Cris Cap releases brand new EP

Based in Düsseldorf, Cris Cap has walked a unique path in the world of modern soul, drawing on a rich lineage of R&B, jazz and pop influences to shape his timeless yet modern sound. His longstanding connection to music, particularly the piano, served as a bedrock for his artistic development, resulting in a style that harks back to the groove-heavy flair of the 70s and 80s while embracing the sheen of cutting edge production. With influences like Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder guiding his sonic ethos, Cris Cap’s music blends nostalgic warmth with current sophistication, making him a compelling figure in today’s soul pop crossover landscape.

At the heart of his sound lies a prized possession; his Fender Rhodes Mk1, an electric piano he’s had since 1985. Its unmistakable tone plays a central role in defining the sonic character of his work, acting as both a creative compass and a constant companion in his musical journey. His lyrics often explore themes of love, memory and emotional growth, giving each release a truly personal, yet relatable quality.

Following a series of releases that began with his 2020 debut “Brighter Day” featuring Anna Teers, Cris Cap now returns with Gone Too Soon, a new three-track EP that showcases the full breadth of his musical and emotional range. The title track and lead single presents a soulful ballad revolving around ideas of loss and reflection, penned in the wake of a close friend’s unexpected passing, it’s a tribute that balances sorrow with celebration. Tyla Raé delivers a powerful vocal performance that lifts the song into something profoundly moving. Built on a 6/8 rhythm, swathed in strings, guitar and those familiar Rhodes tones, “Gone Too Soon” aches with beauty and grace to offer a moment of vulnerability and reverence, told through the lens of music as memory.

Commenting on the song, Cris shares, “The young man who inspired this song had just rediscovered his love for music. He played my piano with so much joy and passion. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to write this song—not only to process the loss but to honour the beauty of what he left behind. When I wrote “Gone Too Soon” on my Fender Rhodes, every chord felt like a conversation with him, every lyric like a message to all of us left behind. And when Tyla Raé sang it, she transformed it into something truly celestial—like a voice reaching beyond this world.”

The second track on the release, “Young Gun,” shifts gears while still retaining the emotional impact that defines Cris Cap’s writing. Featuring the smooth, expressive vocals of Nashville’s Hudson Hayes, the track captures the spirit of adolescent love and the self-discovery that comes with it. Soulful and uplifting, it draws listeners in with warm layers of instrumentation, guitar textures courtesy of Ben Nemsi, Cris’ own deft piano work and crisp production that gives the song a breezy, yet heartfelt quality. It’s a feel-good anthem with substance, pairing nostalgic energy with clever pop craftsmanship.

Closing the EP is “Live Like My Cat,” a lighthearted yet charming track inspired by his long-time feline friend, Boomer. With a title that might suggest a novelty song, the track instead reveals a contemplative take on simplicity, contentment and the beauty of a slowed-down life. Cris spins the whimsical concept into a smooth soul pop jam, complete with playful grooves, swaggering guitar licks, Rhodes-driven melodies and charming vocals that tie it all together. It’s a reminder that even the smallest moments, like observing a cat’s day-to-day ease, can inspire meaningful art.

With Gone Too Soon, Cris Cap once again showcases his versatility as a songwriter and producer, while reinforcing the emotional sincerity that his fans have come to know and love. Whether he’s reflecting on loss, revisiting youthful hope or dreaming of a feline’s carefree life, his work always circles back to the heart with warmth, groove and soul.

Listen to Gone Too Soon below