Denver Supergroup Nitecap Fuses Synth-Fueled Neo-Soul & Jazz-Funk in Debut Single “Plátanos”

Article Contributed by Champagne Hous… | Published on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

The word “supergroup” has become synonymous with the city of Denver, Colorado, but Nitecap is poised to seize the scene’s spotlight with their debut single “Plátanos” available via Perception Records on Friday, September 27th. The powerhouse trio features Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), and Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band) who fuse their individual talents to craft a captivating and fresh sound that blends modern, synth-infused soul with a hint of jazz-funk. Listen to “Plátanos” HERE.

“Plátonos” is the combination of Gilley’s cutting-edge synth sound and composition mixed with Deitch’s recognizable funky pocket and J. Dilla-inspired drumming that is anchored by Fairman’s confident bass swagger pulling double duty working his engineering magic. As Fairman recalls, “This project was born in my basement during the pandemic. We were all out of work and actually had time on our hands for the first time in years. So what better way to spend that time than making music with your best friends? We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas. Soon it turned into a full-fledged band. The album has a unique blend of neo-soul, electronic, and R&B that we are excited to share with the world.  It just shows that something horrible can give birth to something beautiful.”

The group made their live debut at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in April 2022 as part of the venue’s successful SHIFT Thursday series after accumulating nearly two hours of repertoire and engaged in a session as part of KUVO’s, Denver’s long standing, prestigious jazz station shortly after. Watch footage from the session HERE.

While Nitecap is a brand new group, there is no shortage of accolades accumulated by each member of the trio. Adam Deitch (drums) is a four-time GRAMMY-nominated drummer, songwriter, and producer who has been a pivotal figure in his enduring psychedelic funk group Lettuce and genre-bending electro-soul trio Break Science. Adam’s resume spans working with the likes of legendary artists such as Average White Band, John Scofield, and Wyclef Jean. Josh Fairman (bass & engineer) has become a household name as both a bassist and engineer known for his innovative production techniques. He currently tours with livetronica road warriors SunSquabi and his production credits include working with the likes of George Porter Jr., The New Mastersounds, The Adam Deitch Quartet, and more. Ian Gilley (keyboards) pivoted from a potential professional baseball career (he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft!) to making waves in the music scene with his longtime duo project with guitarist Drew Birch, DIASTRATA (fka RECESS) and becoming a first call collaborator as part of Flamingosis Live Band and serving as the keyboardist for Perception Records labelmate, Midnight.Blue.

As the primary composer for “Plátonos,” Gilley reflects, “This one [Plátanos] started as a voice memo that I made sitting at the piano in mine and Josh’s house and then was brought to life by Adam’s bounce on the drums and Josh’s sonic prowess. I think this song is a great representation of the band as well…soulful, synthy, with a little bit of swag. This album means an immense amount to me because most of this music was made during the covid era, which was such a wild time in life looking back, but we made something that I am deeply proud of and beyond stoked to share with the world."

Nitecap’s debut record will be released via Perception Records in early 2025. For more information, please visit perceptionrecords.com.

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