Interview: Kelly Cappuccio talks about her new soulful house single, ‘Not Again’

Kelly Cappuccio is an eclectic artist who produces a range of styles. Her new single “Not Again” is out now on VKT, and it’s got a timeless sound inspired by classic Chicago house. She is also a skilled DJ who is regularly found behind the decks at clubs in Naples and other locations across Italy. We invited her for this interview to learn more about her new release and other projects…

How did you first discover electronic music, and what made you decide to become a DJ?

“My first encounter with electronic music was through melodic techno, and it’s always been the genre that struck me the most, especially listening to artists like Solomun and Anyma. But coming from a family rooted in jazz, blues, and funk, I naturally developed my own blend, which is why I chose tech house as my main path.

Growing up in such a musical family was fundamental. My father is a jazz guitarist and professor, and I’ve been playing piano and guitar since I was a kid. Performing in front of people has always come naturally to me. Becoming a DJ almost felt inevitable: I already had technical experience from following my father to his shows, and what truly inspired me was the chance to merge my classical training with my passion for electronic music, creating something unique that makes people dance.”

Who are some of your biggest influences, and what makes them so inspiring?

“My biggest references in electronic music are Solomun and Anyma, and they made me fall in love with techno. Recently, I’ve been diving into Carl Cox’s DJ sets, which is thanks to Vikthor, who’s the founder of VKT Records. I’ll soon be collaborating with Vikthor on some music that’s due to be released on September 15th.

What inspires me, is how these artists balance technique and emotion: Solomun with his melodic approach, Anyma with his visual and sonic innovation, and Carl Cox with his pure energy. With my jazz and blues background, I always try to bring emotional depth into electronic music, which creates a fusion between my roots and modern sounds.”

At what point in your career did you decide to start making your own music?

“I started producing about five years ago with my brother who is an electronic and pop producer that just graduated from, Conservatory. After gaining experience as a DJ, and learning what works on the dance floor, producing my own music was a natural step.

Working with my brother has been fantastic. He brings technical skills, and formal training, while I add creativity from my live experience. Together, we’ve managed to create a sound that blends our family’s jazz roots with contemporary electronic music. This collaboration gave me the confidence to experiment and shape my own tech house style.”

Can you tell us about your new single “Not Again”?

“Not Again is a collaboration with Ernesto Dolvi that truly represents me. It’s a tech house track with a funky backbone, live vocals, and Ernesto’s saxophone. The groove is strong, and deep enough for the dance floor, but polished enough to sound great anywhere.

What I love is the mix of electronic production with real instruments – you can feel the human warmth. It’s coming out on VKT Records and works in different moments of a set: to build tension or to keep the floor moving. It perfectly reflects the blend of funk, jazz, and tech house that I aim for.”

Your new single “Not Again” is a collaboration with saxophonist Ernesto Dolvi. What made you choose to work with him, and what did he bring to the release?

“I met Ernesto thanks to a restaurateur friend who introduced us, believing we’d connect musically, and he was right. Through our passion for music, we became friends immediately.

What struck me is Ernesto’s ability to add the warm and organic sound I always look for. His saxophone gave “Not Again” exactly what it needed, which is a human dimension that can’t be programmed. It perfectly fits my philosophy of integrating real musicians and instruments to give tracks more character. The collaboration came naturally, and the result truly reflects both our visions.”

How do you approach making a new track, and what studio equipment is essential to your sound?

“My process is organic and experimental. I use Ableton as a base, but the difference comes from integrating real instruments. Often my father, who is a jazz guitarist and professor, provides recordings, but I play piano and guitar myself. Those live instruments help give my tracks the authenticity and warmth I’m looking for.

I also love adding unusual instruments and unexpected sounds. My musical signature is weirdness, dirty textures, and unthinkable ideas. I never settle for a standard sound that’s clean-cut. My brother also plays a key role, as he brings technical precision and classical discipline, which allows me to focus on creativity and experimentation.”

Your new single is out on VKT Records. How did you first make contact with the label, and which other imprints have you worked with?

“I connected with VKT through the label’s founder, Vikthor. He also introduced me to Carl Cox’s DJ sets, which I’ve really been enjoying. Me and Vikthor have been collaborating on some music together, and that opened the door to me also working with his record label.

I have released with 2Dutch Records and Dirty Club, with tracks like “Make the Crowd Go” and “Hooo!” Those experiences were informative and helped me grow, but I’m always looking for the next opportunity. VKT represents that next step, and I feel ready for the bigger challenges that will help me fully realise my artistic vision.”

In your opinion, what sets DJs apart from bands or other performing artists?

“Live music by bands is often less dance-oriented than what DJs play, though it depends on the genre. Traditional rhythms like salsa, merengue, or pizzica have an incredible groove and spontaneity that’s unique.

What I’d like to do is combine those grooves with tech house to fuse powerful kicks and basslines with traditional rhythms. DJs have the advantage of being able to pull from different cultures and create something new. While bands play their own music, DJs can be “cultural translators,” and bring diverse energies onto the same dance floor.”

What are some of your passions outside of music?

“I love nature, as it recharges me completely. Gardening is one of my biggest passions; it relaxes me and inspires creativity. I’m also passionate about fashion, which allows me to express myself through style.

To stay fit, I practice bodyweight training and boxing, as those are perfect for releasing energy and keeping focused. All these passions influence my music: nature inspires authentic sounds, fashion shapes my artistic image, and training gives me the mental strength for both creative challenges and live performances.”

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. What else is coming up in your schedule, and is there anything you’d like to add before we finish?

“I’m continuing to work on new productions and collaborations. I have a release with Vikthor planned for September 15^th, and I’m really looking forward to it. The past few years, I’ve played many DJ gigs in Naples, Formentera, and Ibiza, which have given me a strong foundation for the future.

With each release, I want to keep refining my music, but above all, I want to create a completely new genre of my own. My mix of having roots in jazz, blues, and funk, combined with my passion for electronic music, and integration of organic instruments, is leading me toward a sound that one day people will instantly recognise as the “Kelly Cappuccio style.”

Kelly Cappuccio’s new single, “Not Again” is out now. Get a copy here.