Keith Caputo: Bio

Bio

Below you will find random thoughts from Keith’s friends and fans, describing what his music means to them. Enjoy…

Keith Caputo.
Need I say more? There’s an air of mystery about Keith. He’s a starry-eyed, wickedly talented man, expressing himself so openly, so truthfully in his music. You may ask, How can one man be so sincere, so honest, and yet so blatantly mysterious to his fans? Well, for one, Keith Caputo is a musical enigma. He sees the world through rose-colored glasses, yet at the same time bleeds his anger through his own brand of poetic license. See, there’s a reason for this. Keith, perhaps one of the most loving, congenial, gentle people I have ever come to know, has suffered more tragic loss in his lifetime than any one single individual could ever fathom-and he’s been very public about this in his lyrics, having suffered the tragic loss of his mother as a babe, and then, later on in life, his father, also due to tragic circumstances. It’s these incidences that many fans and critics speculate as the cause and effect of the eager, confessional nature in his music. And perhaps, the true talent that shines through like a blanket of sunshine on a summer’s day.

Keithy, as he is so lovingly referred from those who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance, has all his life been drawn to music, having been inspired by such musical luminaries as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Doors. At a young age, Keith spent his free moments, whether alone in the shower, or even in bed at night, humming out loud the flamboyant wealth of melodies circulating throughout his head. Since then, he has been able to combine this musical prowess with an instinctive gift for naturalism and flair, hence affording him to experiment with a variety of artistic mediums beyond music: writing, art, and spiritual awareness. These are all prime examples of Keith’s eclectic talents and interests.

It’s these talents, coupled with his sincere charm, intense poetic songwriting, and undying drive, that has earned Keith the fame and critical attention he so rightly deserves. Over 12 years ago, Keith formed along with his cousin Joey Z., the band Life Of Agony, one of the worlds most memorable, sincere, and heaviest rock groups. As the group’s lead singer, Keith has inspired leagues of faithful fans; through his lyrics and intense delivery of them, Keith transports each and every listener on a spiritual journey, and shows them that amidst all the cruelty life may bring, there is a silver lining in it that must be followed, and respected.

Yet, despite the success Keith has found in Life Of Agony, it is his solo material that portrays him the as the socially-conscious, vocalist/musician who graciously inspires crowds with his own brand of music. Take for instance the live cuts on the 2004 release LIVE MONSTERS. Keith,s rare ability to spiritually connect with the crowd is evident here, his chatter kept to a minimum, the music and lyrics maximized for the full-effect he aims to expose. Keith’s full appreciation for the surrealistic rock movement that Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin founded rings true here with the first two cuts on LIVE MONSTERS, Charade and Pet K. Gone are the power ballad motivations found on his debut DIED LAUGHING. What we now find are 7-8 minute epics, bordering on the progressive rock arena, loosely constructed yet somehow brilliantly tight in their foundations. Pure magic is the only way one can describe these two songs. But it doesn’t let it up there. The CD itself is a musically journey, taking the listener through a wide range of levels and moodSumand yet, at the same time, provides the ultimate backdrop for any incense-burning, pleasure-activity one may partake in.

Despite Keith’s talent to evoke variety in his music, one might never associate the pounding aggressions of Life Of Agony with the cool, energetic classic-rock sounds drummed up on DIED LAUGHING. Here the listener finds a man making his mark in an attempt to discover himself musically-this being his first effort upon leaving LOA. The soul-baring diversity on DIED LAUGHING truly attests to his grand, successful effort. Gone are the grinding guitars, the neo-punkish aggressions so evident on River Runs Red, although there are nods to LOA’s library with songs such as Honeycomb and Lollipop. Keith keeps true with his lyrical poetry, confessing his inner hope amongst the despair that threatens to drag him down. Yet, despite this, there is a dark beauty to his message that insists the listener share with his battle against heartbreak. Brandy Duval, perhaps one of the most gorgeous songs in Keith,s repertoire, is a perfect example of how one man can cope with his pain through voice, confession, and melody. A truly moving experience. Selfish and Razzberry Mockery are two songs befitting for a double a-side single; with one no less brilliant than the other, Keith could have conquered the world had FM Radio embraced these two tracks. Without argument, they have everything great songs should have: catchy melodies, great lyrics, expert musicianship, and a driving intensity that pressures any casual listener stand up and take notice. Home and Neurotic are two beautifully introspective tracks that keep up with Keith,s admissions of pain and misery and his unique ability to make everyone listening identify with him in one way or another.

