THE REBIRTH

Formerly known as Thelonious Kapps, the 21-year-old Brooklyn native performing artist re-discovered himself and went back to basics with his real name - Theophilus London.

“Thelonious Kapps was a ghost of confusion,” states the young artist. “ ‘Kapps’ was my childhood nickname in the hood [where] I grew up… I was confused and vicious and I needed a name to represent that” as he continues to delve into how he arrived at the latter portion of his name. The first half, borrowing from one of his earliest inspirations – the jazz music of the great Thelonious Monk, which provided him with the sense of balance he needed in his music-life.

Theophilus recently had his coming of age, in more ways than one. He realized he had outgrown his previous identity and was ready to show the world what he’s made of with the unveiling of his first mixtape JAM!, which he laid down in 1 day, shortly after his 21st birthday.

JAM! does exactly what the name evokes… It’s compiled of energetic “mood-music” that puts you dead-square in the mind of Theophilus London… An experience you won’t ever forget.

Where are you from?
I hail in Brooklyn, Neu York- and yes I spell it like that because I am the definition of Vintage and classy mixed with the New and tasteful of the so call ” New York City”.

How did you arrive at your name “Thelonious Kapps” and “Theophilus London”?
[laughs] I knew this was coming. To make a long story short, Thelonious Kapps was a ghost of confusion. Kapps was my childhood nickname in the hood [where] I grew up, when times was rough I was confused and vicious and I needed a name to represent that. I ultimately didn’t completely know who I was at the time. But I knew I was in love with music. I started studying music at the age of 12. Everyday I would go to the record shop and buy all kinds of music from hip-hop, pop, country, classical etc. I didn’t understand any of it, but I did notice the mood changes in each record I would listen to. I got attached to Thelonious Monk - the Jazz Musician. And I generated the Thelonious in my name, ‘cuz his music at the time gave me certain mood and feeling that I needed . I evolved over the years got wiser and settled for my real name which is Theophilus London II. I was never comfortable with that name and I always got teased, but as I got older, I realized I was living a legacy.

When did you discover your passion for music?
Unlike most kids I didn’t grow up listening to hot 97. My mom always played 98.5 Kiss fm. I was 7 years old at the time [laughs] I remember it like yesterday. I would go to school singing Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The O jays, Luther Vandross, Boys 2 Men. While other kids were rapping the new Biggie lyrics, Tupac, Busta rhymes, etc I felt really out of place, but little did I know it would help me out in the long run.

What/who inspires you to do what you do?
First of all I would like to commit to energy. Energy inspires me… The energy of life… The energy of music…. The energy of movement… That really inspires me. I feel like we are all sources of energy!

How do you describe your sound?
My sound is Soul! Everything comes from the soul. I hate when someone comes up to me and asks if I’m a rapper! That’s like asking James brown if he is a singer, or asking Michael Jackson if he’s an R&B singer [laughs] my style and sound consists of Soul/ New Wave/ Hip Hop/ mood and energy

What’s your musical approach?
The colors I share in my music! When you close your eyes very tight you see colors! Colors that exist in your head that’s undiscovered… I don’t easily get inspired but the easiest things can inspire me. Like a glass of water, or performing karaoke, or simply just being around inspiring friends… One word out of a conversation can spark a new civilization in my head - which I call “the google”. With that being said my music range and approach is limitless.

What is your favorite part of the music creation process?
Well first thing’s first is creating the sounds and colors in the music’s power source. Once I find the mood and energy of the record skies the limit. It’s like getting to know someone… The first things you realize is their personality and the beauty in and out of them… Then you try to figure them out… likes and dislikes for example. That’s the connection I share with music. I have a relationship with each and every record…. [For sure] it’s like girlfriends [laughs]

Where do you see yourself going?
Wow that’s a very scary question to answer to be honest! Finding myself at a very early stage in my life has been amazing— so thinking about the future is mind blowing. Let’s go back… Way back…Close your eyes and envision you giving Michael Jackson this question right before Off The Wall came out. Do you think he would have the correct answer for you? Would he answer- “I’m going to be the most talked about person in the universe, I’m black but soon ill be white, my next album thriller will be the best selling album of all time…” man the list goes on…. So for me to answer that question is very limiting. That’s the interesting thing about life… We will see

Is JAM! your first mixtape?
Yes it sure is… It’s was very natural for me to expose the colors and sounds in my mind and it was titled JAM! I just create music I love to hear simple as that. JAM! Is the first of many projects!!! [SMH*] I told you the future was scary for me, but might I add very blessed.

What’s the concept behind JAM!?
Well it was inspired from my 21st birthday showdown this past year. The party theme was JAM! One day I had lunch with Machine Drum and I was like let’s do a mixtape…. He replied “Okay.” And that was it.
We ran home and created it in less than an hour I kid you not…. Also a lot of the music on the mix is some of our original works mixed with our classic favorites… And it just blended right in.

Why was it important for you to create this project?
It started of my legacy as an artist… It created and displayed my artistic energy…. And the reviews and love from the mixtape has been lovely… I want to thank all the people who support Jam as a culture and not jus music. JAM was just my way of saying, “Hi!”

What are some of your favorite tracks off JAM!? Why?
I’m in love with

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because the moods in the song are very ironic! If you listen to the song for the first time you may want to JAM out to it… But then when the chords kick in, you may want to reflect or connect to it on a deeper level. That’s what I do when I create the music I give you choices on how to feel… You choose… My other fav’s are “Ultra Violet”, “Night Ridin’”, “Late night”…Man I love it all!

Who are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to New Look, Machine Drum, Jimmy Edgar, Michael Jackson, The Smiths, Death Set, Ninja Sonik… Yup that’s pretty much it…

What are some of your favorite recent albums (released within last 2 years)?
Wow none!!! And that’s an honest answer. I love it though ‘cuz its in my favor and all my peers… As you can see TV ratings are going down. No one cares about major artist anymore…. People find their favorite artist on youtube and myspace.

What are some of your ALL TIME favorite albums?
Thriller
Purple Rain
Louder Than Bombs
The Love Below
Purple Rain
Bob Marley and the Wailers
Coldplay’s X&Y
The Miseducation of Lauryn hill
Slim Shady LP
The Blueprint
Love Is Real
India Arie

What are some of your dream collaborations (you can choose from absolutely anyone of any genre dead or alive)?
The Smiths, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Andre 3000, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gay, Madonna… Just to name a few.

Next performances/projects?
Well you can check out myspace.com/londonwave to check out the dates for the Jam! promo Tour. My EP “This Charming Man” drops this summer and a couple other shows in the works as well.

*Photo by Texas

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