Since September, Denver’s all-star quartet Nitecap has steadily been releasing singles giving listeners a sonic sampling of their robust sound palate that blends modern, synth-infused soul with jazz-funk and fusion. Comprised of the core powerhouse musicians Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), and Drew Birch (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), the band the into deep-pocket grooves, weaving in synth-heavy textures and dynamic arrangements for a sound that is both timeless and boundary pushing. In their latest single “Long Haul,” the group has enlisted vocalist Jarrod Lawson to lend his signature smokey, yet sultry vocals in a tantalizing proclamation of devotion to a loved one. Listen to “Long Haul” HERE.
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest and a longtime best-kept-secret in Portland’s burgeoning soul music scene, Lawson exploded as an international sensation with accolades that span from his eponymous debut album being hailed as “soul record of the year, no question” by acclaimed global tastemaker Gilles Peterson to winning ‘Soul Artist of the Year’ at the Jazz FM Awards in London to being name dropped by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Lawson cites drummer Adam Deitch as one of his musical heroes since his infatuation with his playing on the first John Scofield “Überjam” album, so when Deitch reached out about potentially collaborating on a track with his new project, he was all in. Reflecting on the process upon receiving the instrumental track and accompany message, Lawson reveals, “Of course, as luck would have it, I was getting set to leave town for some tour dates, but you can't afford to squander opportunities like this. So I worked on lyrics and melodic ideas during airport layovers, and 5 days later when I got back home, I got into the studio, knocked all the vocals out in one day, then sent the track to Adam, to which he replied, ‘Yes bro!! This is it!!!!’” Lawson’s vocals lend themselves perfectly locking in the final piece of the puzzle declaring “no matter how many times we fall, I’m here for the long haul. And if ever we lose our way, just gotta come back to home base.”
The framework of the tune was written by keyboardist Ian Gilley. Despite his lush intro on Rhodes, the locked in lofi aesthetic on Deitch’s drums, and Fairman’s pocket bass line, he liked it, but wasn’t necessarily in love with it. “It wasn’t until Adam sent it to Jarrod (Lawson) and I heard what is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing pieces of music I’ve gotten to be a part of,” shares Gilley, “The song talks about being in a relationship for the Long Haul, even when there are things in our own way. I feel like as a collective we made this sound and made it feel like Love.”
Nitecap came to life through a shared passion for collaboration and exploration, initially birthed during a rare bout of mutual downtime off the road. What started as late-night jam sessions among longtime friends quickly evolved into a fully realized band, fusing each member’s unique sonic identity into something entirely new. "We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas," recalls Fairman. The chemistry was undeniable, and the music naturally took shape, blending deep grooves with forward-thinking production. What started as late-night jam sessions among longtime friends quickly evolved into a fully realized band, fusing each member’s unique sonic identity into something entirely new. "We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas," recalls Fairman. The chemistry was undeniable, and the music naturally took shape, blending deep grooves with forward-thinking production.
At the core of Nitecap’s songwriting are compositions from Gilley and Deitch, sparking a synergy between Gilley’s rich harmonic sensibilities, Deitch’s masterful rhythms, and Fairman’s polished production. In addition to Lawson’s appearance on “Long Haul,” the full album Things Of That Nature features Nigel Hall (Lettuce), Brittany Beckett (Watermelon Funk) and Collin Miller. The 10-track offering seamlessly shifts between electro-funk instrumentals to soulful thought-provoking vocal tracks crafting a truly “no skips” effort from start to finish.
Set to release their debut album on April 4, 2025, via Perception Records, Nitecap delivers a fresh, forward-thinking sound that reflects the collective artistry of its members. “We’re proud of this record,” says Deitch. “Fans of deep grooves and soulful, innovative music are in for something special.”
For more information on Nitecap, please visit: perceptionrecords.com
