Hello everyone, it’s your host Oliver from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by composer, producer, guitarist, keyboardist, and synth programmer C’batch, the creative identity of Stephen H. Cumberbatch. Based in White Plains, New York, United States, C’batch brings decades of experience across Smooth Jazz, Contemporary R&B, Soul, Euro-Pop, and electronic-inspired sounds. Today, we are discussing his latest EP, “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling),” released on 10 May 26, a project that explores romantic relapse, vulnerability, emotional contradiction, and the complicated spaces between desire and self-awareness.
Before we begin our conversation with C’batch, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
ABOUT C’BATCH
C’batch’s “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” is a carefully crafted EP that reflects a lifetime of musical exploration, combining sophisticated songwriting, atmospheric production, and genre-spanning influences into a deeply expressive body of work. As the artistic identity of Stephen H. Cumberbatch, C’batch represents the creative vision of a composer, author, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career has developed across different eras of contemporary music.
From his work as a guitarist, keyboardist, synthesizer programmer, and sampler specialist to his contributions as a songwriter and producer, C’batch has built a musical identity rooted in experimentation, emotional storytelling, and technical creativity. His connection to music began early through a family environment surrounded by artistic expression, eventually leading him toward a lifelong dedication to composition and production.
Throughout his career, C’batch has been associated with influential releases including “I Need You Now” by Sinnamon, “Let Me Do You” by NV, “Playgirls” by Kreamsicle, and “Geisha Love” by Eleanore Mills. These projects reflect his involvement in musical movements connected to club culture, electronic production, and evolving dance music landscapes.
Through Stevette Music, Inc., the independent publishing, production, and record company established in 1984 alongside Yvette Cumberbatch, C’batch has continued developing music on his own creative terms. The platform represents his commitment to artistic independence, preserving creative ownership, and documenting the contributions behind his compositions.
“Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” continues this ongoing creative exploration by blending Smooth Jazz, Contemporary R&B, and Euro-Pop influences into a project centered around emotional conflict and reflection. The EP explores the story of someone caught between the desire to move forward and the undeniable pull of a connection they struggle to leave behind. Rather than presenting only one interpretation of this emotional experience, C’batch expands the concept through multiple versions, allowing the central theme to take on different musical perspectives.
The original versions of the EP focus on intimate vocals, expressive melodies, layered synth textures, and hypnotic grooves that capture the emotional tension within the story. Alongside these interpretations, the cinematic versions introduce a broader atmosphere, highlighting C’batch’s interest in creating music that can exist beyond traditional song structures and connect with visual storytelling.
The cinematic direction of the project also serves as a preview of his upcoming album, “The Vault 4 – Cinematic,” scheduled for release on July 10th, 2026. Through this future collection, C’batch continues exploring the relationship between music, atmosphere, and imagery, creating compositions that reflect his desire to expand the emotional and storytelling possibilities of his work.
The EP also connects with the companion project “Fluorescent Buzz (You Got Me Falling),” where the emotional foundation of “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” is transformed into more groove-driven, club-oriented interpretations. This continued exploration reflects C’batch’s belief that strong compositions can reveal new possibilities when approached from different creative perspectives.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, I’m sure both new listeners and longtime fans are excited to hear directly from C’batch. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Oliver:
C’batch, your journey in music spans decades, from being a composer, producer, guitarist, keyboardist, and synth programmer to building your own independent platform through Stevette Music. Looking back at the early moments of your life, what experiences shaped your relationship with music and helped you discover that this was the path you wanted to dedicate yourself to?
C’batch:
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by family members who were musicians or had artistic talent, so creativity was always present. Looking back, it seems almost inevitable that I would gravitate toward music. It became the natural way for me to express myself, and over time I realized it wasn’t simply something I enjoyed—it was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.
Oliver:
Your career has allowed you to explore different sides of music, including songwriting, production, publishing, and performance. Looking specifically at your creative process today, how have these different roles influenced the way you develop ideas, shape your sound, and bring your musical vision to life?
C’batch:
Each of those roles has shaped the way I create music. Songwriting gives me the foundation—the melody, harmony, and emotional direction. Production allows me to build the atmosphere around those ideas, while my experience as a musician helps me understand how every instrument contributes to the finished piece.
Working in publishing and the business side of music has also taught me the importance of preserving and presenting my work as I originally envisioned it. Today, all of those experiences come together naturally, allowing me to translate what I hear in my head into something listeners can experience.
Oliver:
You have been connected to different musical eras and influences, from New York club culture to contemporary R&B, smooth jazz, and electronic sounds. How have these experiences shaped the foundation of your artistic identity and influenced the way you continue to develop your sound?
C’batch:
I’ve never believed in limiting myself to one musical style. Every stage of my career exposed me to different genres, audiences, and creative possibilities. The New York club scene taught me the importance of groove and energy, while R&B, jazz, and electronic music expanded my appreciation for melody, harmony, texture, and atmosphere.
