Get to Know: Dan Caplen

This week's featured artist is an incredible new singer and songwriter from the UK.

Dan Caplen's career has gotten off to an amazing start. Not only has he already released multiple critically acclaimed singles and a brilliant EP, Badman, but he's also worked with the likes of Macklemore and Ray Blk. His future looks incredibly bright.

We were lucky enough to catch up with the rising star this week.

Check it out below...

1) For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…

 I'm a classically trained RnB/Soul singer. I grew up playing the cello in orchestras, got a scholarship to study out in the US for a couple of years and I've been writing songs for myself and other artists ever since I moved back.

2) Describe your sound in three words…

 Strings, Bass, Riddims.

3) Who inspired you to start a career in music?

I studied music but never thought I'd have a career in it. It just didn't seem like a thing that was achievable, to make a living from it. It was my friends at college in America who said, "Don't be a fool, you're not too bad at this music thing... put something online". I did and a couple years later here I am.

4) Who are your biggest musical influences?

 I was a huge Kanye and John Legend fan growing up but the person I listened to and thought "I really wanna try this" was J. Cole. I think it was the honesty in his lyrics... saying everything isn't jewels, big butts and customised Mercedes, that we all have down moments and doubts in our lives.

5) Tell us about the writing and recording process for your new music…

I was in the studio with a wicked producer/writer called Frank Colluci. He'd just set up a way to record off vinyl, so we found a sample and started from there, just tryna write a story. Next day I was in quite a posh studio recording some piano for Clean Bandit and I got a girl I know to quickly come in and record all the violin/strings for it, bit cheeky I know. Two Inch Punch, pulled it all together, he is a genius.

6) What can we expect from your live shows?

It's a proper vibe because my band are incredible... my bassist and drummer are brothers, so they have some telepathic shit about keeping that groove tight. I bring my cello out on tour, always takes people by surprise when I come on stage and sit down and start playing them some classical cello. 

7) What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

I wrote and sang two song's on Macklemore's Gemini album this year, and the response has been brilliant. 

8) Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?

Not properly starstruck but there's been a couple of times where you think "oh shit.... I'm in a room with some talented mofos". I went to say hi to Kehlani after her show in London, walked in and it was me, Jess Glynne and Stormzy. I said hello and just smiled but everyone of them was really safe.

9) What’s on your iPod/playlists that people wouldn’t expect?

A lot of classical music... but that's mainly cause I go through it to see if I can sample anything orchestral.  

10) When can we see you live?

Keep your eyes on my socials 'cause I'll be announcing shows next year!

You can follow Dan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Watch Dan's brilliant 'Two Fingers' music video below.