Muse Chronicle

A maestro musician cum instrumentalist cum therapist who feels like a crash of lightning in the realm of rock music, Harry Kappen was born in Groningen, the north of the Netherlands, to bless the world with his sonic energy. From creating ruthless magic nationally and internationally, he’s come a long way and has gained extensive intentional depth, which is commendable. His depth comes from 20 years of practising therapy for youth care and lecturing at international master’s programs in music therapy. Here to leave a mesmerising impact, his sound refuses to slow down.

The track has a mystical, funky twist that makes it difficult to keep your feet still. It’s inviting, captivating and luring enough to get you moving and grooving.

‘Balance’, named as aptly as it sounds, starts with an electric guitar bang. What follows is a post that will take anyone by complete surprise. A sultry, raw and cool electric guitar retreat infused with the magic of honest and lively vocals. This is exactly the sound the young generation yearns to have, to be inspired by. It’s not just dreamy, but something that serves as a reminder that one must always refuse to slow down despite what life throws at them, much like this track. Trust me, I am as captivated by this track as I sound while writing this, and I bet you’ll be too!

We also got a chance to interact with Harry and got to know a few more details from them. Here’s what we discovered!: –

1. Harry, your sound stands apart! How has your upbringing shaped your artistry?
   Ans- I grew up in the north of the Netherlands, in the city of Groningen. There is a music conservatory and a very active music scene, at least when I lived there. I played in several bands there with my own repertoire, mostly rock music, sometimes with some influences from funk and blues. Furthermore, I have a broad interest in all kinds of genres. My music is therefore eclectic in nature, but the rock guitar always plays a prominent role.
2. Tell us a little more about the prolonged therapy sessions you did. How have those impacted your creative direction, and how would you describe the experience?
   Ans- As a therapist, I worked primarily with young people/adolescents individually and sometimes with their families. Because they are adolescents, engaging with music was often an easier way to express themselves than verbally. I guided them in addressing their problems and frustrations through music, which is a very acceptable method for young people. Ultimately, the client was also able to talk about their feelings better than before and devise and implement solutions for more effective behavior.
   To be honest, it hasn’t had any musical influence on me. I was already reasonably well-versed before I started studying music therapy. Perhaps I have started expressing myself better in terms of lyrics; that is quite possible.
3. Rock as we know it is such a broad umbrella of expressions, if channelled right. What aspect of rock would you describe your sound to lean into and why?
   Ans- I actually love that broad range and absolutely do not want to limit myself to just one aspect. After the production process and the interplay between text and music, the music ultimately serves the text. And because I write about everything I see happening around me, that music can also take on multiple forms. The guitar is usually central, both electric and acoustic, but otherwise I keep all possibilities, atmospheres, and sounds open.
4. What are some key takeaways you wish the listeners to take away from the track?
   Ans- I have no message, but am merely an observer of what I see happening around me. I translate what I see and feel into music. The fact that there are now many people who recognize themselves in my music and sometimes feel addressed by it is a nice bonus, and I am grateful for that, but everyone is free to do with it what they want.
   ‘Balance’ is primarily about ‘listening to each other’s arguments’ rather than taking an extreme, shouting position. Life simply isn’t black and white; there is a large gray area in the middle that we must cherish, where true democracy reigns and which absolutely must not be lost.
   But anyway, that is just my opinion, which you may agree with or not.
5. From the early stages of music production to know releases bangers like ‘Balance’, how has your sound evolved?
   Ans- By gaining a lot of experience making music with others. I played in many bands with good musicians: guitarists, drummers, keyboardists, and I recorded many bands in the studio as a producer; it has grown slowly but surely. And now I can do what I want and make decisions about sound, instrumentation, atmosphere, etc. I am in the fortunate position of being able to play everything myself in a way that suits me. By the way, you can stay up to date with my music via all streaming platforms and my website: Harry Kappen, musician, songwriter, muziektherapie, muziektherapeut, music therapy, one life, Time will tell, the freedom inside, MTS, Michael Stover, indie 🙂
6. What are some iconic names present in the current music scene that intrigue and excite you, and why?
   Ans- My original musical heroes are Lennon and McCartney, David Bowie, Jeff Beck, Prince, Radiohead (still), and simply because they are excellent at what they do and because they are capable of reinventing themselves time and again and remaining original in their work. Nowadays, I am inspired by bands like Knower (Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi), Motorpsycho (a bit older, but still active), new guitarists like Matteo Mancuso, etc.
   Furthermore, I am a big fan of Rick Beato, an excellent jazz and pop musician who delves extensively into pop history and follows contemporary musicians in his two blogs on YouTube. Very good and highly recommended!

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