MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Acclaimed Dutch singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Harry Kappen will release his poignant new single, “Distant Shore,” on May 21. The track is the latest offering from his acclaimed album, After the Crossing — the first full-length album written and recorded following his move from the Netherlands to Mexico.
Written, performed, and produced entirely by Kappen, “Distant Shore” is an emotionally charged meditation on displacement, survival, and hope. Inspired by the countless stories of refugees risking everything to escape war, poverty, and violence, the song reflects on the desperation and courage of those seeking a safer future for themselves and their children.
“When I voluntarily made my own crossing to Mexico, I realized what a privilege it was to have a choice,” says Kappen. “It’s impossible to compare my experience to those forced to flee under life-threatening circumstances. I have enormous respect for their courage and determination.”
Driven by haunting mellotron textures and cinematic arrangements inspired in part by David Bowie’s iconic “Space Oddity,” “Distant Shore” blends atmospheric art-rock with deeply human storytelling. The track captures both the physical peril and emotional uncertainty of migration through evocative lyrics and Kappen’s expressive vocal performance.
“Distant Shore” follows the successful release of Kappen’s previous single, “Balance,” and further showcases the artistic depth and emotional honesty that have become hallmarks of his music.
Born in Groningen in the north of the Netherlands, Kappen built his musical foundation performing in numerous rock bands and creating productions for Dutch radio and television. Alongside his music career, he spent more than two decades working in youth care as a music therapist and later lectured in an international master’s program in music therapy. His therapeutic background helped shape him into a versatile multi-instrumentalist capable of connecting deeply through music.
Now based in Mexico City, Kappen plans to continue both his musical journey and his therapeutic work on a smaller scale while embracing a new chapter of life and creativity.
After the Crossing marks Kappen’s fifth album since the Covid era, following Escape, Time Will Tell, Four, and now After the Crossing. Across those releases, he has developed a distinctive sound informed by artists such as David Bowie, Prince, Jeff Beck, Thom Yorke, and The Beatles, while carving out a voice uniquely his own.
In recent years, Kappen has earned significant recognition for his songwriting and artistry, including an Elite Music Award for Songwriter of the Year and an Independent Music Network Award for Favorite Impact Artist. He has also received nominations from organizations including the ISSA Awards and Josie Music Awards, while attracting growing international streaming audiences across digital platforms. For more information, please visit www.harrykappen.com
