It’s been a hot minute since Capt’n Trips & The Kid released new music. Following their 2022 album “Synthtech” (that gave us the single “Jack Smack”) is a brand new track “Yoga Instructor Origin Story” that (in their words) encourages listeners to “go outside and be weird with your friends”. Directed by Armin Ilyas, it’s a fun visual that shows the members jamming to their instruments at a beach retreat and attempting to strike some yoga poses.
The PJ-based 6-piece psych-rock ensemble currently consists of brothers Jes Ismael (lead vocals/guitar) and Jes Ebrahim (percussion), Yaqub Zulkifli (bass), Sean Totten (guitar), Uzayr Khalid (synths) and Omar Aiman (drums). While Capt’n Trips & The Kid is known for their psychedelic and alt rock soundscape, many of their first concert experience was pop. Read more about their quirks in our interview below:
Can you remember your first concert? Who was it & how did it make you feel?
Jes Ismael: First concert I saw was Celine Dion, I was so in awe with the production of the concert especially when she brought out a huge motorcycle
Sean & Omar: We both saw Katy Perry at MTV Worldstage as our first concert, we were crying together with her during the song “Thinking Of You”
Yaqub: I saw Black Eyed Peas, it made me feel Fergie Ferg.
How much of your songwriting is based on reality, fantasy or other people’s experience?
Most of the music is based on reality and past experience, with the exception of some songs that do have elements of fantasy and borrowed symbols and themes from world history and literature.
Do you have a favourite lyric from your own songs?
Jes Ismael: “It’s a lonely planet, believe me you should. Don’t think about it, surf it out.” From our song titled “Surf Song” because it has a positive message while being hidden in the facade of harshness or letting loose/not giving a damn care.
What do you do to calm your nerves before a live performance?
We’re mostly calm people but we generally like to joke around, pull pranks or just act dumb among each other before a show to distract ourselves from any nerves.
Do you have plans on releasing new music?
Yes! We have a new single titled “Yoga Instructor Origin Story” set to be released on the 15th July, so you can expect us to play that song live!
What influences determine the style or risks you take in your career?
Generally we take things as they come or as they go, the things around us or whatever struggles we relate to the most in a specific period of time would determine the style/risks we take in our career.
Favourite thing(s) to do on a day off?
Gaming or just hang out at our studio (Cero PJ).
If a friend from abroad were to visit Malaysia, what food or attraction would you recommend for them to try?
Maggi Goreng or Indomie Burger (Both with a side of Telur Mata – VERY IMPORTANT!)
Best (most helpful) and worst advice you’ve received.
Best Advice : “Hey, Take it easy!” – As said by Nacho Libre in every tense or stressful situation.
Worst Advice : “You should make more music like Bob Marley” – Sorry dude we tried but we just can’t :/
