We love Cape Cub and over 18 million Spotify streams, we’re positive we’re not the only ones. His brand of indie pop runs deep with listeners, rooted in its storytelling around the warmth and vitality of human relationships.

His latest single “Searchlight” showcases his natural flair for uplifting and rousing melodies, this time with a more contemplative and autumnal vibe. We’re looking forward to hearing more from Cape Cub in 2018, but before then we asked him to put together a playlist of what he’s currently got on heavy rotation.

Billy Bragg – A New England

I remember hearing this song when I was about 14. It was music to my ears, literally. It had a sense of escapism. Just one bloke and a guitar, no pretence about it and he sounded like a dreamer. I didn’t have a clue at that age who Billy Bragg was or the significance of this song, but it just stood out to me as a beautiful song with a beautiful message.

The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979

This is one of them that doesn’t hang about, it just jumps at you immediately and takes you with it. I love how they used electronic drums but in a super organic way. It never sounds contrived and is one of the more poppy tunes The Smashing Pumpkins put out, but it’s obvious why it’s such a huge song in how it just speaks to you.

Maggie Rogers – Dog Years

Maggie Rogers is one of them artists who just has an identity of their own. She kind of exists in her own sphere and I really respect that. Her songs don’t quite tread on the same stones but jump from place to place and it just makes her a super exciting artist to listen to. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

Bon Iver – 8 (circle)

It’s a current one, and not one of the obvious Bon Iver ‘classics’, but oh my days this song is just KILLED me the first time I heard it. I can’t really go too much into describing this song as it speaks for itself. As a band we went to watch Bon Iver at the Edinburgh playhouse and they were amazing. Their live set has hugely, hugely influenced what we intend to do with ours. It’s about pushing the boundaries that people set for you and if you aren’t going to do that then what’s the point?

Joji – Will He

Jack our lead guitarist put me onto this guy, who’s making pretty cool, odd RnB. He’s an incredibly talented vocalist and producer with an ear for atmosphere. I’m not really much up to YouTube personalities, but he’s apparently a huge YouTube person with his alter-ego and did the Harlem Shake, hilariously. Anyway I digress, check this tune out it’s boss and he’s doing cool things.

The Cure – Letters to Elise

There’s a darkness with the cure that is haunting yet achingly romantic. They do the happy-sad thing better than anyone and are probably one of, if not THE, biggest influences on my songwriting. Robert Smith is a dude.

Wolf Alice – Space and Time

Their new album is phenomenal and I’m still not sick of listening to it. They’re hands down the most exciting UK rock band for some time. I love them and everything they represent. Not since I was a kid have a band got me this pumped. This song is what I can imagine if Stevie Nicks went punk rock and collaborated with the Ramones. Just makes me want to go crazy in a venue somewhere.

Led Zeppelin – Babe I’m Gonna Leave You

Sometimes you’ve got to purchase a one-way ticket to vibe central and Led Zeppelin are the band to do that for you. I’ve been listening to them a lot recently – I grew up listening to them thanks to my Dad – and fuck me they’re just pure, straight from the soul rock and roll. Every single one of them is (and were) so god damn talented and dedicated. This is one of my favourites and gives me the chills every time.

Death Cab for Cutie – Different Names for the Same Thing

Death Cab are one of my all-time favourite bands and Ben Gibbard is one of my biggest influences as a songwriter. I couldn’t pick a favourite song so I just grabbed this one out of Plans. Each of their albums offers something different and again, like Maggie Rogers, they’re a band that exist within their own sphere and no one elses. They channel that independent spirit of Seattle in the north west corner of the USA, something which I totally get and relate to being from the north east of England. You kind of have to make your own way and do what’s true to you. I think that’s what this band represent to me.

Joni Mitchell – River

Finishing with this one. Joni Mitchell has a sense of spirit that as an artist you can only ever dream of having. I think every artist can take something from her songwriting. It’s approaching Christmas so I’ve chosen this song, in which she speaks of regret and sadness and everything in between. This song is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard and just breaks me every. single. time.

Cape Cub Socials:
Facebook
Twitter
Soundcloud