Still, looking deeper into Keith’s soul is DIED LAUGHING PURE, an ode to the classic rock acoustic arena-here Keith strips down his songs to the bare-boned minimum, utilizing in most cases a single guitar and voice to lure the listener even closer to his mind and soul. What pure magic! As if Keith,s honesty wasn,t enough in his lyrics alone, he exposes a genuine spirit in his music as well, bringing forth truly beautiful naked versions of the songs on DIED LAUGHING, in addition to a couple of unreleased tracks, including a perfectly executed version of Annie Lennox’s classic Why.

There’s no mistaking the talent of Keith Caputo. What makes him so special is his want and desire to share his inner soul with his leagues of dedicated fans. This is a truly special trait, an enigma of rock and roll history that has never been done before, and will never be duplicated again. Fans of Keith’s music are truly lucky to have found him. May they share the guilty pleasures of their familiarity with Keith to scares more, and hope that someday the world will take notice of this truly special, talented musician.
—Michael Laimo

My take on the world of Keith Caputo is that of a beautiful glinting mystery, steeped in emotion, tragedy, heartache and elation. The subtle snags and tiny crags in his otherwise richly flexible, soaring voice serve as a way of Keith letting us know he’s actually right there with us, possibly just there in the corner of your room. His delicate stories and crooned out yarns on loss and love, life and Keith’s own very individual feelings, however abstract, always feel terribly personal, like a painters canvas, laid out raw with just an inkling of a guide of where to look and what is important. But somehow the songs always find their way home, and for me, often tapping into a goose-bump inducing reaction as my own emotions realize they have a lot to draw from in these songs, from THAT voice, from this guy Keith Caputo. (Who is physically quite a small guy in person, but in sound & all embracing song, its a different story…)

His effect on me both musically, lyrically and on the chance occasions I’ve had to catch him perform live is nothing short of inspirational. Heartwarming. Heart breaking.

I’ve found myself strangely close to tears along with him and his consuming melodies which meld with utter conviction, conveying woeful and wonderful tales that take their own unexpected twists and turns, sometimes hanging on to one solitary beat or repeated line, driving it home, other times exploding into a hail of firework harmonies, pouring down with a gritty. sometimes witty, always pure, raw honesty. And thats the thing thats always got me – Keith’s style of emoting, baring his soul within his songs, in an intriguing and by often tragical means, actually helped me form the way I approached writing my animated film Butterfly. To not be afraid to let ‘it’ pour out, unrestrained, and to keep direct, sincere and honest even if sometimes the traumatized truths are hard to take. But just as importantly, to have fun with ‘it’, to relish the journey of the darkness and to push on through in an unstoppable quest for some light in which to bathe and laugh.
Keith is an almost undiscovered legend. There is no-one doing what he does, quite the way he does it, so him and his music are very special indeed.
—Corin Hardy

Your art is carried through with great sensitivity and concreteness-the actual phenomena of feeling. Keith, yur music holds the keys to my heart. When you write a song about any one thing that is on yur mind, it does move mountains- it touches millions. As human beings, we are all kindred spirits in that we all share the same sorrows and joys. I very often believe that I am an island and no one else could possibly feel what I do, many a times, you prove me wrong. your music heals me and allows me to see and understand my emotions, life. I am not alone. There is another being out there who has bonded with my soul- I understand you and could relate in my own way-keith, you make me feel real, whole. I’m thankful for u and your art.

Heartache. Pain. Bliss. These are some words that come to mind when I think of the voice of Keith Caputo. When he began as a teenager fronting the crossover outfit Life of Agony in the early 90’s, he was influenced by a wide range of musical styles and artists. Everyone from the sweet sounds of Sinead O’Conner to the vicious growl of Paul Bearer (Sheer Terror). Over the years he grew and began to find his own signature style that he would essentially become known for. After leaving LOA in 1997 and pursuing his solo career, he quickly released his triumphant “Died Laughing” album on Roadrunner. Seeing him perform songs like “Home” and “New York City” at a packed CB’s Gallery always gave me the chills. His voice is distinct and his life echoes through the music that he makes. There is a passion that he possesses that is undeniable. There is a realness and honesty that speaks through his art. This is why fans gravitate toward him and his music. This is why his music will live forever.

It is rare when a voice stops you dead in your tracks. The first time I heard Caputo’s voice, I was not in the mood to be interrupted. I was instantly glued. Something haunting, arresting – all the pain and all the joy I ever knew in one sound. One of the greatest vocalists of our time (baked in bittersweet chocolate humble pie).

