Joey Capo - Step Out of Your Comfort Zone When It Comes to Creating and Try Things Like Production and Just Be Yourself (Italian-Vietnamese Music Recording Singer, and Songwriter)

I am one of those artists who don’t box themselves into the genre of music. I really listen to everything. But artists I do get a lot of inspiration from today would be Khalid, Aftertheparty, and LANY to name a few. People from the past I would say The Whispers, D’Angelo, Dean Martin, and Enigma.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

My name is Joey Capo, I am a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Calabasas, CA. I started writing music at 16 and by age 20 I started the full music-making process. The music I make is a blend between pop and R&B. Through my journey as an artist I have taught myself the ins and outs of making music from recording, writing, mixing & mastering production, and even the business side of things.

This past year is when my career and sound really started to become everything I have envisioned since I started making music. It has definitely been a crazy ride so far but I am happy with where I am as an artist and even more excited about where it's all heading towards.

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?

I wanted to start pursuing music full-time 6 years ago when I was 24. It was one of those moments that really didn’t involve a lot of thinking. It was mainly a feeling and passion I just have for creating music.

To take an emotion or an experience, create this three-minute movie into a song, release it to the world, and as they listen and relate, feel, or experience what I have through it is something that makes the art of music so great to me.

3. Who are some of your favorite composers, musicians, and bands from the past and present?

4. How would you describe the music that you typically create?

The music I create is usually chill and something that you would listen to driving at sunset and nighttime. I have always loved that time of day because to me it's when the world around me really comes to life. Living in California and being around those amazing sunsets I have always had a creative connection with those moments.

5. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a musician?

The opportunities I get are mainly the emotional release. I have struggled with depression and anxiety, but the music was really the only outlet I had so I could create closer to that dark side. One of the benefits I get from that is not only seeing the connection to the people around the world who go through the same issues, but it also sheds light on those people that they are not alone. I make music not only for myself, but I hope to inspire others around me. That our only limits are the ones we create. So whatever that dream is that they have, to just go for it wholeheartedly.

6. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

I think you just have to love it and have a passion for it. I taught myself how to do a lot of things to bring my brand to life. If it was production, mixing & Mastering, recording, or even things like photo editing, making my own videos, and cover arts. I was brought up since I was young to always try to do it yourself and if you can’t succeed then find help. I am a firm believer that hard work beats talent.

Although it was never easy because I have been in studios with crazy talented people and I used to compare my talents to theirs all the time. But as time went on I started to realize everyone is different and some things may take longer for others. Yet that’s what makes everyone unique. I always said if you were going to write a book about yourself and copied someone else’s story, I’m sure people won’t want to read it because they already read it before. So write your own story and be your own legend in it.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring musicians?

I would say to just be yourself. Step out of your comfort zone when it comes to creating and try things like production if you’re a singer/songwriter or try to write a song if you’re a producer. Because you never know you might be really good at it or you might find another love for music that you never knew you had.