Rather than consciously trying to blend genres, I simply write the music I hear. Those influences naturally become part of my musical vocabulary, and that’s why my music continues to evolve without chasing trends.
Oliver:
“Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” explores themes of romantic relapse, vulnerability, and emotional contradiction, while the title itself suggests reflection and growth. What inspired the story behind this project, and what does the title represent about the emotional journey you wanted to share with listeners?
C’batch:
The story was inspired entirely by the music itself. The harmony came first, followed by the melody, and from those melodies I began hearing the words, “Next Time” and eventually “I Won’t Be Falling” in my head. The music essentially dictated the direction of the lyric.
I wanted to tell the story of someone caught in an emotional tug-of-war—someone conflicted, in denial, and trapped in a repeating cycle. To make the story more compelling, I introduced a contradiction with the line, “But you’ve got me falling in love again.” Suddenly the character was pulled between knowing they should walk away and being unable to resist the emotional pull of the relationship. From there, the story unfolded naturally.
Oliver:
“Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” blends Smooth Jazz, Contemporary R&B, and Euro-Pop while moving between intimate late-night reflections, groove-driven moments, and different interpretations of the same emotional story. How did you approach combining these musical influences and emotional directions, and what did you want each version of the project to reveal about the feelings behind the music?
C’batch:
I never begin with the intention of writing within a particular genre. The musical influences emerge naturally during the creative process rather than through conscious planning.
However, I intentionally created the cinematic versions because the composition seemed to lend itself beautifully to that approach. Those interpretations allow listeners to experience the same emotional story from a different perspective, emphasizing mood, atmosphere, and imagery in ways that complement the original song.
Oliver:
Your background as a composer and producer gives you a unique perspective on building music from different elements. When creating this EP, how did you approach the relationship between your vocals, synth textures, grooves, and instrumentation to communicate the emotions behind the project?
C’batch:
Everything begins with the composition. Once the song is established, every production decision is made to support the emotion. The vocals carry the story, the synth textures create atmosphere, the grooves provide movement, and the instrumentation reinforces the emotional journey.
During production, I’m constantly asking whether each element serves the song. If it doesn’t contribute emotionally, it doesn’t belong.
Oliver:
The EP includes cinematic interpretations of the title track that preview the direction of your upcoming album, “The Vault 4 – Cinematic.” What inspired you to explore a more cinematic approach, and how does this project connect with the larger creative vision you are building?
C’batch:
My interest in cinematic music comes from a desire to expand where my compositions can live—film, television, commercials, gaming, and other visual media. I’ve always felt that much of my music naturally lends itself to storytelling through images.
This EP became the perfect bridge toward The Vault 4 – Cinematic, which explores that direction much more deeply and represents an exciting new chapter creatively.
Oliver:
Throughout your career, you have been connected to influential releases such as “I Need You Now” by Sinnamon and “Let Me Do You” by NV, which became part of important moments in club and dance music culture. How have those experiences influenced the way you approach your own artistry and the music you create today?
C’batch:
Those experiences taught me that music has a life far beyond the recording studio. Watching songs become part of people’s lives reinforced the importance of authenticity and strong songwriting.
They also reminded me that trends eventually fade, but music created with honesty and conviction can endure. Today, I’m more interested in creating music that feels genuine than trying to follow what’s fashionable
Oliver:
Building Stevette Music with Yvette Cumberbatch represents a long-term commitment to independence, creativity, and music ownership. What motivated you to create your own platform, and what values have guided the way you have developed it throughout the years?
C’batch:
There were several reasons why my wife, Yvette, and I created Stevette Music.
First and foremost, it allows me to release music on my own terms—music that genuinely reflects who I am, free from restrictions or pressure to conform to industry trends. Creative freedom has always been important to me.
Secondly, I wanted to ensure that proper credit is given to the people who have helped shape many of my compositions, particularly those now appearing in The Vault series. Over the years, I’ve seen occasions where my contributions and authorship were overlooked or minimized. Establishing Stevette Music ensures that the creative history of my work is properly documented and that the people who genuinely contributed receive the recognition they deserve.
Oliver:
“Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” explores the complicated space between vulnerability, reflection, and trying not to repeat the same emotional patterns. When writing this project, how did you approach turning those personal emotions and experiences into songs that could represent moments many people may have faced in their own lives?
C’batch:
Interestingly, this song wasn’t drawn from my own personal experiences. It is entirely a work of storytelling.
The concept evolved naturally from the music itself. As the harmony and melody developed, I began hearing the recurring phrases “Next Time”* and “I Won’t Be Falling.” Once I introduced the contradictory line, “But you’ve got me falling in love again,” the central character suddenly came to life. From there, the story practically wrote itself.