The little man with the big voice! The first time I saw Keith live was with LOA when they opened for Pro Pain In 1993… I remembered saying to my girlfriend (now wife) “Hold on to my glasses, I NEED to be in the pit!” The first time I heard 100.000 metal fans singing along with Let’s Pretend “mommy it’s me it’s Keith” (at Dynamo Open Air). It made my flesh creep and curl. (Just imagine the picture seeing all those metal fans singing “mommy it’s me”…crazy.)The first time I really saw Keith’s love for other music was when LOA did a semi acoustic show for Dutch TV and Radio at the Lowlands festival. I felt tears welling up..The first time I saw Keith Caputo solo (performing to support his solo album “Died Laughing”) I knew he was the singer/songwriter I always saw in him.Seeing him performing “Bother” together with Corey Taylor of Slipknot/Stone Sour I know he still has a great future ahead of him. Keiths voice evokes emotion,gives a sense of strength and comfort No matter how numb your feeling..Listening to keiths music makes ya feel alive with feelings of hope and optimism no matter how sad the song sounds..or breathes..Whether its sadness, regret, anger, joy, love or passion- the voice and the music heals and band-aids all types of wounds and bruises you might of gone through or still experiencing.

Keith lives for the art of expression and music. A true artist, poet, performer and drifter. A man of undeniable integrity and talent. Keith always remains true to himself and his music no matter what musical project he is a part of. The most soulful and intense vocal pipes in the music industry today. His vocals are timeless. No other vocalist in rock today could come close to Keith’s unique style and energy. A true frontman in the realm of the vocal greats like Robert Plant, Jim Morrison and Layne Stanley. Not only an influential vocalist but an accomplished songwriter as well. Keith’s songs have the the ability to instantly seduce the listener into a lush introspective state, from beautiful, mesmerizing and infectous melodies to an adrenaline rush of raw, intense emotion that always resonates pure and true. His voice, songs and stage presence always sends chills down the spine and brings light to the soul. I will always look up to Keith for inspiration in music and life in general.

His voice is masculine, but can express (emotional) vunerability. It is powerful, forceful without yelling. He has the talent to show sadness without whining, or show anger or displeasure without shouting.. His voice sounds Husky and sensual. Absolutely sexy!!! One of the most honest and sincre musical voices voices that I’ve ever come across. Innocence cross-referenced with disturbing and vulgar beauty.”

If one person can give emotion a form, a sound, it must be Keith Caputo. His voice grabs you by the ears and once he has your attention he leads you thru a broad vocabulair of emotions. I did many shows with Keith, both Life of Agony as solo and his songs made me feel how close love and hate, laughter and sadness, loud and soft are living side by side.

Caputo’s voice and appearance can’t be compared to others. It’s one of a kind.

I’m no music critic and certainly wouldn’t be mistaken as a writer of any gifts but I do know this much about it – no matter the image, no matter the player, no matter the sound itself, as long as it is honest it will always have it’s audience, always affect change, always inspire. And honesty, sadly enough, does not grow on trees. When people hear it they know it immediately because it rarely visits them but thankfully when it does, it grabs a part of them and does not let them go. This for me and for I’m sure most people is what makes music and the musician so special – it, they, speak directly to a part of us all we rarely ever dare to speak from ourselves. Keith Caputo is a very honest musician, which by extension makes him a whole host of other things I dont have the eloquence to describe. He also just so happens to deliver that honesty with one of the very finest voices that you’ll ever hear anywhere. The moment you hear him you know because his voice goes right to that place I’ve mentioned we rarely dare to go. You simply get it because he’s that rare combination of undeniable talent and honesty, among the very best. And if you’ve ever seen him live, well, you definitely know what I’m talking about. Undeniable. Wish there was more like ‘em.

Keith Caputo is the real deal. As a singer or as a person, Keith Caputo is a special talent. When we recorded Broken Valley, Keith was always open for suggestions, never afraid to try new things. One of the most memorable experiences I had recording Keith was when we were doing vocals for a song called ,The Day He Died. I remember looking at Greg Fidelman when Keith was in the booth singing and we both looked at each other and said wow,. Keith was pouring out everything he had into that song and it hits me like a ton of bricks every time I hear it. He has the ability to draw emotion from people with his powerful voice and his very real, very pure lyrics. Every word Keith sings comes straight from his heart. On top of his singing ability, Keith is an amazing person with a tremendous heart. Broken Valley, was the funnest record I,ve ever made. Never a day we didn,t laugh. Never a day where it felt like work. When I listen to that record, it makes me smile because it takes me right back to the time when we made it. Keith is a special person, anyone who meets him will know that. A great singer and a great friend, Keith is a treasure chest of lyrics and melody who,s best work is still ahead of him.

