Credit: Ana Sanchez
Harry Kappen, who comes from Baarn, Netherlands, is a Dutch musician, producer, and music therapist who works independently. Having a lot of experience, Kappen is a versatile musician who plays multiple instruments and has been in many bands while also working with different Dutch pop groups as a producer. He started his musical career early on, and since then, he has written many songs for his bands as well as for various events and Dutch TV. This year, he has been acknowledged with five nominations for the Josie Awards in Nashville and the ISSA Awards in Atlanta due to his talent and dedication.
Kappen’s diverse musical style is influenced by iconic artists such as David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Prince, Radiohead, and Knower. He composes, performs, and oversees the production of his music in his private studio in the Netherlands. In addition to his music career, Kappen devotes himself to working as a music therapist, assisting youth in managing developmental and behavioral issues. His skill in playing various instruments helps him establish a connection with his clients, enhancing the effectiveness of music therapy in treating dysfunctional patterns. In addition, he teaches on a global music therapy master’s program in Rotterdam at Codarts.
Harry Kappen’s most recent album, “Time Will Tell,” was released on July 25th, 2024, showcasing his musical skills and varied stylistic inspirations. This album includes 12 tracks, with nine new songs and three singles from the last 14 months. The singles have attracted a lot of interest, accumulating more than half a million streams on Spotify. “Time Will Tell” is an intimate album that delves into the personal experiences, thoughts, worries, affection, and aspirations of Kappen. The album is a diverse musical experience, featuring a mix of genres including ballads, rock, funky pop, and country-inspired tracks.
Time Will Tell Album Track List:
Cool Down:
“Cool Down”, the first song on Harry Kappen’s record “Time Will Tell”, acts as a pressing call for people to stop and contemplate on what is really important. This song motivates listeners to take it easy and reflect on what truly matters in life, for themselves and those close to them. The message encourages us to pause amidst the chaos and reflect on our lives with a calm mind and determined heart.
The song starts with a rhythmic musical arrangement that establishes a strong base for the whole composition. The rhythmic foundation is captivating and driving, pulling the listener in right away. Kappen’s vocals come in at 25 seconds, adding a deep and captivating quality that complements the instruments flawlessly. The perfect combination of vocals and music forms a captivating and irresistible allure that engages the listener and keeps them hooked from start to finish.
“Cool Down” stands out with its complex rhythmic atmosphere and deep vocal performance. The dynamic instrumentation creates a feeling of urgency and energy, while the bold vocals effectively communicate the main message of the track with clear and strong conviction. This mixture of components in “Cool Down” creates a captivating and unforgettable first song that establishes the mood for the album, encouraging listeners to accompany Kappen on a voyage of contemplation and understanding.
Liberation Day:
On Harry Kappen’s album “Time Will Tell,” the fifth track titled “Liberation Day” grabs listeners’ interest right away with its captivating rhythmic instrumental opening. This luxurious driving sensation creates the perfect backdrop for an engaging musical arrangement that instantly enhances the ambiance. The original instrumental base is lively and energetic, establishing a rhythmic pulse that serves as the core of the song.
Kappen’s vocals join in at the 22-second point with a strong tone that blends smoothly with the lush instrumental foundation. The blend of vocals and instruments creates a multi-dimensional, captivating sound environment. Every sound is carefully blended together to form a complex instrumental foundation that complements and elevates the vocal delivery. The combination of different sounds in “Liberation Day” creates a distinct quality and complexity, resulting in a captivating and unforgettable composition.
The vocal performance in “Liberation Day” is truly exceptional. Kappen’s vocals beautifully complement the intricate layers of the instrumentation, resulting in a seamless and captivating collaboration that enhances the overall sound of the track. The instrumentation’s driving sensation blends seamlessly with the captivating vocals, making the track stand out on the album. In general, “Liberation Day” showcases Kappen’s talent in creating complex compositions that deeply connect with audiences.
Rearrange And Start Over:
The ninth track on Harry Kappen’s album “Time Will Tell,” titled “Rearrange And Start Over,” kicks off with a blend of drum beats, guitars, and other instruments creating a rhythmic fusion. This initial moment is filled with a deep bass, creating a strong base for the song. When the vocals start, they do it smoothly, mixing perfectly with the instrumentals to form a unified and rhythmic atmosphere.
The track’s arrangement feels genuine and effortless, with a simple approach to both rhythm and melody. The sounds blend effortlessly, forming a relaxed ambiance that is both captivating and calming. The vocal performance exudes a sense of calmness yet still manages to convey deep emotions that connect with the audience, bringing a genuine quality to the song. “Rearrange And Start Over” is notable for its straightforwardness and efficiency. The track’s charm and emotional weight shine through due to the absence of intricate rhythms and vocal techniques. This simple piece demonstrates Kappen’s skill in creating music that is easy to understand and deeply emotional, making it a standout track on the album.
The Freedom Inside:
The last song on Harry Kappen’s album “Time Will Tell,” titled “The Freedom Inside,” begins with a rhythmic beat that prepares for a bold and emotive vocal display. The vocal performance quickly grabs interest, smoothly moving above the underlying rhythm. This song keeps a straightforward feel, with the steady rhythm serving as the foundation of the music, as the main singer, joined by extra supporting vocals, dances around the tune, forming a lively interaction.
The clear beat and the captivating vocal arrangement produce a stimulating and easy-to-enjoy listening experience. The vocal emotions stand out in the track due to the simple composition, creating a profound and heartfelt resonance. The additional vocals provide richness and dimension, elevating the overall effect of the music without overshadowing the main tune.
As the song continues, it reaches a highly engaging part at the 3:04-minute point, where the music becomes more emotional and uplifting. This dramatic moment generates a deep and captivating ambiance that surrounds the listener, intensifying the emotional impact of the track. “The Freedom Inside” serves as a strong conclusion that motivates individuals to accept their inner power and dreams, concluding the album on a positive and encouraging tone.
Every song on “Time Will Tell” is carefully put together, highlighting Kappen’s skill in composing and playing instruments. The album effectively conveys the emotional essence of each song through compelling musical arrangements and profound vocals. The complex musical arrangements and emotional performance guarantee that every song deeply connects with the audience.
In general, “Time Will Tell” showcases Harry Kappen’s musical skills and versatility, as well as his talent for emotionally connecting with listeners. This album has something for everyone, whether you prefer emotional ballads, high-energy rock anthems, or infectious pop tunes. Embarking on this musical journey is highly worthwhile, showcasing the extent of Kappen’s artistic vision. Make sure to go listen to this album!
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