The newest pop-punk outfit on the scene, Capture This, is on a mission. They're not just writing songs but building a movement as they use their platform to champion women in the arts and uplift young creatives. The community-driven band has just released their latest single, "It's About Money," following the success of their previous singles, "Other Side," "Halothane Dreams" and "Empty." I had the opportunity to chat with the band about
MSM: Can you tell me about a specific moment or song that influenced the writing of your new single, “It’s About Money”?
CAPTURE THIS: ‘It’s About Money’ stemmed from someone telling us that we’re only successful as a band because we have money. It was the most naive comment I think we’ve ever received because there’s so much time and energy that goes into our music. In the song, there’s a phrase in the verse that says, “Blame in your favor so that you can feel heard. Slap on a label when you’re really insecure.” That line speaks to judging and dragging down the band so that they can feel better about themselves. Even though this was a punch to the gut, it was the fire we needed to write this song.
Your lyrics touch on themes like heartache, growth, and empowerment. Is there a particular track in your discography that felt especially healing or cathartic to write?
Our song "Halothane Dreams" felt the most cathartic to write. That song is about hitting rock bottom and spiraling in depression and despair. Leah wrote it after her divorce and right afterwards sent the lyrics to the band chat. We knew right away that we needed to turn it into something. Since then the song has connected with more people than we ever envisioned, and most importantly, it’s helped us heal with our own struggles. Every time we sing that song in a room full of people, it brings up feelings of connection and catharsis.
I love that you’re so involved in building up your community, especially with projects like Female Fronted Fest and your work with Youth on Record. What inspired you to make activism such an integral part of your band’s identity?
Each one of us has a soft spot for giving back, especially in the arts. We know firsthand the top reasons why artists struggle to promote themselves or create art are because of money, time, and resources. It’s these barriers that seem so basic yet impact so many people from doing what they love. We want to break down those walls so that artists can keep pursuing what they love or begin their journey. Art is such an integral part of our ecosystem; it creates connection. Even if we can impact one artist, we know that’s one step closer to keeping the arts alive.
How do you balance being musicians with being organizers and community leaders? Does one ever take priority over the other?
We do this best by assigning tasks to each of us. We look at our band as a business in that aspect. We know we can’t do everything by ourselves, so doing our part and holding ourselves accountable to it helps us balance both.
Winning ‘Hometown for the Holidays’ was a huge milestone. What was that experience like, from submission to the final performance?
We submitted our song, "Halothane Dreams," to the contest thinking it would be just another song that gets skipped among the sea of others. A few days later we found out it went to the first round, where KTCL 93.3 listeners could vote for their favorite local song. Hearing our song on the radio frequently amongst other artists we look up to was such a humbling moment for us. After the voting ended, it was announced our song made the top three selections, which would mean performing in front of a live audience and judges. After the show, we all stood on stage with the rest of the bands, waiting to hear the results. We were all thinking to ourselves there was no chance we’d win. When they announced ‘Capture This,’ we all stood there in shock. It was to the extent of the judges coming up to us rather than walking up to them. The entire process felt so surreal because we never had expectations. It was honestly one of the proudest yet most humbling experiences we’ve ever had as a band. Since then we’ve become part of the KTCL family, and that is one of the greatest honors in our book.
You’ve shared the stage with some massive names like Plain White T’s and Andy Grammer. Has there been a show or artist that left a lasting impression on you, either musically or personally?
Performing with the Plain White T’s was the most memorable show because it was the first time opening up for a major artist. We were struggling with major imposter syndrome because opening up for a band of that caliber was such an honor. We also grew up listening to them, so getting to play with them 10 years later was a full-circle moment. It felt like it was the start of a whole new chapter for us.
What does it mean to now return as panelists for ‘Hometown for the Holidays’ after winning last year?
The Denver music scene is so special. Every band brings something new and exciting to the table. There are also many organizations like KTCL 93.3 that keep local music thriving. Listening to hundreds of submissions and whittling it down to ten finalists will be hard, so we’ll bring the same humble feeling of when we won to the panelist room.
What do you hope listeners walk away feeling after hearing your music?
We want listeners to know that being vulnerable is a start to healing. Every song we write is raw and real because it’s about how we’re feeling. Everything from the songwriting process to recording to performing the song is therapeutic. We want fans to have the same experience when they listen to our songs: to relate and connect it to their own experiences.
How do you keep your live performances feeling raw and authentic when you’re also growing as a more polished act?
This is a great question because it’s something we think about every day. Creating structure for your set while making it feel personable is something we strive for. We started doing guitar interludes while Leah’s sharing her personal connection to the song. We’ve also experimented with having custom intros leading into our songs. It brings something fresh and exciting that fans can only get from seeing us live.
In what ways have your fans surprised or moved you with their reactions to your music?
There was one moment that we’ll never forget, which was at our first headlining show in Colorado. When we played "Halothane Dreams," the entire crowd was singing with us. This reaction was different than others because typically we’ll have a handful of people sing along. This time around it was the entire crowd. That moment solidified that we really are more than just a “local band.”
If Capture This could create a dream lineup for a one-night-only show, who would be on the bill with you?
This is such a hard question. We would say Mayday Parade to kick off the night, then All Time Low, followed by The Spill Canvas. They’re a good mix of bands in the pop punk genre, all while being bands we look up to.
Lastly, what would you say if someone asked why they should listen to your music? Hype yourselves up!
Take your favorite nostalgic 2000s pop punk artist you grew up listening to with powerhouse Evanescence vocals. Enough said. That’s why you should listen.