If I encounter someone who never has heard his music, when they finally do hear it…they’re like WOW…this is great!! I remember talking to one of his fans, and he told me that “Keith’s music is therapy to me”. When I heard that…I realized that Keith’s music touched peoples souls. So I would say…this is real soul music..soul music with an edge.

I remember Keith. He was on the cover of a magazine. He had a big smile. I heard his music and i was stunned by his voice. His soul was screaming through the loudness of that era. The first time i witnessed Keith doing his own, I was even more amazed. Keith wasn’t you’re classic tale of painstruck boy fishing for sympathy. I witnessed a man who sang in purity asking for my disarm. Like a true soulsinger he sang about the things that make life so ugly but with feeling of true love about it. He wasn’t afraid to put the baby in your arms. The wild horse broke free not caring if you would understand why. Keith’s music is soulmusic. It comes from a place in his mind where darkness and light finds a way out and connects. Like life the music takes wild turns as the mood swings. Catching the groove of the secrets we know but hide away. Sometimes we cry for a man with a smile on his face. He is what he is.

The guy can sing. He plays extensions of himself, from the heart without over-thinking. Lives life without over-thinking, one day at a time. An expressive expressive. He speaks his mind, he doesn’t give in, he’s in his own Bubble. Keith was born in the wrong century, right place. His writing is honest and emotive. He hits you with his words like building blocks, he learns from his own influence. Dynamic melodies, dynamic range, a classically trained pianist. Always absorbing his surroundings.**There’s something special about being on the same stage, being in the same room. If he’s pissed off, or happy as a pig in shit, he’ll tell you to go fuck yourself, give you the finger, spit on the floor. His day will come, people will listen.

He changed my outlook on life, on music and I know there are thousands worldwide who share this sentiment. When I listen to keith’s voice I hear the raw memories of when life marked your forhead with struggle and triumph. His voice is raw and noble… it is honest and straight forward. The lyrics tell of the blood sweat and tears from over the years. The first time i saw Keith Caputo performing live I was amazed by his vocal ability and pure energy.He has the power of a soulsinger with a rock’n roll spirit. His songs are vicious yet subtle and melancholic..The music takes you along the paths of a mind that has witnessed the dark side of life, but inspires us to love and hope.

Over and over again I have said that there is no way out of the present impasse. If we were wide awake we would be instantly struck by the horrors which surround us…We would drop our tools, quit our jobs, deny our obligations, pay no taxes, observe no laws, and so on. Could the man or the woman who is thoroughly awakened possibly do the crazy things which are now expected of him or her every moment of the day? Who is this gekko-faced nomad, whose tenor leaves a concert hall bathed in milk and honey?

City migrants each side of the Atlantic a mass for a taste, and I have seen with my own eyes this same ‘seafarer’ hollow out his insides for these congregated strangers. I have stood among them, drop-jawed and legs shaking with a need for salt water and companionship in the glorious moment of his musical delivery. At the end of the show, eyeing from a corner those hungry cats vying for the roadies, attention, I am left wondering how a body that size thunders out of rock n’ roll’s cumulonimbi~swallowing you whole~only to greet you with his most intimate, glowing, sonorous repose. Describing the music for me is like trying to explain the physics of flight. I can offer a crude outline of aerodynamics, but the only way you can know the feeling is to sit in the airplane.So this is the best way I know how to describe what it,s like to get monsters, and sit under the sun with Keith Caputo.

Keith can deliver so exquisitely in front of a live audience. Keith will intrique us by not trying to please everybody, he sticks with the controversy..The public wants more of him.. You can sink your teeth into keith. He is the new era ‘the voice of love and pain’. We believe him, they believe In him. Labels and mainstream media just doesnt get him. Or it.. Mainstream media will eventually die. The fans, the people have their own secret society..Myspace,Hi5 and various other chat rooms etc..The impact is greater than the mainstream..The media plays too many games..We’re tired of the games..They feed us lies like no-talent singers (not even worth mentioning) that can’t even write down their heart’s longings. Instead they should be feeding us Keith Caputo.. A true performer. He can truly sing his heart out. He sings what he believes..Keith is truly in his own little bubble..He gives us a sense of belonging. The labels aren’t your friends. Keith would rather be somewhere where he can make a difference. And be respected.

There’s a big generation gap. Bigger than ever. Change is constant. Keith writes late night records for his fans, his friends, his family and for believers, not for the entire universe..Keith sings about the people, real people. What they feel. You have to get closer to his flame. Or maybe his charisma.. Why are we attracted to the unreasonable? Listening to Keith you can reminisce or weep in your own silence. He will set your heart and mind adrift. He hurts but it feels so good. Keith Caputo is the voice of the new millenium, the voice of love and pain… This is Keith. On the road, complete.