Feature: Harry Kappen Decodes “Break these chains”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Break these chains" and the story it tells?
This is the second single from my new album ‘Four.’ “Break these chains” is about breaking through what I see as damaging and objectionable tendencies in society and politics. Fake news, not taking the truth seriously, doing politics as if it were the same as running a business, weakening democracy. We are waiting for a counter-movement; “where are the angels…” I thought raw rock music would fit this subject.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for this song?
Like all songs, I make them in my own studio in the Netherlands. I take my time. I usually make the music first, then the lyrics that I think fit the atmosphere of the music. The last three years I have been working on solo projects and I really like it. Working on new music at my own pace, independently and determining my own path suits me. The whole process is not fixed in advance; it comes as it comes. And a lot is coming; I am already preparing my 5th project. I just let it happen. You can follow all my musical developments on my website .
What impact do you hope this track will have on your audience?
I don't really have a purpose with my songs. I write about what I see and experience around me, I let myself be influenced by the news in all media, but I also draw from my memories, loves, my own emotions. If there are people who can recognize themselves in my music and lyrics, I would of course like that very much. But I really don't do that according to a preconceived plan.
What is it about the lyricism, instrumentation, or structure of this genre that resonates with you?
I don’t think I belong to a certain genre; my music is quite eclectic. On the new album it goes from jazz to hard rock, from esoteric fantasy to ‘down to earth’ pop. It comes as it comes and I accept it as it comes. The whole thing just has to be right.
As for instrumentation; I am originally a rock guitarist, so the guitar is central everywhere. But over the years I started playing more instruments; piano, bass, drums and more. I had to develop that through my work as a music therapist. In that work you have to be able to connect with your client with every instrument that is available.
How do you see the future of the music industry, especially with changes in technology and how people consume music?
I have no idea, to be honest. Sometimes I think that serious music is doomed, because of the I.A. developments for example. On the other hand, live music will always be popular and that will always require real people with real musical qualities. We will see, I am not pessimistic. In the end, ‘the music industry’ will respond to all the movements that have already happened as well as the new developments that are yet to come; the range of offerings will become increasingly broader I think.
