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PREMIERE: Bran Capri x Jerk Fjundyem ft: John Dole - P.O.V (Single) + 10 Questions

Bran Capri x Jerk Fjundyem is the co-release of two emerging artists who have been paving their way through their local music scene and beyond. Hailing from the North East of England, Capri is a producer who found inspiration and time like no other in the pandemic stricken year of 2020, and started to create spiralling hip-hop and trap beats that caught the attention of many.

He then started collaborating with local artists such as Franke Jobling & Sagaboi on their solo releases, showcasing an introduction of Bran Capri’s ready-made talent. Alongside personal projects, Bran ignited a collective partnership with Jerk under the name of ‘Distorted Goods’ in which they create bespoke music for high end fashion brands such as; BAPE, END. & Ralph Lauren pushing the boundaries of North East producers.

Jerk Fjundyem is an artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist who takes homage from a wide spectrum of influences, ranging from Radiohead to Four Tet, and the result is an experimental dosage of electronic music with a pop, rock and rap underbelly. Jerk finds solace in spoken word and poetry, and uses this to experiment further with his unique sonic landscape.

The pair have started working together extensively since lockdown and have created a debut collaboration project, in ‘Dawn Distortion’. A five-track EP that goes from dark, intoxicating hip-hop and rap in lead single ‘POV’, to beautifully harmony led piano ballad instrumentals in ‘Her Interlude’, the two have set themselves a vision to embody all of their eclectic musical tastes in one all encompassing body of work.

Lead single ‘POV’ however, seems to underpin exactly what Capri and Fjundyem are all about when their creative minds come together. A dark and synth-led opening, featured artist John Dole brings his highly strung and invigorating rapping style to the fore amongst the spacious and brilliant production, Dole switches between singing and rapping throughout and matches the energy of the the sonics with precision and angst, which provides the perfect balance.

‘POV’ is a hard-hitting and riveting alt-trap track that showcases the unique soundscape that Bran Capri x Jerk Fjundyem have so seamlessly created. It’s dark rap with personality and vigour, which sets it apart from the usual rap song you hear everyday. Bran and Jerk have formed something pretty special and signature to them both as individual artists as well as a collective, and ‘POV’ will truly put these two artists on the map, with an offering that is unlike anything you’ve heard before.

Bran Capri and Jerk Fjundyem sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

BC: I had always been around music as a child as my dad was a hip hop Dj and constantly doing sets in the house when I would go stay with him, throughout my teens I would always write songs but never had the confidence to pursue or followup any of my work until covid 19 gave me the isolated time to work on my craft and exploring different aspects of my musical curiosity.

JF: I started playing with instruments when I was about 10yo - guitar, keys, drums. I was a very shy kid and I think it was a way for me to communicate things I didn't know how to express. I used to write songs and play in bands but eventually found the genre limiting and felt I had too much to say, lyrically and sonically, so branched into electronic and rap influenced music.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

BC: I was always influenced by producer, rapper, and label owner; Braintax (Lowlife Records), A man with immense talent that could do it all, alongside collectively putting together a great force of the underground uk rap scene. Other than musical artists, I’m mainly influenced by my friends around me who continue to master their craft to pursue a career in a creative field  steering away from the dreaded 9-5 we are all reluctant to succumb to. I would love to work on a whole project equal in visuals to audio with Reece Morrison, one of my closest friends and biggest creative inspirations.

JF: My biggest influences these days are the dance / electronic producers that tow the line between music to dance to and music to cry to: Burial, Four Tet, Aphex Twin, Fred Again, the two recent Skrillex albums. In truth though, if you cut me, I bleed Radiohead and Nirvana.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Dawn of Distortion EP coming out April 14th. Next EP in the making.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Experimental hip hop - honest, emotional lyrics, experimental and genre-shifting production styles and techniques, focus on artistic process and creativity.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

BC: Our first commercial commission piece with End. X Ralph Lauren Advert.

JF: This release!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

BC: Don’t focus on the opinions of others, just keep creating, collaborating and don’t stop doing what makes you feel good.

JF: You know all those tracks you don't show anyone because you're embarrassed, but you can't let go of them? They're probably your best.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

BC: Frankie Jobling, it will be difficult to avoid her music in the next few years. Just wait till you hear ‘missed calls’.

JF: I’m really into the new Fred Again track feat. The Streets. Sad banger.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

BC: Mereba - The Jungle is the only way out 2019.

JF: Skrillex - don't get too close 2023.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

BC: Honestly I rarely stop, but cook, eat & sleep.

JF: Spending time with my partner and my dog most times. I like to read too - I love Tolstoy.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

BC: A calm environment, Jerk Fjundyem & some nice lighting.

JF: Working microphone, Ableton, and slate digital plugin bundle. Boring answer but that's essentially all I use. A cup of tea would be nice if I can have 4 things?

Connect with Bran Capri + Jerk Fjundem on Instagram.

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