With the help of my longtime songwriting partner, James “Buddy” Herring, and my college freshman roommate, Ronald Daise, the song was completed. Judging from listeners’ reactions, it has become surprisingly relatable, even though it wasn’t inspired by my own life.
Oliver:
“Fluorescent Buzz (You Got Me Falling)” expands on the emotional foundation of this project through more groove-driven and club-oriented interpretations. What inspired you to revisit that feeling from a different perspective, and what did you discover by transforming the same emotion into another musical direction?
C’batch:
Some songs are gifts that keep on giving, and Next Time turned out to be one of those. It was a composition that revealed new possibilities every time I revisited it.
Fluorescent Buzz became another expression of the same emotional idea from a completely different musical perspective. Exploring that side reminded me that a strong composition can successfully live in many different forms.
That process continues to inspire me. Most recently, I created a new cinematic work titled “Our Little Pooh Pea (The Last Light)”, derived from a guitar solo I performed over my earlier composition Round & Round. It will be released as both an EP and music video on my birthday, August 29, 2026.
Oliver:
Every project has moments where an artist feels they have captured exactly what they wanted to express. Was there a particular song, creative decision, or moment during the making of “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” that made you feel this project represented where you are creatively?
C’batch:
Not really. I’ve always considered myself a work in progress. Every project reflects where I am creatively at that particular moment, but I never feel I’ve reached a final destination. For me, the excitement lies in continuing to learn, grow, and discover new possibilities.
Oliver:
After decades of creating music, collaborating with different artists, and building Stevette Music, how have your experiences, achievements, and lessons shaped the direction you are taking with your upcoming collections and the next chapter of your artistry?
C’batch:
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that commitment to your craft matters, and artistic growth takes time. Experience shapes not only your abilities but also your perspective.
Today, I feel more able than ever to fully realize my artistic vision because my focus is no longer on industry validation. Instead, it’s about creating music I’m genuinely proud of and offering listeners something honest, distinctive, and enjoyable.
Oliver:
With “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” exploring vulnerability, reflection, and emotional conflict, what do you hope someone going through a similar experience feels or understands when they connect with this project?
C’batch:
I hope listeners realize they aren’t alone. Love can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also be confusing, complicated, and emotionally painful.
Even when we know a relationship may no longer be right for us, that doesn’t necessarily mean the feelings disappear. If the song helps someone understand that those contradictions are simply part of being human, then it has accomplished something meaningful.
Oliver:
Looking ahead, with projects like “The Vault 4 – Cinematic” and future collections planned, what direction do you feel your artistry is moving toward, and what new creative spaces are you excited to explore?
C’batch:
The Vault 4 – Cinematic* will probably be the boldest and most adventurous project I’ve ever undertaken. It explores another side of my musical personality, placing greater emphasis on atmosphere, storytelling, and visual imagination.
Rather than defining a permanent direction, it represents my desire to continue exploring new creative spaces. Listeners will still hear the musical DNA that runs throughout my work, but they’ll also discover something fresh and unexpected. That’s what excites me most.
Oliver:
After building a career that connects different generations of music, from your earlier work to your current releases, what kind of legacy do you hope C’batch’s music leaves behind for listeners and future creators?
C’batch:
I hope people remember me as someone who remained true to his own musical voice and wasn’t afraid to explore different creative directions.
If my music demonstrates that it’s possible to blend genres, experiment freely, and remain authentic, then I’ll feel I’ve left something worthwhile. Above all, I hope listeners simply remember the music as honest, distinctive, meaningful, enjoyable—and, most importantly, good music.
“C’batch’s journey reflects the power of artistic evolution, where decades of musical experience, emotional storytelling, and creative independence come together to create work that continues to discover new possibilities.”
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
MY EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
“Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” showcases C’batch’s ability to transform a simple emotional premise into a layered musical experience. Through thoughtful composition, expressive vocals, and carefully shaped production, the project reveals an artist who understands the relationship between sound and storytelling. The EP’s movement between intimate arrangements and cinematic interpretations highlights a creative vision built on exploration, allowing each version to present a different emotional perspective while remaining connected to the same artistic foundation.
CLOSING
C’batch, thank you for taking the time to share your journey, creative process, and the story behind “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” with DULAXI. This conversation has offered readers an opportunity to understand not only the music itself, but also the experiences, values, and artistic vision that continue shaping your work.
For listeners discovering C’batch’s music for the first time, “Next Time (I Won’t Be Falling)” provides an opportunity to experience a project built around emotional storytelling, thoughtful production, and a willingness to explore different musical worlds. We encourage everyone to spend time with the EP and continue following C’batch’s ongoing creative journey.
Thank you to everyone who spent time with this DULAXI interview. Stay connected with us as we continue bringing you conversations with artists from around the world and sharing the stories behind the music.