KILLIAN CAPUTO
Q: What was going through your mind when you first started writing “What If”? Was there a specific moment that made you realize you might have made a mistake?
A: As a future bass producer with cinematic and orchestral influences, my first goal was to capture a very specific emotional atmosphere—nostalgia. “What If” was born from the feeling of loss in a relationship that deeply affected me for several months. Working with Elle Vee, a well-known vocalist in the bass music scene, gave the track the emotional energy I was looking for—something both nostalgic and airy, but also powerful with orchestral builds and heavy drops.
The line “What if I made a mistake?” really embodies how I was questioning myself. That one sentence became the core of the track—emotionally and lyrically. It allowed Elle Vee to write something deeply meaningful, with a hook that hits hard and makes the listener reflect too.
Q: The lyrics feel very personal—was it hard to be that open and honest?
A: Not necessarily hard to write—it felt more like a necessity. What drove me the most was the desire to connect emotionally with the listener, to create a space where they could see themselves in the story. I also recorded real string instruments to support the most emotional moments of the vocals, adding an organic texture that enhanced the vulnerability.
Q: When you sing about not being brave, what does bravery mean to you in that context?
A: In this context, not being brave means I wasn’t strong enough to face or handle the situation properly. It ties directly into the title “What If”, which represents those haunting doubts and unanswered questions we all carry after something ends.
Q: Were you afraid of how people might react to the vulnerability in the song?
A: Not really. In future bass and melodic dubstep, listeners usually focus on the drop. But in my work, I aim to create a cinematic, human-oriented experience. If the emotional side of the track sparks reactions—that’s actually the goal. Artists like Illenium, Danny Olson, and Said The Sky inspire me because they also explore deep, emotional themes in their music.
Q: Did writing the song help you understand your feelings better?
A: It definitely helped me unload what was on my mind. Putting those emotions into a concrete form—a track—was like turning a chaotic feeling into a snapshot in time. That clarity was healing.
Q: The line “I left so soon” really stands out—can you talk more about what that means to you?
A: That line has a double meaning. On one hand, it questions whether walking away was the right decision, or just a way to avoid dealing with the problem. On the other, it marks a turning point—when someone leaves your life, it creates a powerful emotional impact, regardless of who made the decision.
Q: Do you think regret is something we ever fully get over, or just learn to live with?
A: I believe we should never live with regret. That’s why the song ends on an open, almost hopeful note—just piano and vocals, with a suspended harmony. It lets the listener imagine new possibilities and move forward.
Q: Was there a version of the song that had more lyrics or verses that you ended up cutting?
A: Yes, the original build-up written by Elle Vee didn’t quite hit the emotional tone I was looking for—it lacked energy. So I moved the original drop vocals to the build-up, and reworked the drop without any vocals to let the instrumental breathe.
Q: You ask yourself a lot of questions in the song—do you feel like you’ve found any answers since writing it?
A: Some of them, yes. Writing the song helped me mark a moment in time and gave me the space to reflect. As time passes, I find new answers. That’s part of the journey.
Q: What role does reflection play in your songwriting process overall?
A: Reflection is everything—both for me and the listener. I want my music to make people stop and think, whether it’s through the lyrics or the instrumental. When I listen to other artists in this genre, that’s the first thing I look for too: Does the track make me reflect on something real?
Q: Did you feel a sense of relief after finishing and releasing the song?
A: Absolutely. Especially in collaborations—it’s such a satisfying feeling to finally share something that took so much heart and time. It’s often after releasing the track that I get the most beautiful messages and feedback from listeners. That’s when I know the song has done its job.
Q: Was there anyone close to you who heard the song early and gave you feedback that really stayed with you?
A: Yes, several artists in this genre reached out with kind words and shared the track on their social media, playlists, and even with labels. My close circle also gave me honest and supportive feedback that meant a lot to me.
Q: Do you see this track as part of a larger emotional journey in your upcoming work?
A: Without a doubt. All my tracks are connected by a red thread—a cinematic and organic feel. I work with real musicians, include orchestral elements, and aim to bring more human emotion into future bass and melodic dubstep, which can sometimes feel overproduced. My goal is to humanize my sound.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s going through a similar feeling of regret or confusion?
A: I’d sum it up in one sentence: “You become what you repeat to yourself.” Your perspective is everything. Regret only exists in the past—it’s up to you to change how you see what happened, whether it’s about a relationship or anything else. Questions like “What if I had stayed?” or “What if I had done it differently?”—they’re part of the healing, but not where you should stay.
Q: Looking back now, do you still ask yourself “What if I made a mistake?” or has your perspective changed?
A: My perspective keeps evolving. I’m more confident now in how I face things. And through my music, I’ve found a way to share those emotional shifts. Each new track becomes a step forward.
