Keegan Tawa, Seraiah Nicole & Eli Capella drop the uplifting "Light The way" (Exclusive interview)

Music

Aug 26

Written By

The trio align for some FIRE

One of our favorite things to cover here on Gritty Vibes are talented musicians that find a way to transcend genres through their music. In the recent drop by Keegan Tawa, Seraiah Nicole and Eli Capella, that's exactly what we were treated to. The track "Light The Way" highlights some serious issues faced by people of color, over some jazzy Keegan Tawa production. Seraiah Nicole's melodic flow and Eli Capella's hard hitting lyrics fuse to create a melting pot of sounds that leave us wanting seconds. We were able to track them down shortly after the song dropped, and they gave us the scoop on how they aligned, and what they have in store next. Check it all out below.https://soundcloud.com/keegantawa/light-the-way-ft-seraiah-nicole-eli-capella

1. Love the track and the overall message behind it, we need music like this in these times. What were some of the themes you guys had in mind when creating it?

Keegan Tawa: I wrote this piece with no specific intent in mind. Seraiah and Eli showed up and gave the track a whole new meaning with their lyrics. They sing a song about empowerment and uplift, centered on African Americans. Even though it's not MY fight, im proud to align with and support their intent..its a powerful message and delivery, and really it should be everyone's fight. I'm proud to be a part of their message.

Elicapella: It's easy for hip hop artists with a conscious mind to write thought provoking lyrics on sad or melancholy production. I learned to love my lyrics when they blanketed under production that makes you wanna dance , vibe or become motivated. Keegan had a different style that gave those qualities. That along with uplifting black people and others of lower class , highlighting the fact that even though social/economic status differentiates us we all go to through the same issues that can be solved through unit. Seraiah's verse inspired that.

Seraiah Nicole: The theme is to be unapologetically black.

2. How did the three of you come together for "Light the way"? Have you guys collaborated in the past?

Elicapella: I met Keegan accompanying Seraiah to his house. I thought his studio was completely dope and he was a pretty cool guy so the vibe was chill.

3. How do you guys manage to find that intersection of electronic music, soul, RnB and hip hop? Is it something that occurs naturally or is it carefully constructed?

Seraiah Nicole: It was something that occurred naturally & carefully constructed. I say this because the vibe was natural but the writing was carefully constructed because the topic is essential. The lyrics were carefully written.

Keegan Tawa: The unique genre intersection of this song is a result of the fact that really, I am actually a deep/progressive house producer. I wanted to explore a new territory but maintain my sound and style. Also, I am a jazz musician and saxophonist, and so in this piece I felt more free to let my jazz background shine through.

Elicapella: It's definitely natural. No different than Run DMC collaborating with Aerosmith, Pitbull & Flo Rida rapping over pop production or even black eyed peas creating techno. Music creates no boundaries.

"The vibe was natural but the writing was carefully constructed because the topic is essential. The lyrics were carefully written."

4. What should we look out for from you guys in the future?

Seraiah Nicole: I’m currently working on an album that showcases activism that is inspirational, educational & authentic through my music.

Elicapella: Definitely look out for the start of greater collaborations from us as well as our mutual friends.

Keegan Tawa: We are looking forward to beginning a second collaboration in October.

"Even though it's not MY fight, im proud to align with and support their intent..its a powerful message and delivery, and really it should be everyone's fight."

5. Who do you hope this song lights the way for specifically? What type of person needs to hear this track the most?

Elicapella: This song will light the way for everybody who feels alone in their issues , judges out of insecurities and is looking for a way to stop social & racial injustices. It needs to be heard by lower & middle class folk and people of color who feel the need to compromise their identify to fit into systemstic expectations.

Keegan Tawa: Light the way is for everybody. Seraiah and Eli wrote this song about African American empowerment, and that is a message for people of all backgrounds to enjoy. Additionally, these lyrics are abstract: any listener can apply them to their lives, separated from race. And of course, anybody can enjoy good music regardless of a targeted message or intent - simply because it's good music. This is a song for everybody.

Seraiah Nicole: This song lights the way for the those of the African diaspora. This is for us, to be unapologetically black. To know we are here to stay, we have been lighting the way and will continue to do so.