Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tristan Cappel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tristan, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I think it’s very common for every artist, musician, or in general, any professional to feel a sense of imposter syndrome in our lives. The progress we make in our artistic and professional lives can be hard to gauge when you’re in the driver’s seat, so to speak. It’s hard to see your growth day to day, so when you’re placed in a situation that feels like it’s beyond your self-image, you get a sense of imposter syndrome.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Tristan Cappel, I’m a jazz saxophonist from the Detroit area and I produce electronic music under the moniker ‘BOTANICA.’ I moved to Los Angeles with my girlfriend two years ago from Brooklyn, and I’m thrilled to be building a career out here.
My short & long term focus is to be an artist, sideman, educator, and working musician. Balance! I find deep joy carving out my path, and I’m grateful to be doing it in such an amazing music scene.
Since moving here, I’ve found myself in all sorts of incredible musical scenarios. I’ve been fortunate to be a performing or recording artist for Stanley Clarke, Lizzo, Bruno Mars, Michelle Coltrane, John Daversa, Postmodern Jukebox, Gregory Shilling, Olivia Dean, & Marlon Martinez since moving out here.
Since the start of 2023, I’ve began prioritizing sharing my music with the world. In July, I put out my first eponymous EP as ‘BOTANICA.’ I’ve started performing my acoustic music around LA this year, too!
In 2024, I’ll be releasing my debut jazz album, so stay tuned!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities and skills that have been crucial elements in my journey thus far are artistic conviction, musical versatility, and a persistent sense of curiosity. As a creative, it’s not always clear why are you are drawn to certain mediums of expression. What’s important is to have confidence and conviction in following that inner pull.
When I was first getting serious about saxophone, many mentors were telling me who I had to sound like, how I had to play, and I often felt like they were trying to put me in a box that I didn’t want to be in at the time. I don’t know why I was drawn to the sounds of free jazz, late 1960’s John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Charles Mingus, JDilla, and Flying Lotus (to name just a few), but I was, and they shaped the art I’m making today.
I don’t know what led me to download Ableton when I was 16, but I did, and I just kept making music in it, until I got to a point where I felt like I was pretty good at it.
It didn’t make sense to many of my peers why I was suddenly into playing the flute in high school, but now I feel that my voice shines through the instrument. I bring flutes to every performance of mine, and have multiple tracks for flute on my upcoming Jazz album.
The curiosity has led me to becoming pretty versatile, which I believe has allowed me to get involved in an eclectic array of musical scenarios.
I’m not quite sure how all of these interests will converge, but that’s my journey as an artist. I know they will continue to develop into something meaningful, both as a leader and sideman. In the meantime, the process itself will be beautiful and is creating all sorts of different projects that will be shared with the world soon.
If I were to give advice, I would just say to follow your gut, and don’t negotiate your art with the world too much!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I have so many avenues that I want to explore in my lifetime. As I mentioned before, I produce music under ‘BOTANICA,’ and I want to work with vocalists and rappers in creating a shared vision. I’m a huge fan of house music, so I’d love to meet people in that space. As a flautist, I love classical and chamber music, which I’d also love to get more involved with.
If any of these things resonate with you, reach out through instagram or my email!
Contact Info:
- Website: tristancappel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristancappel/
- Other: BOTANICA: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HlHvCzJ3qdVoyGET1TJP2?si=x9qGSKv0Rl-VV5jFGuCPSg Tristan’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6csyyDZrMthJJ4iihjauK4?si=elVmRZgLRjGQKN2NR0XOOg
Image Credits
STRATØS
