul, and Jazz elements with a pop sensibility. Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a song?
CAIRO: Taking inspiration from my love of pop music I would usually keep a standard pop structure for the song. Verse, pre, chorus, verse pre, double chorus, or verse bridge chorus. Whatever pop variation there is I’ve probably tried it, but before I get into the structural side of things the chords usually set the tone for how I approach crafting a song. Then I come up with a top line that compliments but almost counteracts the chords, whether it be Soulful, Jazzy or R&B.
LUNA: The abbreviation 'DL' holds significant meaning in the Black and Brown queer community. Could you walk us through the inspiration and process behind tying this abbreviation to the title of your EP.
CAIRO: After writing “Double Love”, I knew instantly that it’d be the title of the EP. If you were to ask me what I would describe my love life like in an abbreviation, it would definitely be DL. It’s all I know sadly, and I wanted the Black and brown queer community to automatically feel connected, this is such a unique experience that needs to be spoken about and my whole project speaks to that. I’m navigating myself through life as an openly queer man but here I am giving and receiving love in secret, because of how much being gay, lesbian or queer is looked down upon in black and brown communities, still till this day. That adversity will always be my inspiration until things change.
LUNA: Stevie Nicks, Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, and SZA are all iconic inspirations. Which specific aspects of their artistry have impacted your own sound and style?
I love Stevie Nicks’ consistency, her tone and note choices.
CAIRO: Beyoncé. *pause for dramatic effect* is my everything. I take so much from her, her vocal layering, her writing, production, work ethic I could go on, but a lot of inspiration is taken from her!
Jazmine Sullivan’s vocals and writing, I love what she chooses to write about.
SZA’s versatility! She’s like a chameleon, she can blend into anything.
LUNA: James Fauntleroy and Caroline Polachek are notable songwriting influences. What did you learn from them, and how have they shaped your approach to songwriting?
CAIRO: I love James’ lyrics and word play, he makes me want to think outside the box. Good word play and amazing melody/ top lines. I love his vocal layering too. I just think, ‘What would James Fauntleroy do?’ Whenever in doubt.
Caroline has amazing taste in melody. You can tell she listens to a lot of music and really hones in on her craft which makes me want to be a better writer, by studying. I love her lyrics and play on words also.
LUNA: The Double Love EP is your debut release via Cascine. What drew you to this LA-based label, and how do you see your music fitting into their roster?
CAIRO: I was drawn by the label's love for alternative music, and just good music in general. They weren’t super numbers driven, they just wanted to help tell stories and show good music. I feel my music fits the ethos of Cascine so it’s only right I joined the roster!
LUNA: What were some of your favorite parts/memories of making this project?
CAIRO: Aside from actually making the EP with all the producers I really loved creatively directing the Project. I worked alongside my close friend Adem Koyuncu to come up with the word of Double Love and how we’d show it to everyone visually. We gotta get her right after I finished the last track, I think July of 2022 and we finally fleshed everything out two years later. That’s what’s been the most special and memorable part of making this project.
LUNA: You released your first single on August 14, what was the reason and significance behind having a lead single of the same name as your project?
CAIRO: The Double Love EP was named after the single because the song describes DL men so clearly and the rest of the project goes into more depth about how Mr Double Love made me feel. I couldn’t see the project being called anything else.
LUNA: What's next for you, Cairo? Are there any upcoming live performances, music videos after the release of your project?
CAIRO: More music and more music videos to come!! I’m dropping my second song ‘Godspeed’ on the 4th of September and I do have a show coming up on the 10th of October, at The Forge @ The Lower Third. I’ll be celebrating the release of my EP, a launch party if you will!
