Scottish artist CAFOLLA has released his powerful debut single 1985 via Dusty Reel Records.

Inspired by all things 80s, 1985 instantly takes you on a synth-infused journey back in time. The single combines uptempo racing beats with raucous guitar twangs and stimulating soundscapes to create a sound that in undeniably infectious. The distinctively soulful vocals feel immediately reminiscent of the likes of Prince or Jamiroquai’s vibrant and unique performance style. Talking about the single, CAFOLLA elaborates,

1985 is all about today’s society and ruling classes. It’s asking you, has anything really changed since 1985? No, we need to learn from our mistakes to go forward.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with CAFOLLA about the debut release, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

The energy, the control, the beat!  Super –charged with a clear message.  I love the togetherness of it, the swagger – it’s exciting and provocative but it’s totally controlled, and we’re all just waiting for the release! 

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

From the moment I started playing the piano at 15, it was decided. It just clicked, I didn’t know exactly where in music I’d be, but I then found out all the parts I didn’t want to do. I started writing music as soon as started playing, again I don’t know why it happened like that, but the thrill of creating anything was like magic to me (and still is).  What drives me to push it out is I believe in the music I write, I believe in the sound, the song & the lyrics.  I have something to say and I believe it’s worth hearing through the music & lyrics!  As long as I do, I’ll always keep pushing it to anyone who is willing to listen!

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

I know what I like in most things in life, so I have a mainstay of music, places, films etc. that will always influence me and it doesn’t matter how often I spend time with them, I always get something new every time I revisit. 

My taste in music does change for sure.  I was obsessed with PROG ROCK a long time ago, then JAZZ, then ZAPPA, then SOUL/FUNK, then SINGER / SONGWRITERS.  What is a common theme with them all is they have something real to say with their music and it’s all, for the most part, exciting and challenging. They all still inspire me, I love Music & Art, so always looking for new inspiration from anyone or where.

Movies have played such a big part in my creativity.  This album particular has been inspired by John Carpenter’s “They Live”, Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, Sergio Leone’s “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly”, Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” & even “The Sopranos”. Direct musical influences would be Talking Heads, D’Angelo, Prince, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie. 

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

The biggest thing was doing the lyrics justice, I’ve written a few songs before but for the most part it’s usually instrumental music I’ve written. This album was different, it all stemmed from the lyrics & melodies so I was totally outside my comfort zone, and I just wanted to get the songs to say the message(s) I believe in!  This album is 100% songs, it’s scary baring your thoughts & soul to anyone who’ll listen to it, but I believe I made a better record for going ‘all in’ with this.

What was the last song you listened to?

TALKING HEADS – “Memories Can’t Wait”

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

VINYL everytime!  The sound, the ceremony of putting it on, to listening to the whole album, rather than skip a track after 30 secs.  It’s the best way to listen to what an artist/band is trying to say this way!

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

All are a drag in terms of the artist not getting the right royalties / payments from streaming services but I know I have to put my music on them all to try get it heard.  As long as the legacy & current big artists/bands are on it – then the rest of us have to, to stand a chance of getting heard.   Go see the band live if possible and whatever way you buy/stream the album – give it the time it deserves to listen to it properly.  It takes so much of everything to make an album, give it a chance to speak to you.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

It’s just trying to get heard / listened to noticed without having to rely on some gimmick.  When you’re trying to get original music out there, that has a message and you truly believe in it, you don’t want to rely on some gimmick to sell it.  The biggest challenge is just trying to get people to listen, it’s super hard as the music place is so over-saturated.

I had a kick-starter pledge campaign for my album and it blew my mind. I had a new platform with my fans/pledgers to engage with.  It’s so concentrated with the core fans, it was just so nice to interact with them and their generosity was incredible too of course.  People want to hear new music and help make that happen.  It’s just hooking us all up that is the main challenge. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

Instagram / FB / Spotify / YouTube  (all @cafollamusic)

I’m releasing music and videos throughout them all so please subscribe to keep up to date.  

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thank you all for pledging to get the album made, following and streaming / downloading the new single “1985”, for sharing all my posts etc.  It keeps me going and inspired to write more,  KEEP GOING!

“Cowboys & Africans” will be released Late Oct/Nov.