Since their breakout self-titled EP in 2022, which caught the attention of Gilles Peterson, and drew praise across BBCR6, Jazz FM, Soho Radio and more, Caytra have been steadily refining their sound. Continuing their mission of translating sounds from London’s diverse nightlife into an instrumental, contemporary jazz narrative, the group are set to share new single ‘Journeys’ on Thursday 21st March via Bridge The Gap.

Channeling influences spanning math rock group Chon, through to R+R+NOW (Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin et al) and Kamaal Williams, ‘Journeys’ documents the progression of the band as friends and collaborators. Recorded just minutes away from where guitarist Sam Ithell and drummer James Gullis met for the first time, the track’s development became a full circle moment for the band. A balance is struck between hard hitting riffs, broken grooves and brighter, uplifting chord-melody passages, with bassist Conor Cotteril finding space in the pocket to allow for virtuosic expression from his bandmates.

On the track, they share: “The song emerged from late-night jam sessions, where we all met up in a rehearsal space situated within a gritty industrial estate near Stratford station. It was here we really found inspiration to push the boundaries of our sound within the contexts of the UK Jazz scene.”

The track marks the first part of two singles releasing in the Spring, and follows on the heels of their tastemaker and DSP editorial-backed ‘Caytra’ EP. The group have performed to sold out audiences, supporting the likes of corto.alto, and opening up 2022's EFG London Jazz Festival at the iconic Jazz Café.

Caytra 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?

It all began pretty early on when my dad first played me Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ when I was around 4 or 5. The whole album really caught my attention - so much so that I asked for it to be played relentlessly whenever we were in the car. I didn’t start actually playing the guitar till much later on but I feel like this is where the foundation was really laid.

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

Tim Henson, John Scofield, George Benson and J Dilla have all been recurring influences but I definitely go through seasons of influence. In the future I'd love to work alongside some of the UK’s heavyweight session player/instrumentalists such as Ben Jones and Charlie Stacey.

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

We’re super busy at the moment! We’ve just released the first of two new singles - Journeys. These two singles are really about us going back to the roots of the band, where we started, the foundations of the band and the spark that started this project. We’ll be holding a release show for Journeys at the 91 living room in Bricklane on the 22nd of March where we’ve got a bunch of cool surprises in store for those who make it down. That will be followed by the release of Moods Change which is actually a reworked, re-recorded, re-release of an old tune that we recorded back at uni - it’s a real full circle moment for us as a band! We also have a live mixtape in the works which we’re all really excited for but I can’t say too much more.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’ve been told I sound a bit like a frustrated keys player that’s been forced onto the guitar! I think a lot of that is me compensating for the lack of keys in our band though. Generally I'd describe it as a modern jazzy math rock inspired sound.

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

I’d say playing Jazz Cafe to a capacity crowd was probably our collective proudest moment and definitely mine. As a band we’d all been to see our favourite artists play this venue over the years so to be standing where some of our musical hero’s have stood as friends playing songs we wrote was a real trip.

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

I think working out what success might look like to you helps a lot, and being a genuinely nice person.

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

I’ve been bingeing a lot of Matteo Mancuso at the moment - he’s incredible and one of the most unique players i’ve ever listened to!

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

Currently 6 Feet Beneath the Moon, Bad Benson and the Ben Jones Mixtape - Live In London.

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

Hanging out with family and friends, travelling and dog walks - pretty basic stuff haha.

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

Tea, a variety of snacks and my strat.