Q&A: Cape Weather
WITH A LOVE OF POP AND THE CULT CLASSIC FILM “SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER - Cape Weather finds its roots in a simple passion for expression. Comprised of college best friends Natalie Smith and Eric Jackowitz, the duo hones in on “nostalgic indie-pop melodies” to shape their self described “elevator rock” sound fans crave. Their new single “Try Harder” sets a strong stage for 2020 and their upcoming EP Slow Dance, due this Spring. Showcasing some surf rock elements and groovy dance bits, “Try Harder” is sure to hook its listener. Cape Weather is kicking the year off strong and has big plans for 2020. Read below to learn more about what elevator rock even means, new music and more.
LUNA: Can you talk a bit about making the transition from pursuing music as a hobby to pursuing it as a career? When did you decide to commit to that?
SMITH: I’ve been serious about music since I was a kid - taking piano lessons, quitting piano lessons, picking up the guitar, singing in school choirs and in random bands around my hometown. I ended up studying it in college and when I finished school there was no real moment of is this a hobby or a career. I just sort of jumped in and have been figuring it out ever since.
LUNA: Are there any common themes or narratives you find yourself drawn to writing about?
SMITH: I struggle with anxiety and depression, so it definitely pops up in the songs - whether it be overthinking and ruminating, social anxiety or the general feeling of loneliness. And LOVE, obviously love.
LUNA: Sonically, who are some artists that have played a role in shaping your sound?
SMITH: Our sound has really been shaped by a hodgepodge of artists and styles. My bandmate, Eric, and I both love powerpop and the melancholy rock of bands like Alvvays and The Strokes, but we also are heavily influenced by classic, soul artists like Dusty Springfield and Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. I’m also influenced by classic jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday, Julie London, and Astrud Gilberto, and classic songwriters like Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and Carole King.
LUNA: I like that on Instagram you say you’re “elevator rock”. I know the genre question sucks, but what are some key elements that best make up your sound overall?
SMITH: Elevator rock is all about the tambourines and (hopefully) the secret grooves that make you bob your head. And not taking yourself or the music too seriously.
LUNA: Congrats on your new single “Try Harder”! What was that creative process for this track like?
SMITH: Thank you! Some songs are quick and easy, and some make you want to pull your hair out. Luckily, Try Harder was easy and basically wrote itself in an afternoon. I got the idea for the song when I was driving around LA; the lyrics “chasing you, feels like chasing the wind” were in my head and hung on to it until I got home and could pick up the guitar. I wrote the riff next and it all sort of flowed. I took the song to Eric a few days later and he laid down that disco beat and we demoed it out.
LUNA: What do you want people to know about “Try Harder”? Is there something, in particular, you want your audience to take away from it?
SMITH: I want people to just feel good. I want them to do the best they can do. I want them to do a shoulder dance.
LUNA: How would you compare “Try Harder” to any other upcoming music you’re working on?
SMITH: Try Harder is the first single of the new EP (Slow Dance), and I think it really encapsulates the sound of the overall record. You’ve got surfy guitar, soft vocals, percussion, calypso y disco vibes, garage grit, girl-group vocals…. Elevator rock.
LUNA: You’re starting 2020 off great with a new single, so what can we expect from you in the coming months?
SMITH: 2020 is looking pretty exciting! We have a couple more singles, the full EP, and a few v fun music videos all coming soon. We will also be at SXSW and playing shows to support the release. I’m excited.
