Revisiting his teenage years and youthful aspirations, the Düsseldorf artist releases his latest single, Back To California. Blending memories of the American West Coast with his approach to soul and pop, Cris’ latest venture evokes his stint living in San Diego in the early 80s and the excitement he carried with him.
With guitar motifs aplenty, neatly woven harmonies, and a buoyant bassline, this arrangement is full of heart, feeling, and momentum, drawing on the era’s production styles. Cap’s songwriting is, as usual, astute, with Back To California carrying a relaxed, fluid feel.
“California wasn’t just beaches and palm trees for me” says Cris.
“Los Angeles was where so much of the music I loved was being made, and at sixteen I was convinced I would come back after school and become a music producer there. Life had other plans.”
Influenced by Tom Misch and Olivia Dean, with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers fueling his formative writing, Back To California is nostalgic, reflects on possibilities, and traces adolescent dreams and how it clings to the present.
