Between the vulnerability and the strength of “Survive”.
After a couple of years of silence, Lewis Capaldi come back with “Survive”a song that exposes without filters the vulnerability of a difficult moment, but also the strength of getting up and moving forward. In this conversation with Indie Rocks! The Scottish singer-songwriter talks about the honesty behind his lyrics, the challenge of taking breaks in an industry that demands immediacy, and the incomparable energy he finds on stage. Between humor, sincerity and resilience, Capaldi It reminds us that music is not just about sounding good, but about telling what really matters.
Indie Rocks!: Where does inspiration come from? Life itself or do you take a specific topic and start working from there?
Lewis Capaldi: For me, it's always about what's going on in my life. Otherwise it doesn't feel real or honest. I also get inspired by the experiences of my friends or family, and I try to channel all that into the songs. As soon as I find a personal connection, then everything starts to make sense.
Indie Rocks!: Once you have the idea of the lyrics, how do you transform it into instrumental expression? Do you feel like it's going more towards a ballad, or sometimes it's closer to a power ballad?
Lewis Capaldi: It depends on how the song begins, whether with the lyrics or the music. But most of the time, it is the lyrical content that guides the musical aspect. If I write about heartbreak, pain, or some kind of chaos, the song naturally veers toward balladry. If it's about joy or having a good time, take a lighter tone.
Indie Rocks!: In your new single “Survive” you don't hide hopelessness. How did you decide to put those feelings into a song and share them with the world?
Lewis Capaldi: That song was born at a stage when I needed to take some time because I was not well, neither mentally nor physically. I wanted to write about going through all of that and coming out on the other side. “Survive” It talks about resilience, about moving forward when life weighs too much, about putting one foot in front of the other and finding strength in that process.
Indie Rocks!: Take some time, transform those feelings into music and avoid falling into monotony… what's the secret?
Lewis Capaldi: The truth is, it's still hard for me. At the beginning of this year I hadn't written a song since February, and I felt like I was stuck in a cycle where everything sounded the same. Taking a break was the best thing I could do. Getting away helps me reset and avoid “more of the same.” It's key to stop when you need to, to keep things fresh.
Indie Rocks!: Social media puts pressure on us to constantly produce: fast, ephemeral, sometimes exhausting. How do you balance that with taking your time in an industry that almost never allows it?
Lewis Capaldi: It's hard, because the pressure is always “more, faster, next.” But I think it's important to resist that. I recently saw an interview with Charli XCX where he said that he has not yet ready an album and that it could take five years to release another. And the truth is, I respected that position a lot. Music should come out when it really feels ready, not just to fulfill the cycle.
Indie Rocks!: What is the difference between Lewis in the studio and Lewis on stage?
Lewis Capaldi: I would much rather be on stage. Recording seems extremely boring to me, it doesn't fulfill me creatively like composing does. Playing live is the reason I do this: to feel the energy of the people, to connect with those who have put me in this incredible position. That connection is everything. Live shows are my true arena.
Indie Rocks!: “Survive” sounds like an anthem. How do you choose which singles to release and how do you build the narrative towards an album?
Lewis Capaldi: This year we only have a few songs ready, and next year I will focus on making an album. “Survive” It's not necessarily my favorite, but the message was just what I wanted to share after two years away. I felt like it was the perfect song to come back to. The next one will be “Song from the Heavens”which I think is the strongest of this new material.
Indie Rocks!: Was it difficult to share your ideas with producers or your team in this new stage?
Lewis Capaldi: At first yes. On my second album, many times I would work with people I barely knew that same day, we would write a song and maybe I wouldn't see them again. Now I take the time to build real relationships with producers and songwriters, and that makes the songs deeper and more meaningful, rather than just superficial pop.
Indie Rocks!: For those who don't know your music yet, what would be the best song to start with?
Lewis Capaldi: “Before You Go”. It's probably my favorite so far and the one I would use to introduce my music to someone.
Indie Rocks!: Describe yourself in three words.
Lewis Capaldi: Dumb, dumb and a pop boy. That's me.
